Bolton are closing in on a move for Middlesbrough defender David Wheater and a deal could be completed in the next few days.
Wheater was left out of the Middlesbrough squad that crashed out of the FA Cup at Burton Albion yesterday and talks are ongoing over a move to the Reebok Stadium.
The 23-year-old is due to fall out of contract in the summer and a host of clubs are keen to land him but it seems as though Bolton boss Owen Coyle is in pole position after making a bid in excess of £2million.
Boro boss Tony Mowbray would not confirm that the defender is heading to Bolton, but he does seem resigned to losing the player within the next week.
"Things are happening," said Mowbray. "It wasn't about avoiding him being cup-tied, he wasn't available due to things that might be happening behind the scenes.Having said that, if another club wants to buy him lots of things have to be agreed first with the player and the two clubs, so he may yet be playing for us next Saturday.
"It might become more evident over the next few days."