Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has tried
to buy moody Frenchman Nicolas Anelka "several times".
Yet, to Ferguson's frustration, he has never ended up at Old
Trafford.
"We have tried to buy Anelka several times," said Ferguson. "He is
a very talented player. You always assess players with pace and
ability to score and he comes into that category, and has done
throughout his career."
Ferguson refused to say why none of his quests for Anelka had been
successful although, bizarrely given Bolton's present plight, he
feels the Parisian has actually found a home from home with the
Trotters.
"Sam (Allardyce) showed great faith in bringing him to Bolton
because he had been around a few clubs before that," said
Ferguson.
"But, for the first time, he seems to be feeling very settled and
happy, which is important for a player like Anelka.
"Sam took the risk and it has worked. Bolton are getting their
dividends and Anelka seems to have found the right club for himself
in terms of enjoying the environment and the training."