Bolton Wanderers

David Dunn is on the verge of joining Bolton after passing a medical at The Reebok Stadium. The Birmingham midfielder has been in talks with The Trotters over the weekend about a £1million switch. Former club Blackburn have also been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but his next destination appears likely to be Bolton. Dunn's fitness was Sam Allardyce's prime concern but having passed a medical, the Bolton boss will get the go-ahead to complete his signing. Bolton are expected to make Dunn their first signing in the January transfer window later on Tuesday.

Anelka content to stay at Bolton
Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka says he is happy at the Reebok Stadium and is not thinking about moving on. The 28-year-old striker, who joined the Trotters in a club-record £8m deal from Fenerbahce in August 2006, has recently returned to the France side. Anelka told French newspaper L'Equipe: "I've not thought about moving because there are no offers from elsewhere. "If I receive an offer from a big club I would think about it but at the moment I am happy at Bolton." Anelka scored France's winner in their 1-0 victory over Lithuania on Saturday - his first goal for his country since November 2005. The former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, Liverpool and Manchester City striker was left out of the France squad for the 2006 World Cup finals. He added: "I was always aware of my qualities. "I do not want to reopen the argument but I remain convinced I was left out because of my character rather than my play."

Bolton recall Michalik from Leeds
Bolton have brough a premature end to Lubo Michalik's loan spell with Championship strugglers Leeds. The 23-year-old was due to spend the rest of the season at Elland Road but rejoined Bolton on Friday after a 24-hour release clause was activated. The central defender started seven games for Leeds and scored the winner against Plymouth on 7 April. Michalik signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Bolton in January but has not yet made a Premiership start for them.

Injury headache for Bolton boss
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is worried that injuries could threaten their hopes of securing a place in Europe. The Trotters look like being without five players for Bolton's Premiership match against Chelsea on Saturday. Kevin Nolan (ankle), Nicky Hunt (calf) and El-Hadji Diouf (hamstring), Tal Ben Haim (knee) and Abdoulaye Faye (groin) are all struggling with injuries. Allardyce said: "The outlook is not looking good in what is the most important period of the season". Games against West Ham and Aston Villa follow the meeting with Chelsea, and Allardyce is concerned that their quest for a place in the Uefa Cup next season may be threatened. He said "With a lack of bodies in the squad we are going to be stretched over the next few weeks. All five players are unlikely to be fit for the weekend."

Allardyce resigns as Bolton boss
Sam Allardyce has ended his eight-year reign as manager of Bolton after resigning with immediate effect. He has been linked with the manager's role at Manchester City and refused to attend the post-match press conference after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea. He said: "This has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever made but it's time for a new exciting era for Bolton under different leadership." Chairman Phil Gartside added: "His reasons are private, we respect that." Allardyce has spent over 18 years at the club, as both player and manager. He interviewed for the England manager's position following Sven-Goran Eriksson's departure after the World Cup last year, but was beaten to the job by Steve McClaren. He pledged to focus on Bolton after missing out on a role he publicly stated he would "love", but steps down with two matches of the current campaign still to play. The Trotters are currently in fifth spot and chasing Uefa Cup qualification. "It was mutually decided that I step down now rather than at the end of the season," said Allardyce in a statement on the club website. "That will give my successor the ideal opportunity to experience the preparation and build up of matchday in readiness of next season. "After guiding the team into a position where the club is on the verge of qualifying for European football for the second time in three years, I feel it is the right moment to step down. "I feel the club is in a great position to continue its upward trajectory with a talented squad supported by an excellent Academy programme under the guidance of a highly-skilled management team. "The foundations for the next phase is well and truly in place. It is with this knowledge that I feel confident that I am moving on with my life content with a legacy that I have tried to create for this special club. "I wish the owner, chairman, staff, players and all the fans every success in the future." Meanwhile, Gartside paid his own tribute to Allardyce, saying: "I have reluctantly accepted Sam's resignation after eight years of unprecedented success at the club. "Since joining the club as manager in 1999, he has helped lead a fantastic transformation of this famous Lancashire club. "He has helped design and build an infrastructure that will enable the club to continue the progress we have undoubtedly made during his period of office."

I'm staying at Bolton, says Nolan
Club captain Kevin Nolan has pledged his future to Sammy Lee's Bolton - and revealed that Sam Allardyce told him he does not have another job lined up. Allardyce resigned on Sunday, prompting speculation that Nolan would follow him out of the Reebok Stadium. But after the appointment of Lee on Monday, Nolan told SSB: "I'm looking forward to being part of the next stage at Bolton." And he added: "I know Sam Allardyce does not have a job in the pipeline." It had been claimed on Monday that Allardyce would soon be in charge of another Premiership club - with Manchester City and Newcastle linked with the 52-year-old. But in a phone call to Nolan on Sunday, Allardyce told his former skipper he was planning on taking some time out from the game. "Sam Allardyce gave me a call before it was announced he was leaving to say thank you and because as skipper he wanted me to know," added Nolan. "It has been an unbelievable shock - I was gutted when I heard the news. "I did not know what to say. It has not sunk in and probably won't for the next week or so. "I know he is going away for a while now. He is going to enjoy some time with his family. "He said he wanted to take some time out and have a good summer. Come next season he might have something." Nolan, who signed a new contract in March to keep him at the club until 2011, has played his entire professional career under Allardyce as Bolton have become an established force in the Premiership. Bolton are currently fifth in the table and close to securing a Uefa Cup place for the second time in three seasons. Asked whether former assistant boss Lee would be able to continue the success at the club, Nolan said: "That is the question and what he has to prove to everyone. "He has a fantastic opportunity at a big club like us. "Hopefully he can take off where Sam left off and keep us going forward and I'm sure he can do that. He will have my full support and I think he will be fantastic for the club." And he said that he expected the new manager to emerge as his own man. "He will make his changes," added Nolan. "He is very open minded and can take a lot of things on board. "I have not seen him get nasty too many times but I'm sure I will see that now quite often because that is what managers have to do sometimes." Lee will take his first training session as manager of Bolton on Tuesday. "It will be really strange," said skipper Nolan. "A lot of players do not have one manager for eight years but we have successful since Sam Allardyce came in and I have been a part of that. "But I'm looking forward to a fresh start for us all."

Carlisle snap up Bolton's Howarth
Carlisle have signed Bolton keeper Chris Howarth on a two-year contract. Howarth, 20, had a successful six-week loan with the Cumbrians on loan since joining from the Premiership outfit. Carlisle manager Neil McDonald told the club's website: "We're all looking forward to working with him again in pre-season and beyond. "He is the kind of player that we want to bring into this club and we know that he'll keep pressure on Keiren Westwood next season."

Diouf to discuss future at Bolton
Senegal's El-Hadji Diouf is considering leaving English Premiership side Bolton after being stunned by manager Sam Allardyce's resignation. Allardyce has since taken over at Newcastle and Diouf, 26, is planning to talk to his successor at Bolton Sammy Lee and chairman Phil Gartside soon. The striker told the Bolton News: "I do not know what I am doing next season. "I need to talk with the gaffer, chairman and my manager. When I saw on TV that Sam had left I was very sad." Diouf added: "I will never forget him. He did a lot of things for me and that is why I have played better here than at Liverpool. Sam gave me confidence and respect. "But, whatever I do next season, whether I stay or go, I will never forget Bolton."

Samuel departs Villa for Bolton
Defender Jlloyd Samuel has agreed a deal to join Bolton on a free transfer from Aston Villa. The 26-year-old will sign a four-year contract on 1 July. Samuel joined Villa as an apprentice and went on to make 150 appearances but he has struggled to secure first-team football this season. Bolton boss Sammy Lee told the club website: "He's versatile and will offer us quality in a number of positions, which is vital for our squad." Samuel is Lee's first signing since taking over from Sam Allardyce as Bolton manager. And he is hoping the move will kickstart his career. "I was at Viilla for 10 years and when you have been at a place for so long you become part of the furniture," he told Bolton's website. "I felt like I needed a change and I'm sure that by coming up to Bolton I will get myself playing again. Bolton is the club to get my career back on track."

Bolton rule out Anelka transfer
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside insists Nicolas Anelka will not be sold. Manchester United have been linked with a move for Anelka, 28, who has admitted a transfer to one of the Premiership's "big four" clubs would be tempting. However, Gartside said: "Manager Sammy Lee is looking to build a squad and we have absolutely no interest in selling any of our better players." He also revealed Wanderers had been assured by United they are not chasing the France international striker. "United chief executive David Gill has confirmed to me they have no interest in Nicolas Anelka," Gartside said. Anelka, who scored a superb goal in France's 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifying win over Ukraine on Saturday, joined Bolton from Turkish club Fenerbahce in an £8m deal in August 2006. In March he insisted he was happy to stay at the Reebok Stadium, although that was before manager Sam Allardyce resigned and Lee was promoted in his place. And he recently revealed his desire to play for United, Chelsea or former clubs Arsenal and Liverpool. "Yes, I want to play for one of the big four but also want to help Bolton become a big Premiership club," he said. "I have to sit down to talk with Bolton to find out what they have planned."

Wilhelmsson poised to join Bolton
Bolton are set to sign Sweden international Christian Wilhelmsson on a season-long loan deal. The 27-year-old Nantes winger spent last season at Roma and will now experience the Premier League for the first time with Sammy Lee's side. "The English game suits his style," Lee told the Bolton website. "He has the potential to light up the Premier League with his pace and skill. "Other big clubs have shown an interest so it is a major coup for Bolton." Wilhelmsson, who has more than 40 Sweden caps, joined Nantes from Anderlecht last summer. But he made only 13 appearances before heading to Italy where he scored one goal in 19 games for Roma. Lee added: "He is a versatile winger and will add a new dimension to our new style of play we are going to implement this season. "One of his greatest attributes is that he is capable of playing on both the left and right flank with relative ease. "He likes to attack and will give us the perfect outlet to provide good service to our attackers. "His attacking prowess comes from his blistering pace and is regarded by many as one of the quickest players in the national team."

Wilhelmsson completes Bolton move
Bolton have signed Sweden's Christian Wilhelmsson on loan for the season, with a view to a permanent move. The 27-year-old Nantes winger spent last season at Roma and will now experience the Premier League for the first time with Sammy Lee's side. "The English game suits his style," Lee told the Bolton website. "He has the potential to light up the Premier League with his pace and skill. "Other big clubs have shown an interest so it is a major coup for Bolton." Wilhelmsson, who has more than 40 Sweden caps, joined Nantes from Anderlecht last summer. But he made only 13 appearances before heading to Italy where he scored one goal in 19 games for Roma. Lee added: "He is a versatile winger and will add a new dimension to our new style of play we are going to implement this season. "One of his greatest attributes is that he is capable of playing on both the left and right flank with relative ease. "He likes to attack and will give us the perfect outlet to provide good service to our attackers. "His attacking prowess comes from his blistering pace and is regarded by many as one of the quickest players in the national team." Wilhelmsson should make his Bolton debut in the friendly against Espanyol on 1 August, providing he receives international clearance.

Lee tells Diouf to knuckle down
El-Hadji Diouf has been told to knuckle down by Bolton boss Sammy Lee after starting from the bench in the opening-day 3-1 defeat by Newcastle. The 26-year-old Senegal forward said he could leave the club after failing to make the starting line-up. But Lee insists the player must be patient: "Diouf is always talking to me and I am pleased he is disappointed. "I want competition for places and do not want people to feel they are automatic choices," he added. "We felt it was the right starting line-up. Unfortunately, Ricardo Vaz Te was injured and had to come off. "Everyone then saw Diouf's quality and I can understand his frustration. "But it is important people are always looking over their shoulders and being spurred on by other players," Lee added. I want competition for places and do not want people to feel they are automatic choices Bolton manager Sammy Lee Diouf could return to the side on Wednesday against Fulham at Craven Cottage as Kevin Davies (hamstring) and Vaz Te (foot) are both ruled out. Diouf joined Bolton from Liverpool at the start of the 2005/2006 campaign for an undisclosed fee, having spent the 2004/2005 season on loan at the Reebok Stadium. The striker put his future with the Trotters in doubt when he said: "I don't know about tomorrow, it is another day. Maybe tomorrow I will go. "Of course I was disappointed not to be on at the start. I am a footballer and I want to play in every game."

Bolton's Faye set for August exit
Senegal international Abdoulaye Faye is set to leave Bolton before the end of August, SSB understands. The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle, where he would be reunited with former Trotters boss Sam Allardyce. Faye arrived at the Reebok Stadium during the 2005-06 season from French club Lens and was utilised as a defensive midfielder. Last season, Faye played predominantly in central defence. The 6ft 2in player began his career with Senegal outfits ASEC Ndiambour and Jeanne d'Arc before moving to Lens. After a spell at French club Istres he joined Bolton on loan in the summer of 2005 before sealing a permanent deal in December of that year.

Lee fears Diouf and Anelka exit
Bolton manager Sammy Lee admits he could be powerless to stop El Hadji Diouf and Nicolas Anelka leaving. Diouf, 26, has said he wants to quit the club to play in the Champions League and fellow striker Anelka, 29, has been linked with Arsenal and Lyon. "It's a concern and it might be out of my hands but at the moment it is only speculation," said Lee. "We want to keep our better players but - as I've said before - if people want to go sometimes you can't stop them." Bolton are bottom of the Premier League after losing all three games so far this season and that dismal start has led to increased speculation that both Diouf and Anelka could leave before the transfer window closes on 31 August. Diouf claims Tottenham, Celtic, Lyon and two unnamed clubs are interested in signing him. Anelka is also being linked with a move away from the Reebok Stadium, with Manchester United understood to be monitoring the situation. The Frenchman has played for seven clubs during his career, while Senegal's Diouf left Liverpool after failing to make an impact at Anfield. Lee added: "I certainly don't want them to go and certain people have had 'previous' at being at football clubs and wanting to leave. "It's not just Bolton Wanderers - there is a trend - but obviously we would like to keep our best players." Diouf joined Bolton after a successful loan spell for an undisclosed fee in 2005, while Anelka has spent only one season with the club after arriving from Fenerbahce for £8m.

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