Bolton make official approach for Freedman

Wanderers, relegated from the Barclays Premier League last term, has been without a manager since sacking Owen Coyle on October 9 on the back of an indifferent start to life in the npower Championship.

Speculation regarding an approach for Freedman was widely reported over the weekend and, at Monday morning's (English time) press briefing for Tuesday night's (Wednesday morning AEDT) trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, caretaker manager Jimmy Phillips revealed Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has informed him of the club's intentions to secure the 38-year-old Scot as Coyle's successor.

Phillips said: "Phil said from the outset he'd be open and honest with us and he came to the training ground yesterday and said he had made contact with Palace to speak to Dougie Freedman."

Phillips, who led Wanderers to a 3-2 win over Bristol City in his first game at the helm on Saturday having been touted for the post himself in some quarters, added: "We've said all along, Phil and Eddie (Davies, owner) will be the people who pick the next manager of Bolton Wanderers.

"It won't be for anybody to put their names in the ring and suggest they want to be manager.

"In the meantime we said we would work our hardest to get the best out of the players."

Former Palace striker Freedman succeeded George Burley at Selhurst Park in January 2011 and led them to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup last season.

The London outfit is currently fourth in the Championship table - 12 places ahead of Bolton.