English Premier league side Bolton announced on Monday they have rejected a bid from Chelsea for their French striker Nicolas Anelka.
Chelsea confirmed they had made a move for the 28-year-old, who signed a four-year contract with Bolton earlier this season, but insisted negotiations were ongoing and they were still hopeful of landing the player.
"We can confirm we have made an official offer for the transfer of Nicolas Anelka, which is being discussed with Bolton Wanderers," a statement on Chelsea's Web site said.
Chelsea's bid was not disclosed but according to sources close to Bolton the club have fixed a price tag on the mercurial Frenchman at 17 millions euros (US$25 million).
The Londoners are eager to bring in a top-level scorer to cover for Didier Drogba who will play for the Ivory Coast in the African Nations Cup later this month and the injured Andriy Shevchenko.
And Anelka seems to fit the bill for Avram Grant's side having scored 11 goals despite his side struggling in the first half of the new campaign.
Anelka joined Bolton in 2006 but despite signing a new contract this season the forward has made his interest in joining a bigger club known.
Anelka has a reputation for not becoming too attached to clubs, having also played for Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Paris Saint Germain and Turkish club Fenerbahce during his colorful career.
The controversial striker has also had a strained relationship with several France national coaches, notably Jacques Santini and Roger Lemerre.
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