Crystal Palace had given manager Dougie Freedman permission to talk to Bolton Wanderers about the vacant manager's job, just hours after saying an approach had been rejected.

An official club statement this morning informed fans that Palace had rejected an approach from Bolton, saying:

"Crystal Palace F.C. can confirm that they have received a request from Bolton Wanderers to speak to Dougie Freedman regarding their vacant managers position.

"Permission has not been granted for Dougie to speak to Bolton."

However, less than four hours later, Palace have agreed to let Freedman and Bolton meet.

It understood that Bolton have triggered a clause in Freedman's contract that if a club should offer a certain amount for his services, Freedman would be free to go - despite the fact he still has six months to go on his contract.

And with talks over a new contract at Selhurst Park not even started, the lure of a big salary could be too much to resist.

However, the romantics will point to Freedman's history with the Eagles - more than 330 apperances scoring 95 goals - as well as the eight match unbeaten run in the Championship with a team he has built, as reasons for him to stay. 

Worried fans are suggesting the protracted saga is similar to when Steve Bruce was nabbed by Birmingham City in 2001 when the Eagles were flying high - a managerial upheavel from which the Eagles struggled to recover.

More to follow.