WANDERERS are getting ready to make a difficult decision on their highly-rated youngster Luca Connell.

As reported by The Bolton News last week, Phil Parkinson has liaised with the club’s administrators to assess what contract options exist in the current squad.

With little resale value among the eight senior players contracted to next season it is expected that cashing in on sought-after academy graduates like Connell and Ronan Darcy could be the only way Wanderers can raise quick funds.

The list of sides eyeing Connell in recent weeks has grown considerably, with Norwich City, Wolves, Tottenham and Leeds United all linked with a move for the Republic of Ireland youth international.

He has been with the academy for 10 years and had indicated he was willing to stay on next season under new ownership despite relegation to League One.

Connell’s contract is up next month but the club would be due around £300,000 in training compensation should he sign for another English club. A quicker deal could also be agreed with a transfer fee up front should administrators need to boost cashflow.

Meanwhile, sources at Bolton and Everton have played down reports that the Premier League club has looked to fund a week’s worth of salary for staff amid the current financial problems.

A successful food bank collection was staged at Burnden Park and Middlesbrook Asda on Saturday to bring in vital essentials for those who are waiting for pay – which was backed by fans’ groups from several local clubs, including the two Merseyside giants.

A spokesperson for Wanderers’ staff told The Bolton News yesterday: “We are getting a lot of support from fans, businesses, the community and others within football which has truly humbled us and that we gratefully appreciate.”

A fundraising walk has also been scheduled on Saturday, from Burnden Park to the UniBol, starting at 2pm.

Organiser, Matty Lawrenson told The Bolton News: “We are doing it for the staff that are the heartbeat of this club to show them that we support them in these hard times.

“We want to show everyone that we are all together.”

For more information and to register your interest, visit the BWFCandProud Facebook page.