Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Nolan admits it's crucial they hang onto Nicolas Anelka.

Anelka scored his eighth goal of the season to give Wanderers their first home win against Manchester United for 29 years.

But there has been widespread speculation that he will be sold in the January transfer window with Chelsea, Manchester City and AC Milan all believed to be vying for his signature.

United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who has confirmed trying to sign him in the past, could also be tempted to make a move.

"Of course we want to keep him," Nolan said. "But it's up to those men above us and that's always out of our hands."