Wanderers Make Icelandic Swoop

By Mark Heys
July 20 2007

Bolton Wanderers will make their seventh signing of the summer over the weekend when tying up a move for Fulham's Icelandic international striker Heidar Helguson for a fee beleived to be in the region of £2 million.

The 29-year old has agreed terms on a three year contract with the Trotters having passed a medical at Euxton and the finer details of the deal are expected to be wrapped up today.

Helguson came into English football in the 1999-2000 season to become Watford's record signing at £1.3 million and he soon became a favourite with the Hertfordshire club over the next five years.

In 2005 he joined Fulham and in his first season with the club formed an excellent understanding with fellow front man Brian McBride in the Cottagers forward line.

One of his goals for Fulham that season came at the Reebok Stadium when his headed effort wasn't enough to give the London side a share of the points in a 2-1 reverse in February 2006.

Wanderers boss Sammy Lee is delighted to add the Scandanavian to his attacking options and praised his work ethic which is very similar to the way in which Bolton favourite Kevin Davies plays the game.

"I like Helguson a lot. He has a great work ethic and understands the demands of the Premier League. He has good overall ability and adds quality to our squad in a key area, which will be vital next season.

"I have always been an admirer of his attitude to the game and his ability to score goals at vital times."

Bolton have had success with Icelandic players in the past, former captain Gudni Bergsson went onto become a Wanderers legend making over 300 appearances over eight years, Arnar Gunnlaugsson made the club a £2 million profit in 18 months and Eidur Gudjohnsen went on to become a top level player with the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona after two good seasons with the Trotters.

WALKING DOWN THE MANNY ROAD WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME HEIDAR TO BOLTON WANDERERS