Bolton chairman Phil Gartside says the club have come up short in their efforts to bring former loan star Rodrigo back to the Reebok Stadium.
Trotters unable to strike a deal for former loan star
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside says the club have come up short in their efforts to bring former loan star Rodrigo back to the Reebok Stadium.
The Spain U21 international spent the 2010/11 campaign with the Trotters, with parent club Benfica keen for him to experience regular first-team football.
The Brazil-born striker impressed during his time in England and returned to Portugal a better player for the time he spent in the Premier League.
Bolton were keen to make his move permanent, with Owen Coyle aware that Rodrigo's potential could be put to good use.
They have, however, been left frustrated in their efforts, with Benfica reluctant to see the highly-rated youngster move on.
High hopes
"I have tried everything to push through a deal for Rodrigo but the president of Benfica says he is not for sale at any price," Gartside told
O Jogo.
"President (Luis Filipe) Vieira says it not a question of money and that his decision is based on sporting factors.
"Benfica do not want to part with this player because they have high hopes for him.
"If Rodrigo had been with us this season, I am convinced that our situation would be different. Bolton need his goals but it is not possible.
"I am convinced that, in a few years' time, Rodrigo will be a global star."
