Bolton back in for Said

Last updated : 20 July 2003 By Mark Heys
Egyptian international defender Ibrahim Said is set to join Bolton Wanderers for a trial period next week after his club Al-Ahly confirmed that they will allow the former Everton loanee to move back to England.

The 22-year old star has been a long term target of Bolton, with interest dating back to last summer, however it was Everton who signed up the player in the New Year only to send the youngster back to Saudi Arabia after only a couple of months at Goodison Park due to personal reasons despite him having impressed in the Merseysiders reserve team, and it was his performance against Bolton reserves in early 2003 which has prompted Bolton boss Sam Allardyce to step up his interest in the player.

The players agent Jesse Learoyd-Hill confirmed Bolton's interest to the press a couple of months ago but denied that a bid of £900,000 had been tabled for the player despite Al-Ahly officials claiming otherwise.

It is now suggested that the Wanderers manager Allardyce wants to see Said in a trial period before finalising any bid for the highly rated centre-half, and depending on international clearance the player may well feature in a forthcoming friendly for the club.