Bolton striker, Nicolas Anelka, looks ever more likely to leave the Reebok Stadium after admitting he would love a move to Chelsea.
The France forward signed a new four-year contract earlier this season, but his superb form in the campaign, where he has already scored 10 goals, has seen him heavily linked to a move to a bigger club.
"The chairmen (of Bolton and Chelsea) are discussing it," Anelka told French sports daily, L’Equipe. "I really hope it happens, and especially, that I am eligible to play in the Champions League.
"But until the contract is signed and I am presented to the press in my new shirt, nothing is done."
The former Arsenal striker has also been linked with a return to Manchester City where he played from 2002–05. And the 28-year-old insists that would not be a step backwards.
"I want to go to a bigger club and that’s what City have become under a manager such as (Sven-Goran) Eriksson, who I was ready to join in 1999 at Lazio," added Anelka.
"Staying at Bolton, where I am very happy, wouldn’t be a punishment either."
Bolton are expected to ask around £19million for Anelka, £11million more than they paid Fenerbahce for him in August 2006. And agent, Doug Pingisi, is sure the in-form front man is destined to leave sooner rather than later.
"Nico is ready to join a club at the height of his talent and his football," he said. "I would love to see him sing the Champions League anthem every year."