Malky Mackay had a big say in Bolton Wanderers' move for Millwall striker Marvin Sordell.

The Mirror says Owen Coyle made an inquiry for Sordell during deadline day but backed off because of the price-tag and after making background checks on the young forward.

The Premier League club had contacted former Watford manager Mackay for an honest assessment of the England Under-21 international's recent form before increasing their offer.

Mackay advised Bolton that the young forward was not yet ready for the step up, but Coyle then discovered that Cardiff had tabled a £3.2million offer for Sordell - and were whisking him to Wales for a medical.

Coyle immediately matched that bid, offering Sordell a ticket to the Premier League rather than a reunion with his old gaffer in Cardiff.

"I am delighted to have brought Marvin to our club, as there were a number of other Premier League clubs tracking him," Coyle told .

"We know that he has great potential and I am really looking forward to working with him.

"Overall, we're very pleased with all the players we have been able to bring in, as we have strengthened and added real quality signings to our squad."