Bolton Wanderers are close to agreeing a deal to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Alonso.
Alonso, the older brother of Liverpool midfielder Xabi, impressed Trotters boss Sammy Lee during the club's pre-season training camp in Austria last week and is set to complete a season-long loan switch from Real Sociedad.
The 27-year-old will put pen to paper on the loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer to the Reebok Stadium before the end of the week.
"The agreement with Real Sociedad is virtually in place," confirmed a club spokesman.
"Mikel should sign a loan agreement with the club on Thursday."
Alonso has made over 100 appearances during seven years with the Basque club.
His most consistent season came during the 2005/06 campaign when he made 37 La Liga appearances at the heart of the Sociedad midfield.
Real Sociedad are currently coached by former Fulham boss Chris Coleman.
Source: ESA
