Chelsea have made a bid for Nicolas Anelka this evening, with Bolton Wanderers swiftly rejecting the offer.Unnamed sources first confirmed Chelsea's concrete interest in the French striker, before reports filtered through that Bolton have turned down a bid said to be in the region of £12m (16m euros.)
Chelsea later confirmed on their official website that they are in discussion with the Wanderers:
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have made an official offer for the transfer of Nicolas Anelka which is being discussed with Bolton Wanderers." (chelseafc.com)
Bolton, for their part, have yet to comment on the Blues' attempts to land their star asset, but Sky Sports insist that Bolton had no intention of taking that first offer.
The former Manchester City man signed on at the Trotters at the start of last season after a spell at Fenerbahce and has since returned to form, with clubs ranging from Chelsea to Manchester City now said to be chasing his signature.
Chelsea may return with a second bid, but the price may prove a stumbling block. Then-manager Sam Allardyce paid £8m (10.75m euros) for the striker in August 2006, and the current Bolton hierarchy are said to be looking for more than double that.
Anelka is under contract at the Reebok until 2011 after signing a four-year deal this August.
Rumour has it that they wish to secure him in time for the weekend game with Tottenham Hotspur.
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