SAM Allardyce was still in talks with Marseille midfielder Brahim Hemdani on Wednesday, contradicting reports that the Algerian had already secured a £1 million transfer to the Reebok.
The Wanderers boss was reported to have tied up a deal with the 26-year-old who captained the Marseille in last season's UEFA Cup Final. But, as negotiations continued, he dismissed claims that he had clinched his first cash signing of the summer.
A statement on the club's website said: "Contrary to reports in some of today's newspapers, Bolton Wanderers can confirm that they haven't signed Marseille midfielder Brahim Hemdani."
Despite Allardyce's determination to conduct his business in secret, a variety of targets have been identified, among them Birmingham's Senegal midfielder Aliou Cisse and Porto full-back Nuno Valente. Wanderers were also reported today to have approached Dutch international Patrick Kluivert, who has been freed by Barcelona, but were frightened off by the player's wage demands. That was a similar story when Allardyce checked out England midfielder Nicky Butt, who is surplus to requirements at Manchester United.
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