Wanderers Dismiss Moves For Duo

Last updated : 16 August 2004 By Mark Heys
Speculation linking Bolton Wanderers with moves for strike duo Sylvain Wiltord and Salva Ballesta have been dismissed by the club after weekend reports claimed that the pair were of interest to the Trotters.

Spanish international Salva, now of La Liga champions Valencia, spent a number of months on loan at the Reebok Stadium in the spring of 2003 but was only to manage a single start and a number of substitute appearances during an unhappy stay in England. A move on loan again to Malaga last season reaped it's rewards as the 29-year old managed 19 goals during the season and forced his way back into the international scene.

Wiltord is surprisingly without a club having left Premiership champions Arsenal in the summer following the expiry of his contract. The French international has been training with Rennes but is keen to stay in England with Manchester City one of the clubs said to be keen.

However a club spokesperson denied interest in the two forwards stating that Sam Allardyce was looking to add an extra midfielder and defender to the team before the end of the transfer window to follow on from the impending arrival of Liverpool striker El-Hadji Diouf who is expected to move to the Reebok Stadium on loan in the next day or so.