Djorkaeff keen to extend Bolton stay

Youri Djorkaeff is planning on a final-season hurrah with Bolton – with the hope of playing alongside Brazil star Rivaldo.

There are not many who believed Djorkaeff would stay with Bolton beyond an initial loan spell when he joined the club in the January transfer window of the 2001-02 season from Kaiserslautern.

But Djorkaeff proved a revelation, keeping Bolton in the Premier League that campaign, eventually signing a permanent deal, and now he is ready to commit himself to a further one-year extension.

The former World Cup winner with France, who recently turned 36, scored twice in the 4-1 victory over Leeds yesterday to help condemn United to the Football League.

He said: “We are to have talks before the end of the season.

“If Bolton need me one more year, then I will stay. Why not?”

It is hoped chairman Phil Gartside and boss Sam Allardyce can persuade former World Footballer of the Year Rivaldo to pledge his immediate future to Bolton in what would be another coup for the club.

Just as Djorkaeff’s capture stunned football, so would that of Rivaldo, with the French midfielder adding: “It would be an honour for Rivaldo to come to us.

“If this kind of player wants to play for Bolton, it would be a victory for us. I took the chance, so why not him?

“Not many people expected me to sign for Bolton, but when I did my ambition was to help Bolton survive and then my ambition was to realise some good things for the club. Now I wish to maintain this ambition.”

Bolton have now won their last four matches to propel themselves to seventh in the league, and within touching distance of a UEFA Cup spot for next season.

Victories in their final two matches at Everton and at home to Fulham would give Bolton a remarkable end to a season – and their highest-ever finish to a Premier League campaign – which has seen them reach a cup final for the first time in their history.

Djorkaeff believes anything is possible, adding: “It’s fantastic what we have done.

“Seventh position is unique and would be the first time for this club. With a great chance we can have something good at the end of the season, like the UEFA Cup. Why not?

“That has to be the goal. We’re playing good football and it would be a great finish to the season for the fans, the club and for the future.

“This year was the first we have played a final, and for the club it was a great moment, but for the players it was a disappointment. We have won nothing at the moment.

“If we finish the season knowing we are in the UEFA Cup next season, it would not be a trophy, but for the club and for the players, it would be a victory.”