United in Nolan Swoop?

Nolan Bid?
By Chris O'Brien
February 16 2006

Manchester United have been linked with a summer swoop for Bolton's versatile hard-man Kevin Nolan. The 23-year-old has been on impressive form this season, with the Trotters battling at the right end of the Premiership and making significant progress in the Uefa Cup.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Wednesday evening, adding weight to speculation that the Red Devils will make a summer move for Wanderers midfielder Kevin Nolan.

The 23-year-old has impressed this season with the Trotters, netting nine goals in a largely successful campaign for the Lancastrian side. United have been linked with a move for the Scouser before, and Sir Alex is thought to have been impressed with the player’s performance as Bolton held Marseille.

The departure of Roy Keane, now plying his trade with childhood heroes Celtic, has left a gaping hole in United’s midfield. Nolan could provide the determination and grit now missing from MUFC, and at such a tender age he still has plenty of time to improve and possesses a potent goalscoring threat.

However, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is unlikely to part with one of his prize asset’s easily. Nolan’s aggressive and passionate play fit in perfectly with the style of play Allardyce’s side adopt, whilst a price tag of £8million and a long-term contract could well deter any move at the end of the season.