Bolton Wanderers are unable to pay a £100,000 fee they will owe Liverpool once Jay Spearing plays his next game for the Trotters.

The Championship club must pay the aforementioned appearance fee when the midfielder steps out for his 23rd game for the club he joined permanently in 2013 following a successful loan spell.

Bolton boss Neil Lennon learned of the clause in Spearing's contract only a day before their weekend clash Preston North End and subsequently left the 27-year-old out so as to avoid paying the bill that they cannot afford.

Lennon admits Spearing is now 'in limbo' as Bolton are currently experiencing enormous financial difficulties.

"We had to leave Jay out because we can't afford to pay money to Liverpool," Lennon said.

"We did ask if they would defer it but they said no, and that's fine, it's their prerogative.

"If he plays another game we have to pay a certain amount of money to them but we can't afford that right now.

"That leaves him in limbo, a difficult position. And that is hard to take as well because I think we missed him against Preston."