Bolton have been without a coach since sacking Owen Coyle on October 9 and have had previous attempts to begin negotiations blocked by the fellow Championship side.

But the club released a statement on Monday via their website which announced that they have given Bolton permission to approach Freedman.

The statement read: "Following further discussions throughout the day, Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that permission has been granted for Dougie Freedman to speak to Bolton Wanderers regarding their vacant managerial position."

The move by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is not an unexpected one, as caretaker manager Jimmy Phillips revealed ahead of his side's clash with Wolves.

"Phil said from the outset he'd be open and honest with us and he came to the training ground yesterday (Sunday) and said he had made contact with Palace to speak to Dougie Freedman," he told reporters.

When asked about whether he would consider taking the manager's job at the Reebok on a more permanent basis, Phillips remained coy.

"We've said all along, Phil and Eddie (Davies, the owner) will be the people who pick the next manager of Bolton Wanderers," he said.

"It won't be for anybody to put their names in the ring and suggest they want to be manager.

"In the meantime we said we would work our hardest to get the best out of the players."