Okocha in new Qatar link

Luis Fernandez claims Al-Rayyan are close to signing Bolton captain Jay-Jay-Okocha.

Luis Fernandez claims Qatari club Al-Rayyan are close to signing Bolton Wanderers captain Jay-Jay-Okocha.

Rumours have been rife for the past month that Fernandez is looking to work with Okocha again, having been the Nigerian's coach at Paris Saint Germain.

In July, Bolton strongly denied suggestions they would consider selling the playmaker, while Okocha stated he was happy to stay at The Reebok Stadium.

But Fernandez is refusing to give up on his pursuit of the 32-year-old and revealed on Sunday that the signing of Okocha is imminent.

Speaking on French television programme Telefoot, Fernandez announced that Al-Rayyan are close to reaching a deal for Okocha.

Reports claim that Bolton have accepted a ‚é¼4 million (£2.5 million) offer for their skipper, with Okocha set to agree a two-year contract.

Okocha was left on the substitutes' bench for Bolton's opening game of the season against Aston Villa at the weekend while the impending capture of Hidetoshi Nakata could restrict the African's playing time further.

He has spent three years with The Trotters but, if Fernandez's claims prove correct, will head for the Middle East and a bumper pay packet.

Bolton, once again, have rejected the reports and chairman Phil Gartside is considering an investigation into whether an illegal approach has been made.

"Jay-Jay is a vital asset to our football club and we have not received any offers for him whatsoever," Gartside told the club's official website.

"He's the captain and one of our most important players.

"He's under contract to this football club and there's no way we would want him to leave, especially with the season only just commencing. Also, we will be investigating the possibility of an illegal approach."

Meanwhile, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has warned Manchester City they will have to pay in excess of £1 million for Stelios Giannakopoulos.

City have already lodged a seven-figure offer for the Greece international but are rumoured to be unwilling to pay more than £1 million.

However, Allardyce wants a larger sum for the winger but concedes he will have to hold a meeting with City to discuss the situation.