BOLTON WANDERERS denied reports last night that Laurent Robert, the mercurial Newcastle United winger, was on the brink of joining the club. Willie McKay, Robert’s agent, had claimed on Sunday that the player had agreed personal terms with Bolton, and that a deal would be struck subject to the completion of a medical.

But despite being given permission to talk to the club by Newcastle, Robert, who has been on holiday, has yet to make a decision on his future. “Contrary to reports, Laurent Robert has not agreed personal terms with Bolton Wanderers, nor is he due to undergo a medical,” a club spokesman said yesterday.

The news is certain to rekindle the interest of Portsmouth, who had all but given up hope of signing the £1.5 million-rated Frenchman. Robert, 30, who cost Newcastle £9.5 million when he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain four years ago, is certain to leave St James’ Park after falling out with Graeme Souness, the manager.

While Bolton could afford Robert’s £40,000-a-week wages, the player would probably have to take a pay cut if he chooses to join Portsmouth.

Bolton face competition from Udinese for Vincent Candela. The 31-year-old defender, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, joined Bolton from AS Roma in January, but his short-term deal at the Reebok Stadium has come to an end and he is now available on a free transfer.

Wigan Athletic, newlypromoted to the Barclays Premiership, have appointed Bill Green, the former Scunthorpe United manager, as football co-ordinator. Green, 55, is expected to work closely with Paul Jewell, the manager, and Brenda Spencer, the chief executive, in dealing with contract and transfer negotiations, and will also help to expand the club’s European scouting network.

Jewell, who has up to £25 million to spend this summer, is having difficulty attracting big-name players to Wigan. He is understood to have outbid Everton and Newcastle for Scott Parker, only for the Chelsea midfield player to turn down a move to the JJB Stadium.

Gary Naysmith, the 26-year-old defender, has ended months of speculation about his future by signing a new three-year contract with Everton while Leon Osman has agreed a new four-year deal at Goodison Park.

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