Bolton Linked With Giggs Swoop

Last updated : 14 November 2004 By Mark Heys
Reports in a number of today's newspapers claim that Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs is being linked with a summer move to Bolton Wanderers.

The Welsh international has been at Old Trafford for over 16 years but it is said that United are willing to cash in on their longest serving player before his contract expires in 2006.

Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be reluctant to allow the 30-year old to leave Old Trafford but he may not have any choice in the matter as the Reds board look to trim the wage bill to make way for new faces.

Reebok are reported to be ready to finance the deal for Giggs who lives in the Bolton area and is a long term face of the sportswear giant. North East duo Newcastle United and Middlesbrough are also keen on landing the player who first shot to prominence as a teenage goalscorer in the 1991 Manchester derby.

A move to Wanderers would be ideal for Giggs due to the locality, but all depends on whether or not Bolton manager Sam Allardyce can beat off the financial competition from other clubs.

Should Giggs sign for Bolton it will bring back memories of the 1970's when former United trio Tony Dunne, Alan Gowling and Willie Morgan all enjoyed an Indian summer under the management of Ian Greaves, an Allardyce mentor.