KEN Anderson is expected to tell Phil Parkinson to begin planning for next season after summoning the manager for talks today.

The Bolton News has learned the pair will meet to discuss the future of more than 20 out-of-contract first team and development squad players, with a view to nailing down some of the key players as quickly as possible.

Parkinson is keen to get down to business and has spent the last week speaking to players’ representatives in order to make his recommendations. He has also identified a number of potential transfer targets for the new Championship campaign, with an emphasis on young, energetic players able to take the club to the “next level”.

As ever, Wanderers will have to move quickly to secure any prominent names in the free transfer market before potentially moving on to longer-term targets and cash offers.

An outline pre-season programme will also be suggested by the Wanderers boss.

Anderson’s negotiations with potential investors is ongoing and it is understood will not impact upon player contract offers for the existing squad. But it remains to be seen what medium-term assurances are offered to Parkinson, whose future at the Macron has come under some speculation since the end of the season.

The topic of academy director Jimmy Phillips will also be on the table, as the long-serving coach does not currently have a deal beyond this summer and is weighing up his options.

Today is also the deadline for the Whites to submit offers to all players aged under the age of 24.

All development squad players that Wanderers wish to retain in 2018/19 must be informed in writing or they can leave the club without compensation.

Parkinson will also speak with Under-23s boss David Lee to gain his input on the players who are to be offered contracts for next term from his existing group.

Wanderers’ last-gasp bid for safety – secured with a last-day win over Nottingham Forest – has meant all contract discussions have been delayed until the club knew exactly which division they were in.

Today’s talks between Anderson and Parkinson should mean things begin to become clearer for supporters, who have been anxious to see some progression on the recruitment front.