Ian Evatt has confirmed that no talks have taken place with other clubs about crucial players such as Ricardo Santos or Dion Charles, despite the fact that the transfer window opens a week on Monday.
The Bolton manager has previously expressed anxiety that a substantial offer for one of his first-team regulars would come in, and he has worked on an emergency shortlist with recruitment chief Chris Markham in case his worries were confirmed.
Dion Charles was scouted by Championship clubs such as Watford and Stoke City during the last transfer window, and scouts have returned this season to check on the Whites’ 14-goal top-scorer.
However, Evatt told The Bolton News on Thursday that he was confident that none of his players would seek a transfer elsewhere.
“I would have thought we’d have heard something by now,” he remarked of prospective interest.
“We have not discussed asking prices or potential interest with our players’ agents.”
“I believe they are content, I believe they enjoy playing for this football club, they understand where it is going, and the culture and environment we have created is something to be proud of from top to bottom.”
“I am quietly confident we will be OK in that regard.”
The Wanderers have learned that defender Gethin Jones has been called up to Australia’s Asian Cup squad and will miss several games in January and early February. Carlos Mendes Gomes is also slated to participate in the African Cup of Nations with Guinea Bissau.
Evatt may seek cover for one or both men next month, but he believes the transfer window will be quiet – despite Bolton’s promotion form deteriorating in recent weeks.
“I do have a very strong belief in the players I have got,” he told reporters. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but what team hasn’t?” I’d rather they happen now than towards the end of the season, when there’s no way to fix them.
“I believe that when this team puts everything together, we are a difficult team to stop.”
“I’ve been and continue to be quite relaxed about January.” We’ve finished the job, and I’m confident we’re ready to relocate if necessary. And a lot may happen during the Christmas season.
“We were top of the league not long ago, and Portsmouth played that extra game and got ahead of us, and since then we have had two poor results.” But you have to stay the course, and it’s going to be a long season. It’s not even halfway done yet.
“For us, it’s about keeping eyes on the prize and keep working hard.”
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