SAM Allardyce was locked in talks today with Spanish international striker Kiko after making one of the most ambitious transfer moves in Wanderers' history.

Kiko - valued as a £10 million commodity in his prime - arrived in Bolton last night and stayed overnight in the De Vere Whites Hotel at the Reebok Stadium.

"He's come to have a look at the club and to talk to us," Allardyce confirmed. "He's not particularly here for a trial. He just doesn't know much about us - who knows about Bolton Wanderers apart from people in this country?

"He'll be here for a couple of days."

Allardyce, who was recently linked with a move for German international Oliver Bierhoff, expects to know whether he has a chance of landing Kiko before Wanderers travel to Leeds on Saturday. He could also learn later today whether he has been successful in luring 30-year-old French international, Bruno Ngotty on a loan deal from Marseille.

Asked how difficult it would be to attract Kiko - a 29-year-old with 26 international caps - the manager suggested: "Being top of the league and having a £47 million stadium makes it a bit easier."

Kiko, 29, has been at Atletico Madrid for eight years and has won 26 caps for Spain, scoring five goals.

He was on the verge of a move to Lazio after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical but the Serie A club decided not to finalise the deal.

The player's agent and father, Miguel Narvaez, said: "We have discarded Lazio.

"When I have a verbal agreement with a player and I shake hands, I perceive that as a done deal. It was not the case with (Lazio president) Sergio Cragnotti."