Confusion Reigns Over Stelios Bid

By Mark Heys
August 13 2005

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has denied that the club has received a bid from Manchester City for Greek midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos, but reports coming from Eastlands are claiming otherwise.

A report in this morning's Daily Mirror newspaper suggested that Giannakopoulos was making the short journey to Manchester after a fee of £1.5 million was agreed between the two clubs.

Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has angrily denied such claims and stated that he has not, and will not, entertain any bid that is forthcoming from the City of Manchester Stadium.

Speaking to bwfc.co.uk the chairman said:

"We have not received any offer from Manchester City, or any other club for that matter, with regard to Stelios Giannakopoulos.

Stelios is under contract until the end of the season and negotiations are progressing well in respect of him signing an improved contract.

The speculation is unsettling the player and all he wants to do is concentrate on playing for Bolton in The Premiership and the Uefa Cup."

However City spokesperson Paul Tyrell has later revealed that there was an offer for Stelios put to the Wanderers on Saturday morning which was awaiting a response.

"We contacted Bolton today and made a substantial offer for the player and are awaiting a response"

Trotters manager Sam Allardyce was also remaining coy on the earlier reports as Giannakopoulos sat on the substitutes bench during the Wanderers 2-2 draw with Aston Villa this afternoon.

Allardyce, who has used Giannakopoulos sparingly over pre-season due to the players international commitments, says that the Greek was always going to be on the bench regardless of any speculations.

Bolton have been subjected to constant transfer speculation regarding this player all summer and are understandably growing frustrated. Should the 31-year old sign the new contract put to him, then these persistant rumours will be finally put to bed once and for all.