7:40am Friday 3rd September 2010
By Marc Iles
WANDERERS are believed to be close to terminating Riga’s contract at the Reebok.
The Dutch striker, who has started just three times in more than two years since arriving from Spanish club Levante, was excluded from a 24-man squad submitted to the Premier League on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old’s name was circulated in the summer transfer window after he was told he had no first-team future under Owen Coyle. But when no buyers came forward, the club moved to sever links completely.
Riga, who is reported to be earning £1million a year, has a season left to run on his current deal and could not agree a severance package before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
It is understood he has been given the option to train with the club until the next transfer window opens in January but will not now be able to compete at first-team level. Both Danny Shittu and Nicky Hunt agreed similar deals to leave the Reebok in the last few weeks, with long-serving Hunt signing almost immediately on his departure from Bolton for Bristol City in the Championship.
Shittu will represent Nigeria this weekend in an African Nations Cup qualifier against Madagascar and claims to have several offers on the table – one of which is reported to be from SPL giants Celtic.
“I believe quitting Bolton was the right step to take because I didn’t have any option to play,” the defender said.
“I wish the club all the best in the future and now I have to find myself a new club.
“I am now reviewing my options and there are quite a few sides interested in me from Europe and the Middle East.
“Hopefully I can announce where my future lies shortly after I return from international duty.”
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