Ream 'granted work permit'

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden has welcomed the reports that Tim Ream has been granted a work permit.

Holden welcomes arrival of fellow USA international

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden has welcomed the reports that his fellow American, Tim Ream, has been granted a work permit and can complete his move to the Reebok Stadium. The New York Red Bulls centre-back has for several days been attempting to secure the necessary paperwork for his £2.5million transfer to be made official. Ream trained with Premier League strugglers Bolton in December, as well as West Brom, and was in the stands to watch last weekend's shock win over Liverpool. Several sources are now reporting that international clearance has been granted and so the defender is set to stay with Owen Coyle's team on a permanent basis. Holden, who is continuing his recovery from long-term injury, is pleased with Ream's arrival and hopes to soon be playing alongside his compatriot. He said on his official Twitter account: "Congrats to @TimReam05 on his work permit and move to Bolton! Welcome to the #BWFC family bro! Looking forward to playing w u !" Ream is a replacement for Gary Cahill after the England centre-back was earlier in January sold to Chelsea in a reported £7m deal.