Melki Set For Bolton Trial

Last updated : 05 January 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton could follow up their signing of Javi Moreno from Atletico Madrid with a move for Tunisian World Cup star Mourad Melki after it was reported that the 28-year old African will join the Wanderers for a weeks trial.

The Esperence de Tunis player could be a short term replacement for Trotters captain Jay-Jay Okocha, who will fly out to participate in the African Nations Cup next week and as Melki has fallen out of favour at international level due to a disagreement with the coach Roger Lemerre it could be a deal to work in Bolton's favour.

Melki is rated as one of the best African players in recent seasons and is a player who can offer an abundance of speed and skill as his strongest attributes. He is an affordable solution for Sam Allardyce to add cover to his midfield in Okocha's absence and will be put through his paces at the club's Euxton training ground.