WANDERERS have passed on the chance of signing young Maltese striker Joseph Mbong.

The Nigeria-born front man trained with the club last week but the 17-year-old’s representative confirmed yesterday that a deal had not been agreed.

Speaking to SL10.ng, George Williams, CEO of New Breed Sports Management, said: “Bolton decided against offering Joseph a contract.

“They continuously assured us that Joseph was better than any player they had in the youth side.

“The amount of money that they would have had to pay for him was the big factor in them deciding against it.

“Joseph will probably train with Italian side Catania over the next couple of weeks and we are also assessing some other options we have for him.”