DERBY County have again been linked with a move for Wanderers midfielder Josh Vela.

Reports yesterday suggested the big-spending Rams were at the head of a queue of clubs looking to sign the 23-year-old.

Premier League Brighton, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday have also been mentioned as potential suitors, although sources at Wanderers insist there has been no contact.

Whites fans will be anxious to ensure one of the club’s prized assets does not leave in January with Championship survival still in the balance.

Vela scored 10 goals last season and has been a central figure in Phil Parkinson’s plans since returning from ankle ligament damage in October.

The Wanderers boss has not yet been given assurances by Ken Anderson that players will not be sold next month but is keen to ensure his squad emerges from the winter window stronger than that of its rivals at the bottom end of the league.

“I haven’t discussed getting any assurances but he and Ken have discussed making sure we’re strong going forward but I think it’s good that there’s interest in those players, it shows they’ve been doing something right,” Parkinson told The Bolton News.

“We really can’t afford to weaken this squad at this stage and in January awe have to make sure that, of all the teams in that bottom group, we come out of January in better shape than when we started it.”