WANDERERS confirmed on Monday that highly-rated goalkeeper Oman international Ali Al Habsi has agreed to sign on at the Reebok

Wanderers official web site revealed that the 23-year-old, 6ft 5in keeper has signed a pre-contract agreement.

He will join the club on a three and a half year contract in January once he has completed his commitments with Norwegian club SFK Lyn.

Manager Sam Allardyce told www.bwfc.co.uk : "It is very satisfying to finally sign Ali. We've been monitoring his development for quite some time and I am delighted that hat he has selected us ahead of a number of other high profile clubs who were keen to sign him.

"Ali has a massive presence in front of goal and will add much needed competition in a key area for us. He aspires to be a great keeper in the Premiership and we'll certainly give him the platform he needs to become a respected player in the best league in the world."

Al Habsi added: "I've always wanted to play in the Premiership and it is very special that Bolton want me to play for them. The Club is going places and I was impressed with Sam Allardyce's hopes for the future. With my strong ambition and Bolton's desire to be a top club in Europe, the partnership fits perfectly.

"The move itself is a big step because I'm still young and I have a good future ahead of me. I feel honoured that moving to England has come true. This is a big deal for the history of Arabian and Asian football because I will be the first goalkeeper from the region to play in the English Premier League."

Al Habsi joined top Norwegian club SFK Lyn in January 2003. He is the first Oman player to play professional football in Europe and is the current first choice for his national team. He started his club career at Al Mudhaibi and also played for top Omani side Al-Nasser.