Lee 'helpless' to stop Diouf and Anelka leaving

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Diouf has been public in his criticism of the Trotters team in the wake of their pointless start to the Premier League season, and claims that five clubs are keen to sign him.

Scroll down for more

Unsettled duo: Diouf and Anelka

Anelka is also being linked with a move away from the Reebok Stadium in his pursuit of Champions League football, with Manchester United understood to be monitoring the situation.

With midfielder Abdoulaye Faye attracting interest from Newcastle, Lee faces the dismal prospect of losing three of his most important players before the transfer window closes on August 31.

"It's a concern and it might be out of my hands at times - but at the moment it is only speculation," said Lee.

"We want to keep our better players - but as I've said before, if people want to go then sometimes you can't stop them."

Anelka has played for seven clubs during a nomadic career - while Diouf left Liverpool under a cloud three years ago.

Lee hinted at the striking duo's track record when he said: "I certainly don't want them to go - and as has been mentioned before, certain people have had 'previous' at being at football clubs about wanting to leave.

"It's not just Bolton Wanderers - there is a trend - but obviously we'd like to keep our best players."

Bolton host Reading on Saturday, with Lee under pressure to conjure his first win since succeeding Sam Allardyce with two games remaining last season.