Japanese international Ono attracts Bolton interest
3/1/2006 12:07
Shinji Ono, seemingly on his way back to Japan from Feyenoord, may yet be
thrown a European lifeline after Bolton Wanderer admitted interest in bringing
the Japanese international forward to England.
Earlier this month the Dutch
giants confirmed that the 26-year-old, who scored 19 goals during 111
appearances for the De Kuip Stadium outfit, was to leave the Netherlands and
return home to play for his former side Urawa Red Diamonds.
Following
Feyenoord's announcement, however, Ono has made no secret of his desire to stay
in Europe -- a stance that is clearly attracting the Trotters.
"He (Ono) is a
player that we would be very interested in," Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce told
the club's official website.
While Allardyce believes Ono, who nearly signed
for Bolton last August, could play a vital part in his team's bid for both
Premiership and UEFA Cup glory, the Englishman has also been quick to admit that
due to financial constraints a permanent deal for Ono may be beyond the
Premiership high-flyers.
"If we could get him on a loan deal then that would
be very nice but I am sure his club will want a fee."
Should Ono make the
move to Bolton, he will become the third Asian on the books at Wanderers'
impressive Reebok Stadium after international colleague Hidetoshi Nakata and
Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi who is scheduled to join the four-time FA Cup
winner next month.
Xinhua News
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