Bolton priced out of Veloso race

Veloso says he is happy in Lisbon but interested in playing abroad

Bolton have been priced out of the race to sign highly-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.

Newcastle and Manchester City have also been linked with the Portuguese international, who could fetch in excess of £12m if he leaves Sporting.

"The amount they want, I wouldn't feel comfortable paying, and nobody else will," said Bolton boss Gary Megson.

"As far as I'm concerned it's finished. We've got two offers in for two players and interest in two others," he added.

606: DEBATE He isn't really a potential signing because he is far too good for us jimbo

Megson was speaking after Bolton's 3-2 home win over Tottenham.

On Friday Bolton sold long-serving midfielder Kevin Nolan to Newcastle for £4m.

A holding midfielder, Veloso was a member of Benfica's youth academy, before he switched to Sporting at the age of 14.

He has seven caps for Portugal, and in the past was frequently linked with a move to Manchester United when Carlos Queiroz was Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant.

Veloso's father Antonio is a former Portugal international defender.

The winter transfer window is due to close on Monday 2 February at 1700 GMT.