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Ian Evatt says Wanderers will not pander to transfer targets who become financially motivated.
The Bolton boss has sent out a firm message as he looks to bring extra quality to his squad before the close of the transfer window at the end of this month.
Backed by the biggest transfer budget in his four years at the helm, Evatt has made a number of significant bids in the last few weeks.
But even with extra spending power, the Bolton boss has found himself outbid by League One rivals in some cases with deeper pockets and clubs in the Championship, which has slowed down the process.
Speaking to The Bolton News, Evatt said selling the club in a football sense to potential signings has been easy but that money being offered elsewhere has complicated the chase.
“Every player has a value, and this summer the board have given us everything we would require, they have been absolutely amazing,” he said.
“Our values and processes remain the same, even though we can spend more and have offered more – and I have told you we have offered some big transfer fees and contracts out there – unfortunately other clubs can still offer more.
“That is not just in the Championship, it is at our level as well. There are a couple of anomalies, and I don’t need to name names, but they have spent money I didn’t think I’d ever see spent in League One.
“You are up against that but if people are making a football decision, we are in a really strong place. This football club has rich history, an unbelievable fanbase, brilliant stadium, an aesthetically pleasing way of playing, an ideology players enjoy, there is a lot going for us.
“If that decision becomes financial, they are probably not the right player for us, that’s the way I see it. We want players here who want to be here for football reasons, to get this club back to where it belongs, not for financial benefit.
“We are always fair in the market, and we will offer what we think people deserve, or even at the top end of that. We won’t be held to ransom, though, and if it becomes a financial decision and not a footballing one, then they are probably not right for us.”
Wanderers, who are close to completing the signing of Hungary international winger Szabolcs Schön, are still in the market for more.
Evatt has backed the recruitment plan hatched by himself and Chris Markham and feels comfortable that if he had to end any of the negotiations which are 'live' that he has other irons in the fire.
“We’re always working hard behind the scenes to ensure we have got plenty of options,” he added.
“That is probably as much as I can say, really, we are competitive, the market has changed a lot for us in the years I have been at the club. It was frees and loans at one stage but we have moved on from that and are trying to buy really good players who will make a difference to our XI.
“And to be honest, this squad is difficult to improve on without loosening our belt a little bit. We have got good value in the squad, and we have recruited smartly in my opinion. To make it better is tough, but we are working extremely hard to make sure that happens this summer.”
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