AN increasingly-chaotic ownership battle at Bolton Wanderers could take a step towards resolution today.

Ken Anderson says he will “pursue other options” if Laurence Bassini does not provide the necessary funding to purchase his shares in Burnden Leisure by the close of play today.

It is understood that other parties have shown an interest in buying the club outright or purchasing debt owed to Moonshift Investments, the company previously owned by late Wanderers owner Eddie Davies.

Anderson has also investigated the option of putting the club into administration, as he was poised to do earlier this month. In this event, Wanderers would start next season on minus 12 points in League One.

Bassini, however, insists he will table a new business plan to the EFL this afternoon and bring in a team of forensic accountants to accelerate the process of buying the club.

The former Watford owner claims he has shown Anderson adequate means of funding, including £1million to pay outstanding player and coaching staff wages and £20m proof of funds for the EFL.

Bassini has hinted that he will take legal action to protect his position and will seek an extension at the High Court on May 8 to enable the process to run to its completion.

But as the bickering went public over the weekend, the club’s reputation suffered further damage as the EFL confirmed it would be charged with misconduct after the postponement of Saturday’s Championship game with Brentford.

Bolton’s first team players have refused to play again this season until they are paid wages owed from March. The league have informed Wanderers, however, that they must fulfil both the rearranged Brentford fixture and Sunday’s away game at Nottingham Forest or face even stronger punishment.

The league have suggested that Wanderers’ Under-23s and Under-18 players could make up the numbers, if necessary.

With the ownership issue still unresolved it is also unclear whether April’s wage run, due to be paid on Tuesday, will be paid.

That could lead to complications with match-day staff, who have already forced the withdrawal of the stadium’s safety certificate on two occasions by refusing to work unpaid.

There will be a meeting of the SAG today to discuss the potential problems and what will be needed to get the game – currently pencilled in for Wednesday – played.