Bolton back for Anelka
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Bolton Wanderers have backed manager Sam Allardyce after committing £8 million to land Fenerbahce striker Nicolas Anelka.
The last obstacle to a deal was removed when Anelka's team Fenerbahce were dumped out of the Champions League by Dinamo Kiev.
The Turkish giants immediately gave Anelka, 27, the all-clear to talk to Bolton and Allardyce hopes to conclude a deal in time to give the France star his debut at The Valley tomorrow.
Bolton assistant manager Sammy Lee refused to confirm the Anelka deal was cut and dried.
But he admitted Allardyce had left because he was aiming to bring in three players before next week's transfer deadline.
Lee said: "The Anelka situation is ongoing. He is a player Sam admires.
"He would add quality to any squad so it will be nice if we can get him. But nothing has been finalised.
"At the start of every season, every club likes to bring in a big signing to give everyone a lift, whether it be the staff, the fans, everybody.
"But the important thing is that it is quality and it adds to your team.
"I certainly believe Anelka would bring that to any side.
"The standard of his all-round play is something we are fully aware of and that's why Sam is interested.
"If we get him, it will be an excellent coup for Bolton."
Lee admitted the Trotters need to strengthen their squad after letting a UEFA Cup spot slip through their fingers with a lame finish last season.
He added: "One of the reasons why Sam isn't here is because, as always, he is working tirelessly to recruit. It is vital to any club you have additions as long as they are quality and improve the squad you have.
"The mere fact of our numbers means we do need our squad adding to.
"This league is great, but demanding and intense, and you do need to make sure you have cover for any eventuality - whether it be suspensions, loss of form, whatever.
"It is always nice to have options. We know what we want."
The last obstacle to a deal was removed when Anelka's team Fenerbahce were dumped out of the Champions League by Dinamo Kiev.
The Turkish giants immediately gave Anelka, 27, the all-clear to talk to Bolton and Allardyce hopes to conclude a deal in time to give the France star his debut at The Valley tomorrow.
Bolton assistant manager Sammy Lee refused to confirm the Anelka deal was cut and dried.
But he admitted Allardyce had left because he was aiming to bring in three players before next week's transfer deadline.
Lee said: "The Anelka situation is ongoing. He is a player Sam admires.
"He would add quality to any squad so it will be nice if we can get him. But nothing has been finalised.
"At the start of every season, every club likes to bring in a big signing to give everyone a lift, whether it be the staff, the fans, everybody.
"But the important thing is that it is quality and it adds to your team.
"I certainly believe Anelka would bring that to any side.
"The standard of his all-round play is something we are fully aware of and that's why Sam is interested.
"If we get him, it will be an excellent coup for Bolton."
Lee admitted the Trotters need to strengthen their squad after letting a UEFA Cup spot slip through their fingers with a lame finish last season.
He added: "One of the reasons why Sam isn't here is because, as always, he is working tirelessly to recruit. It is vital to any club you have additions as long as they are quality and improve the squad you have.
"The mere fact of our numbers means we do need our squad adding to.
"This league is great, but demanding and intense, and you do need to make sure you have cover for any eventuality - whether it be suspensions, loss of form, whatever.
"It is always nice to have options. We know what we want."
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