Trotters scupper double swoop

Last updated : 01 February 2008 By Rick Lamb
Glenn Roeder seems to have been denied on two fronts in the transfer window by the activities of Bolton boss Gary Megson.

First, Megson beat Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish to the signature of Gary Cahill from Aston Villa. This meant that even though Roeder eventually increased his bid for defender Martin Taylor to the £1million asking price, Blues were not in a position to sell the former carrow Road loanee because of a lack of cover.

Wanderers then surprised a lot of people by choosing to bring in Gregorz Rasiak. The Polish striker had impressed for Southampton in their defeat to Norwich on Tuesday, and Roeder had taken advanced steps in trying to secure a loan deal. The chance to replace Nicolas Anelka in the Bolton forward line, however, won over.

It wasn't all bad news for Norwich as they secured four new loan signings and the crucial extension of the deal for Ched Evans to the end of the season. Reading's Alex Pearce and James Henry, Middlesbrough's Matthew Bates and Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs joined the already borrowed Evans, Ryan Bertrand and Mo Camara at Carrow Road. Only five of the above can be included in a matchday squad because of league rules.

City will be pleased not to be having to face reject Chris Brown at the weekend. The Preston striker scored on his debut but his sending off in their surprise win over leaders West Brom means he will be suspended for Saturday's clash.