Nicolas Anelka has revealed that he hopes to secure a move from Bolton to Chelsea.
The Frenchman has been strongly linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look for striking reinforcements.
Blues boss Avram Grant confirmed on New Year's Day he is a big admirer of Anelka and refused to rule out a swoop for the former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward.
Bolton chief Gary Megson admitted he faced a fight to keep hold of his star striker and Anelka says he hopes a deal can be struck to allow him to move to West London.
Anelka claims talks are ongoing between the clubs and that he is interested in playing at the highest level with Chelsea.
Hope
"The chairmen discuss, I hope that it will be carried out," Anelka told L'Equipe Magazine in an interview to be published this weekend.
"I especially hope that I qualify for the Champions League.
"But as long as the contract is not signed and that I have not been introduced to the press with my new shirt, nothing is fact."
Anelka also refused to rule out a possible return to Manchester City, with Sven Goran Eriksson also thought to be keen on signing the French international.
The 28-year-old admits the lure of playing Eriksson is an attractive proposition if City make a move for his services.
Prestigious
"I want to play for a prestigious club, which City became with a manager like Eriksson, who I was already very ready to join in 1999 with Lazio," added Anelka.
It is believed that Bolton and Chelsea are struggling to reach an agreement over the fee for Anelka with the Reebok outfit thought to be holding out for a price in the region of £19million for the much-travelled striker.
Anelka admits if no move fails to materialise, he would have no problem staying at Bolton as he is content at the club.
"To remain in Bolton, where I am happy, would not be a punishment either," concluded Anelka.
The Frenchman has been strongly linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look for striking reinforcements.
Blues boss Avram Grant confirmed on New Year's Day he is a big admirer of Anelka and refused to rule out a swoop for the former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward.
Bolton chief Gary Megson admitted he faced a fight to keep hold of his star striker and Anelka says he hopes a deal can be struck to allow him to move to West London.
Anelka claims talks are ongoing between the clubs and that he is interested in playing at the highest level with Chelsea.
Hope
"The chairmen discuss, I hope that it will be carried out," Anelka told L'Equipe Magazine in an interview to be published this weekend.
"I especially hope that I qualify for the Champions League.
"But as long as the contract is not signed and that I have not been introduced to the press with my new shirt, nothing is fact."
Anelka also refused to rule out a possible return to Manchester City, with Sven Goran Eriksson also thought to be keen on signing the French international.
The 28-year-old admits the lure of playing Eriksson is an attractive proposition if City make a move for his services.
Prestigious
"I want to play for a prestigious club, which City became with a manager like Eriksson, who I was already very ready to join in 1999 with Lazio," added Anelka.
It is believed that Bolton and Chelsea are struggling to reach an agreement over the fee for Anelka with the Reebok outfit thought to be holding out for a price in the region of £19million for the much-travelled striker.
Anelka admits if no move fails to materialise, he would have no problem staying at Bolton as he is content at the club.
"To remain in Bolton, where I am happy, would not be a punishment either," concluded Anelka.
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