Megson Insists Anelka Isn't Going to Chelsea ... Yet
Bolton manager claims that no clubs have opened talks about a move for French striker
The whole world and his dog might believe that Nicolas Anelka is off to Chelsea - including Anelka himself - but the Bolton manager Gary Megson insists that no club has yet opened talks for the £10m-rated striker.
Anelka, who has scored 11 times for Bolton this season, told L'Equipe that Chelsea were discussing a fee for his services - but no deal had been done. But following Bolton's 1-0 win against Derby last night, Megson told reporters: "In terms of Chelsea making contact I am not aware of that or any other club making contact.
"I am aware of the speculation and have seen the article," he added. "But Nic did say if nothing happens he is happy at Bolton. It is something and nothing. We will just keep going and try to deal with the speculation that surrounds him."
Megson was delighted the way Anelka applied himself in the 1-0 victory against Derby, even though he failed to score. "I was really pleased with Nic," he said. "He has not scored but he worked really hard for us. With five minutes to go he was chasing a ball that he lost himself."
Anelka signed a new four-year contract earlier this season, but the Frenchman has always been twitchy for a move at every club he's been at. Transferred seven times in the last 11 years, Anelka has moved for combined fees of £66m. And, when talking to L'Equipe earlier this week, he made it clear that Chelsea were his preferred destination for his next move.
"The chairmen [of Bolton and Chelsea] are discussing it," Anelka said. "I really hope it happens - and especially that I am eligible to play in the Champions League. But until the contract is signed and I am presented to the press in my new shirt, nothing is done."
Anelka has also been linked with a return to one of his former clubs, Manchester City, where he played from 2002-05. "I want to go to a bigger club and that's what City have become under a manager such as Sven-Goran Eriksson, who I was ready to join in 1999 at Lazio.
"Staying at Bolton, where I am very happy, wouldn't be a punishment either."
Anelka, who has scored 11 times for Bolton this season, told L'Equipe that Chelsea were discussing a fee for his services - but no deal had been done. But following Bolton's 1-0 win against Derby last night, Megson told reporters: "In terms of Chelsea making contact I am not aware of that or any other club making contact.
"I am aware of the speculation and have seen the article," he added. "But Nic did say if nothing happens he is happy at Bolton. It is something and nothing. We will just keep going and try to deal with the speculation that surrounds him."
Megson was delighted the way Anelka applied himself in the 1-0 victory against Derby, even though he failed to score. "I was really pleased with Nic," he said. "He has not scored but he worked really hard for us. With five minutes to go he was chasing a ball that he lost himself."
Anelka signed a new four-year contract earlier this season, but the Frenchman has always been twitchy for a move at every club he's been at. Transferred seven times in the last 11 years, Anelka has moved for combined fees of £66m. And, when talking to L'Equipe earlier this week, he made it clear that Chelsea were his preferred destination for his next move.
"The chairmen [of Bolton and Chelsea] are discussing it," Anelka said. "I really hope it happens - and especially that I am eligible to play in the Champions League. But until the contract is signed and I am presented to the press in my new shirt, nothing is done."
Anelka has also been linked with a return to one of his former clubs, Manchester City, where he played from 2002-05. "I want to go to a bigger club and that's what City have become under a manager such as Sven-Goran Eriksson, who I was ready to join in 1999 at Lazio.
"Staying at Bolton, where I am very happy, wouldn't be a punishment either."
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