TOM White and Billy Crellin are edging closer to the exit door at Wanderers as Ian Evatt looks to clear space for more deals in the coming weeks.

The two loaness are expected to be involved in the squad to face Exeter City tonight but talks have been held with their parent clubs, Blackburn Rovers and Fleetwood Town, about cutting their time at the UniBol short this month.

White is understood to have interest from a leading National League club about loaning him for the second half of the season but the uncertainty over coronavirus and how it will affect fixtures in the short-term has slowed the deal.

Crellin’s future may also depend on who replaces Joey Barton as Fleetwood boss, with ex-Everton and Australia midfielder Tim Cahill currently the odds-on favourite.

“The discussions are still ongoing, really,” said Evatt on his loanees. “I think there will be some movement before the end of the window.”

George Taft left Wanderers on loan for Scunthorpe United last week and Evatt admits the defender may not be the only contracted player to be shipped out before the window closes.

Tough decisions will have to be made in a squad that EFL rules now limit to 22 players aged over 21, with a combined cost of £1.5million per year.

“It’s just football ,” Evatt said. “With the salary cap we only have a certain amount to spend, and everyone knows the amount. People may have to go out for us to improve.

“I have said from day one that players must fight for the chance to be here, and to stay here.

“It has paid off for some and not others. It is a game of opinions but I think everyone has to play on a Saturday and if you are not, then hopefully we can find the right club and opportunity for them to do so.

“That might mean they make themselves ready to play, ready to come back again. And it might also mean in some cases we move people on so we can free space to bring someone else in to strengthen the team.”