Trotters close on Anelka
21 Aug 2006 - 16:38:36
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is hopeful of completing the signing of former Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka before the transfer window shuts.
The 27-year-old France international claims to have already agreed a deal with the Trotters, telling L'Equipe: "My wish is to return to the Premier League and it could materialise soon.
"I have an agreement with Bolton on the basis of a four-year contract. I hope it will be finalised this week."
Allardyce didn't confirm that that was the case, but did say that an agreement with Turkish club Fenerbahce had been reached, but not yet signed off.
He added: "We are interested in Nicolas but we're in the hands of Fenerbahce.
"We would like Nicolas and we're flattered he would like to join us, but we can't quite get the Fenerbahce president to put rubber-stamp it.
"We hope it will be done soon."