WANDERERS are refusing to give up hope on re-signing Sammy Ameobi on loan from Newcastle United.

The winger returned to Tyneside after the 2-2 draw against Coventry City and The Bolton News understands the Championship club are refusing to release him again unless cash owed for his loan in first half of the campaign is paid up in full.

Under the terms of the club's transfer embargo, Wanderers are not allowed to pay standard loan fees for players. But sources suggest an agreement can be made with a parent club to pay a percentage of a player's wage.

It appears some of the money owed to the Magpies for Ameobi's wage has not been paid - prompting the club to bring the player back into the fold.

Rafa Benitez will lose three players to the African Cup of Nations this month and could welcome the extra bodies - but reports in the North East suggest the winger's chances of regular football are slim.

Ameobi has become a fan favourite at Bolton in the last few months and has indicated he would like to remain at the Macron if possible.

Whites chairman Ken Anderson held talks with Magpies officials on Monday night hoping to reach an agreement but the 24-year-old is unlikely to be back at the Macron in time to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup this weekend - and will also be cup-tied for his parent club.

Parkinson admits he may have to look elsewhere if he is unsuccessful in striking a deal with the Toon.

“Sammy will go back there this week and have a chat with them,” he told The Bolton News. “We always wanted to address the situation after the Coventry game because Ken has been away.

“We will have a chat and try to get a deal done but if we can’t then we’ll try and get somebody else in.

“We’d like to keep him because he’s been excellent for us. But if finances don’t dictate then we’ll have to find another player who can give us equal benefit.

“It’s the same situation for James. Ken has spoken to Wolves and we’ve had dialogue with Newcastle – I think there has been some issues with the money etc.

“But we will resolve it because the aim is to make sure the squad stays strong.”

Parkinson was delighted to see Max Clayton come on for his first league game since November to grab a 91st-minute equaliser at the Ricoh Arena which kept Wanderers in second place.

“It is like having a quality new striker,” he said of the youngster, who had played just five minutes of football this season. “He has been waiting patiently since pre-season but the lads are delighted in there because of all the hard work he’s done.

“Max has courage around the box to take opportunities and his movement is good. He can sniff out chances like that.”