EX-WANDERERS favourite Stelios Giannakopoulos is believed to have assembled a multi-national consortium to make an offer for the club.

It is understood that the former European Championship-winning midfielder has submitted his interest to owner Eddie Davies, backed with cash from Europe and North America.

Whether Davies is open to foreign investment remains unclear, although sources close to the club suggest he has favoured home-based bids such as the current front-runner, Sports Shield, whose effort is being co-ordinated by another ex-Whites star, Dean Holdsworth.

When contacted last night the 41-year-old, who made 177 appearances for the club and played in two European campaigns, could not confirm or deny his involvement.

“The only thing I can say is that I have the club in my heart,” he told The Bolton News. “I loved the five fantastic seasons I had with Bolton Wanderers. I had great memories and not only me, but all the players in the team at the time.

“I cannot make any comment on my business plans right now.”

Meanwhile, The Bolton News understands that Sports Shield’s bid – which was formally submitted yesterday – is self-funded by its two directors, Holdsworth and Michael Collins.

The company has ambitious plans for the club and hinted that they could be closing in on completion last night with a tweet for their official account, which read: “Delighted to announce that Sports Shield will be funding our second football project in the near future! #timing.”