Bolton in talks with Veloso

Bolton manager Gary Megson has confirmed the club have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon about the possibility of signing defensive midfielder Miguel Veloso.

The 22-year-old is one of the most highly-rated prospects in Europe and Megson is hopeful Wanderers can lure him to the Barclays Premier League.

Reports have suggested the fee would be in the region of £12m, which, if the transfer were to come off, would break the £8m club record Megson paid for Johan Elmander in the summer.

“It is something we are trying to do but whether it comes to fruition is another thing,” said Megson.

“It is difficult talking about someone else’s player but he is a quality act and if we can do it we will try to bring him in.

“We are interested in the lad and I’m sure other people will be as well.

“We have spoken to them (Sporting) but that is all it is.”

Megson admitted that some people may be surprised at Bolton being in the market for a £12m player but said the funds were there if they could find the right target.

“He certainly is [expensive] but that is not the issue,” he added.

“If we can take the right player to Eddie Davies (the club’s owner) there has never been an amount of money that he hasn’t given us.

“If it is a player we think will improve us and it is do-able we will try to do it.

“We would like to bring in quality players but if they are not quality players we won’t do it for the sake of it.”

Bolton may have their work cut out, however, as at the weekend Veloso stressed he did not want to leave the club.

“I started at Sporting, it was Sporting that created me and I just have to thank Sporting for everything they have done for me,” he told the club’s website, www.sporting.pt.

“I am happy at the Alvalade and I will continue to work to help the team achieve what we want. I am committed.”