Wanderers could go a step closer to securing the services of Spanish international defender Ivan Campo today.

Reebok chairman Phil Gartside, currently on holiday in Spain, is understood to be due for preliminary talks with the Real Madrid centre back.

Sam Allardyce has earmarked Campo as the next big signing in his summer strengthening campaign and should know in the next 24 hours whether the deal is worth pursuing.

Allardyce, currently in Italy on Wanderers' pre-season tour, was linked with the international towards the end of last season but the Spanish giants refused to sanction the suggested loan deal because of an injury crisis.

Since then the 28-year-old central defender has claimed a Champions League winner's medal - his second in a four-year stint with Real.

But Campo is now determined to quit the Bernabeu Stadium, and may fancy joining other big names on Bolton's books including Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha.

"He's under contract," said Allardyce, "but he's such a highly regarded player that if he was made available he is certainly one I would like in my side."

Campo will demand wages of £1 million-plus-per-year but could be just the player Allardyce needs to bolster his defensive options ahead of the new season.