Bolton Wanderers are tipped to win the battle for released Manchester City midfielder Martin Petrov.

The Mirror says Petrov will this week join Bolton to kick-start a transfer spree by Wanderers boss Owen Coyle.

Bulgarian winger Petrov, a free agent after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, had talks last night with Coyle, who flew back from a family holiday.

Petrov has already had a medical at the Reebok and is likely to agree terms quickly after his face-to-face summit with Coyle, who insists on talking to his targets before signing them.