By Mark Heys
January 8 2006

Confusion reigns over the future of Bolton target Cesar Martin after chairman Phil Gartside and his manager Sam Allardyce both offered conflicting views regarding the Wanderers pursuit of the Spanish international. Spanish news source Marca claimed that a deal had been agreed between Bolton and Cesar's club Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday morning with the only formality being personal terms.

After the Watford win Bolton manager Allardyce confirmed an interest in the former Real Oviedo player and was hopeful of tying up a deal to boost his depleted squad which had to be patched up for the game at Vicarage Road.

"I would like to sign him, I played the only 11 senior players who were available today with the exception of Jussi Jaaskelainen, who was rested" said Allardyce.

Interestingly chairman Phil Gartside later dismissed the reports out of hand and confirmed that the Wanderers would not be attempting to sign the 28-year old World Cup hopeful.

"We have made no approach to Deportivo to sign the player. It baffles me where these reports originate. It is unlikely we will be pursuing an interest in Cesar." suggested Gartside

Cesar has been in and out of the Deportivo side this season and is looking for regular football to boost his chances of making his country's squad for the prestigious international tournament in Germany next summer.

Wanderers Premiership rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the past but it seems as if Cesar will stay where he is for the time being at least.