BOLTON are placing the emphasis on youth as they prepare to maintain their challenge for European football.

Sam Allardyce's objective is to lower the age of his senior squad and to nurture young talent from within the club.

With that aim, the Bolton boss has given professional contracts to two promising teenagers and extended the deals of another two.

Defender Mark Ellis, 18, has agreed a one-year contract after impressing on a trial from Exeter City.

Ellis has spent three years at the Grecians' academy but said: "Next season I will carry on playing for Bolton's reserves and maybe go out on loan for a taste of first-team football."

Striker James Sinclair has also accepted 12 months terms which come into effect from July 1.

In addition, Polish duo Jaroslaw Fojut and Przemyslaw Kazimierczak have extended their stays at the Reebok Stadium.

Accrington

Fojut, an Under 20 defender has signed until 2009 and while keeper Kazimierczak, who has spent most of this season on loan at League Two outfit Accrington Stanley, has signed a one-year contract.

However, the future of England youth international Kyle Bartley appears more uncertain.

The 15-year-old Mancunian has been offered new terms at Wanderers but may be on his way to Arsenal.

Wanderers would receive compensation for the promising defender but not as much as they have invested already and what they believe he'll be worth in a few years time.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Wanderers have been linked with Southampton striker Marek Saganowski and Real Madrid defender Francisco Pavon.

Also on the Bolton radar is 20-year-old Kenyan midfielder Mariga McDonald, who is with Swedish side Helsingborgs.

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