FRANCISCO Pavon, the Real Madrid defender who learned his trade alongside the legendary Fernando Hierro, is on Wanderers' wanted list.

Sam Allardyce has checked out the 27-year-old centre-back and sources in Spain claim the Bolton boss is close to sealing a deal that will see him move to the Reebok on a four-year contract this summer.

Pavon, nicknamed Paco, graduated through the youth ranks at the Bernabeu Stadium to become a regular alongside the famous Galacticos.

He made 114 appearances for Real, including 27 in the Champions League, in a five-season stretch, but has not figured this season.

His contract expires in June, when he will be available on a Bosman-style free transfer.

A tall, strong and quick defender, Pavon made a big impression growing up in the Real juniors and showed maturity beyond his years when he broke into the senior ranks in the 2001-02 season - a factor he has always put down to the calming influence of Hierro, his inspirational captain and defensive partner.Hierro, who was Real's rock in their glory years, followed his former Madrid team-mate Ivan Campo to the Reebok in July 2004, and left a big impression on Bolton fans, making 35 appearances for the Whites in what turned out to be the final year of his glittering career.

Henrik Pedersen, who has been told there will be no deal for him at the Reebok when his contract expires at the end of the season, has hinted that he is considering a return to Denmark.