In-demand Elmander stalls on new deal

Johan Elmander has stalled on signing a new contract with Bolton - and sparked a scramble for his signature.

The super Swede, who tops the Premier League scoring charts, was offered a new one-year deal at the Reebok but is not willing to commit yet and may play out the season and become a free agent.

However Elmander, a surprise star of Owen Coyle's side this season, could now be sold in January - with growing interest in him at home and abroad.

Liverpool, Newcastle and Stoke have been taking an interest in Elmander's revival and there could be an auction for the 29-year-old in the coming weeks.

Bolton chief Coyle is relaxed about the stalemate, but the club may cash in if they get an offer of around £3.5 million for the in-form marksman who may be allowed to leave in January.

Coyle thinks he has enough in his squad to cover for Elmander's departure if it happens in the New Year and he also has moves in the pipeline for possible replacements.

Elmander was Bolton's record buy and is on a massive salary.

The Reebok outfit were prepared to keep him for a further season on those terms, but his agent left without an agreement after a visit to see chairman Phil Gartside.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.