A FRENCH football team could soon be playing home games at the Reebok Stadium -- but Wanderers fans will not have to swap their allegiance to another team.

Dignitaries from Bolton's twin town of Le Mans were so impressed with the Horwich ground during a recent visit that they began thinking about building a replica for their local side.

Now officials at second division Le Mans Union Club 72 are deciding whether a copy of "Le Reebok" could replace their 12,000-seater ground.

A Wanderers spokesman said: "A group of dignitaries from Le Mans came to the stadium during a recent visit to town and seemed quite keen to emulate what we had done here. They liked the way a hotel, offices and shopping facilities had been incorporated into the ground's design.

"They said they would take their ideas back to France."

Le Mans' interest in the Reebok comes at a time when Wanderers are developing links with continental clubs.

The Evening News revealed recently that Italian giants Juventus were planning to share training ideas with the Bolton team after Sam Allardyce flew to Turin for talks.

And Whites fans say Le Mans supporters would enjoy the same thrill at their version of the Reebok as Boltonians do while watching the Wanderers at home.

Kath Brown of the Wanderers supporters club said: "The Reebok is an excellent ground. It is designed in such a way that fans have a completely uncluttered view of the match.

"And it is absolutely up to date in terms of facilities. I can understand why the Le Mans side would be interested. I'm sure their supporters would enjoy watching games at a Reebok in France."