[dtunam]

Gary Megson concedes he is preparing for life at Bolton without the services of star striker Nicolas Anelka.

Bolton's start to the season has been less than impressive but in stark contrast, Anelka has stolen the plaudits with his goalscoring exploits.

The classy Frenchman has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and former club Manchester City, as his future at Bolton remains the subject of speculation.

Megson accepts the club would be powerless to prevent his departure should a sizeable offer be forthcoming and he has been using the international break to identify possible replacements.

Scouting network

"We've been doing a lot of work during the international break in terms of watching players," said Megson.

"It's no good something happening and saying 'well, we weren't ready for it'.

"You can't identify everything that's going to happen but we've got to know what we'd like to do if certain things do happen.

"What we've got to do is get the best out of Nic while he's here.

Possible departure

"If he's here for a long time then great - if he's not then we've got to make sure that when he leaves it makes us a stronger football club.

"There's been no amount of money put on it and we're not 100% sure what we're going to need, but what I will say is that anybody we do bring in will have to be quality to go with the ones we've already got."

Anelka is set to return for Saturday's home clash against Manchester United after four games out with a hamstring injury.

link: Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | News | Megson braced for Anelka exit




Well as we all know he is a philandering bastard who just can't get himself to stay at a particular club for a long time. He doesn't follow trouble but trouble follows him. However besides his character I don't think there is any denying that he is a very talented striker who not has excellent finishing, good shots but is very good with his link up play. He is lightning quick, knows how to beat or go past his man and definatley has an eye for spectacular.

I am sure Sir Alex will sort him out and give him the right guidance, besides haven't heared single reports from bolton claiming that he is causing trouble so maybe he has learned at last. For 7-8m quid I would say go for him.

[Damo is a red]

Yeah, he has been a tosser in the past but maybe he starting to realise a footballers career is short. May even be happy with 3rd or 4th choice striker role, as long as the money is good and he can pick up a couple of medals. Definitely worth consideration.

[dtunam]

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has tried to sign Nicolas Anelka 'several times'.

The Bolton striker is being strongly linked with a move in January when the transfer window re-opens.

And there is unlikely to be a shortage of interest with most of the Premier League's top clubs looking - including Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, Portsmouth and former clubs Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Now United boss Ferguson has confirmed his admiration for Anelka ahead of a possible bid - but he admits he has never been able to land the French international.

Attempts

"We have tried to buy Anelka several times," Ferguson revealed.

"He is a very talented player. You always assess players with pace and ability to score and he comes into that category, and has done throughout his career."

Ferguson would not reveal the details of his past failures to land the 28-year-old.

"Sam (Allardyce) showed great faith in bringing him to Bolton because he had been around a few clubs before that," said Ferguson.

"But, for the first time, he seems to be feeling very settled and happy, which is important for a player like Anelka.

"Sam took the risk and it has worked. Bolton are getting their dividends and Anelka seems to have found the right club for himself in terms of enjoying the environment and the training."

Saha

Many feel a United move for Anelka will be dependent on what Ferguson decides to do with injury-prone Louis Saha.

"The situation with Louis is simple," he said.

"We are managing his appearances, trying to make sure we give him the right opportunities so we have him for the whole season, not just half.

"He has been unfortunate with a couple of the injuries he has had because they have not been easy ones to get over.

"We are trying not to put him under intense pressure in terms of playing time that could reverse the situation he is in at the moment. We want him to be playing in May."

link: Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | Manchester United | Fergie reveals Anelka bids

Oh snap, I make this thread and fergie reveals. Anelka in january

[Ivan_11]

I don`t know if that is a good move, Anelka is a good player, strong, still quick, experienced, but he is a trublemaker, both in the club and personal. If Ser Alex thinks that he would be a good signing, then I have complete trust in him.

[macca247]

would not mind anelka as a 4th striker

[dtunam]

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Well after the bolton game I have made up my mind that Anelka is not the forward for us. No doubt about the guys talent and individual ability. However he is anything but a team player, some of his decision making is beyond a joke. If you guys remember from the last game, bolton were countering us and were 3 on 4 and Anelka was a in a position to put a simple pass and put Diouf one on one against VDS, but instead he went alone and was easily dispossessed by Rio. Just shows how big of a selfish bastard he is, we don't need players like that in our team, thats not the only occasion, a lot of times he had a lot of passing options but instead he went for glory.

If Sir Alex still decides to buy him then I would expect him to completely discipline Anelka and force him to change his style to more of a team player.

[GocartMozart]

he's absolute shite. I'm so unimpressed by him. At his age, you would think he would have realized what playing as a team was all about. Instead his arrogrance is the only thing that shows through. You seriously have to question why he's even considered for the French national team. I don't even think he's all that talented.

[BenM]

He's far too moody and inconsistent. He doesn't appear to be a good match for the type of team United is...

[Mila]

I will really be dissapointed if the club goes for him.

He changes clubs more often then he does his socks. No loyalty whatsoever.

Plus - he has no great quality either, maybe at Bolton, certainly not good enough for United.

[USAManUtd13]

Chelsea nabbed him. I didn't want him, but I didn't really want Chelsea to get him either. And for only 15m

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Chelsea | Chelsea complete £15m Anelka deal