Barrow reject offer 'well below' buy-out fee from Bolton Wanderers for Blackpool legend Ian Evatt

BBC Cumbria Sport claim the Trotters have tabled a bid "well below" the £225,000 buy-out fee set for the Barrow boss' release clause.

Bolton continue to search for a new manager following the departure of Keith Hill earlier this month.

It came after Bolton finished bottom of League One having been handed a 12-point deduction at the start of the season.

The League Two newcomers have now identified Evatt as their number one target after the ex-Seasider guided Barrow to the National League title this season.

However, it is understood Barrow would require a large compensation fee before they allow Evatt to speak to Bolton.

It comes after Evatt penned a new deal with the League Two newcomers in October 2019 after the club turned down an official approach from AFC Fylde.

In his second season in charge at Holker Street, the 38-year-old former defender defied the odds to seal Barrow’s return to the Football League after a 48-year absence.

Evatt’s achievement was all the more impressive given the Bluebirds’ budget was amongst the lowest in the National League.

Known for playing a similar brand of football to how Blackpool played under Ian Holloway, Evatt had been linked with the Blackpool job in February following the sacking of Simon Grayson.

However the Seasiders opted to go with Liverpool Under-23 coach Neil Critchley.

The likes of Ryan Lowe, Sol Campbell, David Lee, Chris Powell and Michael Jolley have also been linked with the vacant Bolton post.