Bobic offered to Bolton on bargain wage

The Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is being offered the veteran German striker Fredi Bobic on a cut-price salary – because Borussia Dortmund want him off their payroll.

Bobic's chances of a return to the Reebok have increased dramatically because Dortmund are willing to pick up most of the tab for his £30,000-a-week wages and leave Wanderers with around £8,000 a week to give Bobic.

Borussia have written Bobic out of their plans but he is still under contract to them and only Bolton have shown a realistic interest. Bobic could arrive in time for the Premiership opener with Fulham and leave them well within their budget.

Allardyce may take the chance as he is facing a striking crisis. The England international Michael Ricketts may be out for a month if a nagging knee problem continues. The Dane Henrik Pedersen is his only senior option, with the youngster Jonathan Walters the main alternative.