WANDERERS have started to investigate other striker options after being given the cold shoulder by Leicester City in their efforts to land Jermaine Beckford.

Firm interest was lodged in the ex-Everton striker less than a week after the season finished, and it was hoped a deal in the region of £1million could be completed quickly.

But despite a clear message at the time from the East Midlands they were willing to do business, defeat against Watford in the play-offs has seen the club cease negotiations completely.

Reports in Leicester suggest the two clubs are haggling over a price for Beckford, but The Bolton News understands no ground has been made for more than a fortnight.

Dougie Freedman is now exploring other options in the market as he looks to bring in two new front men capable of spearheading his attack from the start of next season.

Reaction to Wanderers’ interest in Beckford was mixed among supporters but his recent form in a loan spell with Huddersfield Town suggests he is capable of getting among the goals at this level.

The 29-year-old is a departure from the expected youth route Freedman has championed in the past – but with Leicester seemingly desperate to get the striker’s wage off their budget, it had been a gamble the manager was willing to take.

Now, the impasse in talks has convinced the club to start looking elsewhere, although it is understood that Crewe’s highly-rated youngster Max Clayton – a name that has circulated regularly on the rumour mill – is not a viable option.

Wanderers head into next season with Craig Davies and Marvin Sordell as the fit-and-available senior options up front.

There are question marks over whether Freedman will be able to hang on to David Ngog, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, and who has been courted by clubs at home and abroad since January.

Youngsters Tom Eaves and Zach Clough have also been told they will be given a chance to impress during pre-season.

Davies scored 13 goals for Wanderers and Barnsley in 41 appearances last season, while Sordell managed eight in 26.

No Whites striker since Michael Ricketts in 2000/01 has managed to reach the 20-goal mark.