Bolton move for Czech defender

Bolton are reported to be close to signing Czech Republic international Pavel Mares.

Trotters boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bring in some new faces to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window.

Allardyce has made a new left back one of his top targets and he has lined up a deal for Zenit St Petersburg ace Mares.

Mares, who was a member of Czech Republic's World Cup squad, has dropped down the pecking order at Zenit with summer signing Kim Dong-Jin keeping him out of the side.

The former Sparta Prague star claims the chance to move to England with Bolton is too good an opportunity to turn down.

"I was happy to play in St Petersburg for Zenit supporters," said Mares.

"And it is very hard for me to leave Zenit, but I want to play football and it's a fantastic opportunity to play in England in one of the top English clubs."

Mares is expected to arrive in England later this week to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.