By Mark Heys
January 10 2008

Veteran Celtic defender Bobo Balde has reacted favourably to a possible move to Bolton Wanderers and the Guinea international hopes that a deal can be completed sometime within the near future.

Balde is currently out of favour with the Scottish Champions and Bolton hope to bring the African to the Reebok Stadium in a £1 million deal prior to the start of the African Nations Cup.

The giant centre half has been with Celtic since 2001, but has appeared in only two games since breaking his leg during the early part of the 2006-2007 season.

A move to Sunderland fell through in the summer, but now the former Toulouse man is hopeful of concluding a switch to the Trotters before the closure of this month's transfer window.

"If the clubs reach an agreement I will go to Bolton. Celtic know my position and I'm only waiting for news. I want my future to be resolved in the next few days." said Balde to the Sun newspaper.

Wanderers manager Gary Megson has been keen to strengthen his defensive options ever since he took over in October and Balde could be joined by AZ Alkmaar full back Gretar Steinsson after the players agent confirmed Bolton where interested in the Icelandic international.