COLIN Todd returned from a whistle-stop continental scouting tour today to quash the latest speculation linking Wanderers with Chelsea striker Mark Hughes ... once and for all.

The Bolton boss is believed to have targeted at least three potential summer signings but the former Manchester United and Wales striker is not one of them.

"We missed out on Mark two years ago, when we would have taken him," Todd confirmed, "but I don't believe it's the right time now.

"He's still under contract at Chelsea but, even if they were to let him go, I would not be interested.'

Hughes, now 34, still has a year to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge but is understood to fancy a return to the North-west, where he still has a home. He has also been linked with Leicester and Middlesbrough.

Todd is preparing to follow up his hectic round of scouting with inquiries to a number of clubs.

His travels took him to three Scandinavian countries, where he ran the rule over specific targets earmarked by his chief scout, Dave Coates, and European contacts.

"It's now a case of fact-finding, speaking to the clubs involved and getting an idea of valuations and prices," the manager explained.

"It's now a question of having to wait and see."

Todd is still in negotiations aimed at bringing West Brom striker Bob Taylor to the Reebok, where he had two impressive loan stints towards the end of the Premiership campaign.

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