Dougie Freedman: 'Jay Spearing negotiations are ongoing'

Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman has revealed that talks are continuing to take place with Liverpool over the possible transfer of midfielder Jay Spearing.

The Trotters, who signed the England Under-21 international on a season-long loan deal last season, are keen on recruiting him on a permanent contract after Reds manager Brendan Rodgers made it clear that Spearing no longer has a future at Anfield.

Freedman, announced as a successor to Owen Coyle as Bolton manager in October, is hopeful of signing the Merseysider if a fee can be agreed with his Premier League employers.

"Jay Spearing is the kind of player I love. At the moment the asking price is too high, but we're still trying to do a deal," Freedman told Bolton's official website.

The 24-year-old made 37 appearances and scored two goals for Bolton in the Championship last season.