Petrov - snapped up by Bolton.

TROTTERS SEAL PETROV SWOOP
Bolton have sealed the signing of Martin Petrov on a free transfer.

The Bulgaria midfielder, who agreed terms with the club after being released by Manchester City at the end of last season, has penned a two-year deal.

"He's someone I've admired for a long time because he's a top-class player and this is a tremendous signing for the club," Wanderers manager Owen Coyle told the official club website.

"As far as I'm concerned he's probably one of the best Bosman transfers available. To try to purchase him on the market last year then it would have cost you £4-5million easily.

"He has played in a Manchester City side - one which was going for the Champions League - over the last few years so that tells you the level that he's played at. Plus he's got a tremendous pedigree having played at major European clubs like Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid as well.

"He can play on the left, play on the right and behind the main striker, so he has different dimensions to his play. He's an exciting player, a creator of goals and he's also a scorer of goals and he's a tremendous all-round player."

Petrov spent three years with City, scoring 12 goals in 66 appearances - a tally that surely would have been larger had injury not blighted his time in Manchester.

A knee injury prematurely ended his involvement last season and he was subsequently released by Roberto Mancini.

Everton, West Ham and Aston Villa were also linked with Petrov, though Bolton's interest always appeared the most concrete.

In 77 caps, the 31-year-old has scored 19 times for Bulgaria.