The Lions boss was unhappy that Dougie Freedman had enquired about the 24-year-old former Ipswich Town trainee – even though the Wanderers boss claimed yesterday that he had actually been offered Trotter’s services by his agent.
Trotter is out of contract in the summer but it is understood that Freedman would only make his move if another one of his midfield players moves out today.
Holloway said last night: “I'm not very happy with Bolton at the moment, to say the least.
"They have had a sniff but are waiting on someone going out before they can push ahead. If that deal falls through, they will have upset and disgruntled one of my players.
"I don't have a cat in hell's chance of keeping Liam because a club like Bolton will be able to offer him a big contract and I can't compete with that.
"With that being the case, I will have a massive problem if they don't come up with a deal."
Freedman denied actively pursuing Trotter’s signature at his press conference yesterday.
“He is a player his agent has been pushing on me for a long time,” said the Wanderers boss. “He is a free transfer at the end of the season and he’s a good player.
“There is no interest as we speak to bring in any players of that position. But if it was a left back we could definitely start the rumours.”