Post by Liam O'Reilly on Aug 25, 2006 11:37:35 GMT
Bolton Wanderers have joined West Ham United in expressing an interest in Fulham outcast Steed Malbranque.
The French playmaker is poised to quit The Cottagers after rejecting an extension to his contract, which expires next summer.
Chris Coleman has vowed not to pick the 26-year-old again, with Malbranque already having turned down a move to Middlesbrough.
West Ham boss Alan Pardew confirmed on Thursday that he would be keen on signing the former Lyon youngster as he looks to add a touch of flair to his squad.
Premiership rivals Bolton have also been linked with a bid for the midfielder as the club chase a return to European football.
Trotters chairman Phil Gartside revealed that Sam Allardyce spoke to Coleman regarding Malbranque after the 1-1 draw between the two sides on Wednesday.
But Gartside was unwilling to expand on whether Bolton would be putting in a bid for the player prior to the transfer deadline.
"I know Sam's asked about him," Gartside told Sky Sports News.
"He talked to Chris Coleman the other night when we were at Fulham.
"We always talk about people coming in and out, and I wouldn't rule anything out to be honest."
The French playmaker is poised to quit The Cottagers after rejecting an extension to his contract, which expires next summer.
Chris Coleman has vowed not to pick the 26-year-old again, with Malbranque already having turned down a move to Middlesbrough.
West Ham boss Alan Pardew confirmed on Thursday that he would be keen on signing the former Lyon youngster as he looks to add a touch of flair to his squad.
Premiership rivals Bolton have also been linked with a bid for the midfielder as the club chase a return to European football.
Trotters chairman Phil Gartside revealed that Sam Allardyce spoke to Coleman regarding Malbranque after the 1-1 draw between the two sides on Wednesday.
But Gartside was unwilling to expand on whether Bolton would be putting in a bid for the player prior to the transfer deadline.
"I know Sam's asked about him," Gartside told Sky Sports News.
"He talked to Chris Coleman the other night when we were at Fulham.
"We always talk about people coming in and out, and I wouldn't rule anything out to be honest."