By Mark Heys
July 26 2007

FC Nantes winger Christian Wilhelmsson will complete the formalities of his season long loan transfer to Bolton Wanderers within the next 24 hours the Reebok Stadium club have confirmed earlier today.

The Swedish international has been touted as a Wanderers target for the past fortnight and now it seems as if manager Sammy Lee will get his man after lengthy discussions.

Wilhelmsson will initially move to Bolton on a year long loan deal but this could be made permanent at the end of next season if he manages to make an impression.

Last season the World Cup star had a spell on loan with Italian giants Roma and he has also played in Norway with Stabaek IF, Anderlecht of Belgium and hometown club Mjallby where he began his career ten years ago.

Wanderers manager Lee was delighted at the prospect of finally being able to add the versatile winger to his squad and he beleives the Scandanavian will be well suited to the Premier League.

Speaking to the club's official website, Lee confirmed that he faced competition in his attempts to lure the 27-year old flier to the Trotters.

"I am delighted that we have finalised the deal to bring Christian Wilhelmsson to Bolton.We have been working on this deal for some time and our patience has paid off. He is a versatile winger and will add a new dimension to our new style of player we are going to implement this season.

Lee beleives the fact that Wilhelmsson can play on either flank will prove useful to the club over the coming year and has backed the Swede to provide good service to the Bolton forward line.

"One of his greatest attributes is that he is capable of playing on both the left and right flank with relative ease. He likes to attack and will give us the perfect outlet to provide good service to our attackers. His attacking prowess comes from his blistering pace and is regarded by many as one of the quickest players in the national team. He has the potential to light up the Premier League with his pace and skill.

"The English game will suit his style and with the quality we have already attracted to the Club we are building a very capable squad. Other clubs from around Europe have shown an interest in the player and it is a major coup that he has decided to join Bolton."

Wilhelmsson is as yet awaiting international clearance to seal the move but it's been a long time since the Wanderers have seen an out and out winger in their squad.

WALKING DOWN THE MANNY ROAD WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME CHRISTIAN TO BOLTON WANDERERS