Anelka admits to Chelsea talks (From The Bolton News)

Anelka admits to Chelsea talks

6:16pm Wednesday 2nd January 2008 in

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STAR striker Nicolas Anelka says Bolton Wanderers are in talks with Chelsea, but his club has denied it.

"The chairmen discuss, I hope that it will be carried out," Anelka told L'Equipe Magazine in an interview to be published this weekend. "I especially hope that I qualify for the Champions League.

"But as long as the contract is not signed and that I have not been introduced to the press with my new shirt, nothing is fact."

Wanderers, however, prior to their vital home clash with Derby County, denied that they are in talks with the wealthy London club.

The Frenchman has been strongly linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to strengthen their strikeforce and manager Avram Grant confirmed on New Year's Day he is a big admirer of Anelka and refused to rule out a swoop for the former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward.

Wanderers manager Gary Megson has consistently denied that there have been any offers, but his star striker has confirmed he hopes a deal can be struck to allow him to move to West London.

Anelka claims talks are ongoing between the clubs and that he is interested in playing at the highest level with Chelsea.

Anelka also refused to rule out a possible return to Manchester City, with Sven Goran Eriksson also thought to be keen on signing the French international.

The 28-year-old admits the lure of playing for Eriksson is an attractive proposition if City make a move for his services.

"I want to play for a prestigious club, which City became with a manager like Eriksson, who I was already very ready to join in 1999 with Lazio," added Anelka.

It is believed that Bolton and Chelsea are struggling to reach an agreement over the fee for Anelka with the Reebok outfit valuing their star man more than the £10million the London club are willing to pay for the much-travelled striker.

Anelka admits if no move fails to materialise, he would have no problem staying at Bolton as he is content at the club.

"To remain in Bolton, where I am happy, would not be a punishment either," concluded Anelka.

The France forward signed a new four-year contract earlier this season but his superb form this campaign - where he has already scored 10 goals - has seen him heavily linked to a move to a bigger club. Bolton are expected to ask around £19million for Anelka - £11million more than they paid Fenerbahce for him in August 2006. And his agent Doug Pingisi is sure the in-form frontman is destined to leave sooner rather than later. "Nico is ready to join a club at the height of his talent and his football," he said. "I would love to see him sing the Champions League anthem every year."