Benfica Interest Is Confirmed

Last updated : 11 January 2006 By Matt Bottom
Eriberto Lopez told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo: "(Benfica coach) Ronald Koeman is interested in signing Borgetti.

"Borgetti is very happy about that because it is an important club.

"If a transfer were to be confirmed he would have the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

"His wish is to remain in Europe and there is also interest from Germany and Italy. But it is up to Bolton to decide."

Meanwhile, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce insists the loan market is in a recession and fears he will have to buy players on a small budget in order to beef up his squad in January.

"Historically, when we've needed loans in, we've needed them in on January 1, not the 30th, but they've always been at the end of the month. At one stage it was January 31 at 11.45pm - two of them. Last year we signed Vincent Candela virtually on the last day and, before that, we had Moreno.

"Loans are just not there at the moment because clubs want to sell their players. They don't want to loan them and they will not turn into loan possibilities until they can't sell them.

"So, at the moment, it looks like the only way we will secure a player is to buy him. And that, under our financial restrictions, seems to be unlikely."