Bolton in Jardel talks

By Nada Grkinic

Jardel has been one of Europe's top strikers

Bolton are poised to make a surprise swoop to bring Sporting Lisbon striker Mario Jardel to the Reebok Stadium.

BBC Sport understands the Brazilian forward is in Bolton to discuss a possible move to the Premiership club.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has been scouring Europe for a proven striker and should he land Jardel, it will almost certainly end his interest in Spurs striker Sergei Rebrov.

Bolton had been in talks with Rebrov's representatives in England about bringing the former Spurs striker back to the Premiership from Fenerbahce.

Jardel, 29, was linked with Rangers earlier in the summer, but the Scottish champions refused to meet Sporting's £2m asking price.

Rangers offered £1.5m for Jardel, although Bolton will have to offer more if they are to land the striker.

Allardyce is keen to strengthen his squad as he prepares for the start of the new Premiership season.

And the acquisition of Jardel would increase Allardyce's options in attack, which have been hit by an injury to Youri Djorkaeff.

Djorkaeff back at Bolton

Jardel, who has one year left on his contract with Sporting, has been one of Europe's most prolific strikers.

He won the Golden Boot in 1998 and 1999 after finishing top scorer in Europe with Porto.

Jardel then moved to Turkish club Galatasaray in 2000, spending one year there before returning to Portugal with Sporting.

The Brazilian has suffered a number of personal problems over the past year and was sidelined for two months with depression at the start of last season following marriage problems.

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