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Moreno agrees Bolton move

By Francisco Acedo
EXCLUSIVE
Atletico Madrid striker Javi Moreno has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season after passing a medical, and is now awaiting international clearance.

Trotters boss Sam Allardyce has been chasing the Spaniard to beef up his attack and has been keen to thrash out a deal during January's transfer window.

Allardyce has now been successful in his pursuit of the former Milan forward after Moreno revealed the reasons for concurring on a deal.

Moreno will begin life at The Reebok Stadium once clearance is received, and he is eager to grasp his chance of regular action after being used infrequently by Atletico.

"My move to Bolton is not one to escape Spanish football," Moreno told skysports.com.

"I am prepared to play in La Liga but if they do not give me the opportunities I am not going to sit in the stands.

"I am a professional footballer and my will is to play.

"The Premier League attracts me. It is a great championship, the best one in Europe after the Spanish.

"I am going to spend the next five months with Bolton. Afterwards, we will see because I still have another year on my contract with Atletico."

The ex-Alaves marksman also admitted Bolton boss Allardyce was a key factor in his decision to accept a temporary move to The Premiership.

He added: "The manager of Bolton came to see me to negotiate my loan and that says a lot for me.

"I see that he trusts me and I don't want to defraud him but I can't deceive anybody and say to the fans that I am going to score 20 goals in five months.

"I am prepared to play at any time but I understand that first I must get used to the way Bolton play and know my team-mates.

"Anyway, I leave the decision in the hands of the manager as to when he wants to use me."

Moreno acknowledged the presence of compatriot Ivan Campo at The Reebok was another persuasive factor behind his decision.

"To have another Spaniard in Bolton's squad can be very positive in all senses. It will help me to connect to this style of football as quickly as possible."