Allardyce lines up swoop for Ilic

Ilic reportedly impressed while on trial at the Reebok Stadium

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is close to agreeing a deal to sign Slovenia defender Branko Ilic in January, according to the player's agent.

Ilic plays for Slovenian league leaders Domzale and his representative Sam Stapleton claims the 23-year-old shone while on trial at Bolton last week.

"Bolton are very interested in Branko," said Stapleton.

"He was with them last week and performed extremely well. It should be wrapped up by the start of next week."

Everything should be wrapped up at the end of the week or the beginning of next Ilic's agent Sam Stapleton

Ilic can play as a central defender or at right back, and Stapleton insisted that agreeing a fee will not prove a problem.

"A prospective fee has already been talked about and he is back with them now to have a final check on a few things.

"Everything is set for it to push on."

A Bolton spokesman told BBC Sport: "All we can say at the moment is that it is speculation."