Bolton are confident of landing Shaun Wright-Phillips ahead of Stoke, Wigan and PSG with a deal to be pushed through next week.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has been chasing Wright-Phillips since January this year and it looks as though a permanent deal will go through as soon as Sunday's game against Manchester City is out of the way.
Wanderers are unable to match the financial terms on offer at the other three clubs but Wright-Phillips would prefer a move to the Reebok Stadium and has this week been spotted leaving the club's training ground.
Bolton will pay City in the region of £2.5million with some of that cash going to Wright-Phillips to make up the shortfall in wages.
"I don't think you need to be a rocket scientist to know there is a difference between the salaries at Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers, so hopefully if we can cross that bridge, the next few days should be a lot clearer," he said.
"I may have a word with Roberto before the game but I don't think the words are the issue. I would hope there is a willingness, having spent a long time chasing him."
Wright-Phillips should sign next week while Wanderers also hope to wrap up a deal for Liverpool striker David Ngog.