Megson braced for Anelka exit

Bolton chief concedes star striker could leave The Reebok

Last updated: 23rd November 2007

nicolas anelka bolton striker france

Anelka: Uncertain future

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Gary Megson concedes he is preparing for life at Bolton without the services of star striker Nicolas Anelka.

Bolton's start to the season has been less than impressive but in stark contrast, Anelka has stolen the plaudits with his goalscoring exploits.

The classy Frenchman has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and former club Manchester City, as his future at Bolton remains the subject of speculation.

Megson accepts the club would be powerless to prevent his departure should a sizeable offer be forthcoming and he has been using the international break to identify possible replacements.

Scouting network

"We've been doing a lot of work during the international break in terms of watching players," said Megson.

"It's no good something happening and saying 'well, we weren't ready for it'.

"You can't identify everything that's going to happen but we've got to know what we'd like to do if certain things do happen.

"What we've got to do is get the best out of Nic while he's here.

Possible departure

"If he's here for a long time then great - if he's not then we've got to make sure that when he leaves it makes us a stronger football club.

"There's been no amount of money put on it and we're not 100% sure what we're going to need, but what I will say is that anybody we do bring in will have to be quality to go with the ones we've already got."

Anelka is set to return for Saturday's home clash against Manchester United after four games out with a hamstring injury.