Chelsea’s hopes of signing Nicolas Anelka before the London derby with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday increased after the France striker demanded yesterday to be allowed to leave Bolton Wanderers.

It is understood that Anelka confronted Gary Megson, the Bolton manager, after training in the morning and pleaded to be sold immediately. The clubs remained in negotiations throughout the day, but have yet to agree a fee after Chelsea’s opening bid of £11 million was rejected on Monday.

Bolton are standing firmly by their £15 million valuation, with Megson insisting that Anelka, 28, would not be allowed to leave on the cheap. Chelsea are expected to make a final offer of £12.5 million today.

Dead certs

Middlesbrough expect to complete the £10 million transfer of Afonso Alves, the Heerenveen and Brazil forward, by the weekend.

Everton are close to bringing Manuel Fernandes, the 21-year-old Valencia and Portugal midfield player, back to Goodison Park on loan. He will arrive on Merseyside today to finalise terms and have a medical examination.

Decent bets

Middlesbrough have expressed interest in Cristiano Lucarelli, the Shakhtar Donetsk and Italy forward, as well as Fred, the Lyons and Brazil forward.

Aston Villa have targeted Pascal Chimbonda after being told by Arsenal that Justin Hoyte is not for sale. Chimbonda’s position at Tottenham Hotspur appears in jeopardy after the club tried to sign Alan Hutton from Rangers. Jean-Alain Boumsong’s proposed move to Fulham has been put on hold for a week because Jonathan Zebina, his fellow Juventus defender, is injured. Geovanni’s agent claims that the midfield player could leave Manchester City for Deportivo La Coruña.

Bolton Wanderers have held talks with Celtic about Bobo Baldé, the Guinea defender, who has made only two appearances this season.

He turned down a move to Sunderland in the summer.

Long shots

Sven-Göran Eriksson, the Manchester City manager, has distanced himself from suggestions that he wants to sign Mancini, the AS Roma winger.

Valeri Domovchiyski, the Levski Sofia forward, who is on trial at Blackburn Rovers, has attracted interest from Sheffield United.