Bolton snub Blues' Anelka bid
Nicolas Anelka could be heading for the Reebok Stadium exit
Also In The News
|
The first escorted international food aid convoy has left the Kenyan port of Mombasa to help the country's thousands of displaced people. |  |
Monday, 07, Jan 2008 10:38
Chelsea have had an initial approach for Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka knocked back by the Reebok Stadium side.
The French international striker, who has also played for Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City during a nomadic career, has been linked with a move to the capital for some time.
His impressive scoring return for the Trotters combined with Chelsea forward Didier Drogba's involvement in the Ivory Coast's African Cup of Nations campaign has prompted Avram Grant to make his capture a priority for the January transfer window.
The opening offer of what is likely to be a protracted tussle for the player is believed to have been in the region of £12 million.
"We can confirm we have made an official offer for the transfer of Nicolas Anelka, which is being discussed with Bolton Wanderers," read a statement on Chelsea's official website.
The announcement comes after Bolton manager Gary Megson denied in the wake of an FA Cup defeat to Sheffield United at the weekend that the club were in negotiations to sell their prize asset.
However despite signing a new four-year deal with his current employers earlier this season, it seems inevitable that, with Manchester United also monitoring his situation, Anelka will have added another club to his C.V before the transfer window closes.