Freedman cools Spearing speculation

Bolton manager Dougie Freedman has ruled out a permanent move for Liverpool’s Jay Spearing, claiming his price tag is too high.

The 24-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan at the Reebok Stadium, making 39 appearances in total as Bolton narrowly missed out on a play-off place in the Championship.

Spearing has been linked with a return to Bolton but Freedman distanced himself from that speculation when answering questions from fans on the club’s official Twitter account on Tuesday.

When quizzed on Spearing, Freedman tweeted: “We spoke to Liverpool and their valuation was too high. Please do not believe the price that some journalist makes up.”

Newspaper reports have suggested that Bolton’s rivals Blackburn are keen on Spearing, who has also spent time away from Anfield on loan at Leicester City.

He made his Liverpool debut in 2008 and played his last game for the club last August in a UEFA Europa League tie against Hearts.