Bolton have rekindled their interest in Spanish defender Cesar
with Sam Allardyce fearing the possible departure of Tal Ben
Haim.
The Trotters boss has admitted that the Israeli international could
yet depart the Reebok Stadium before the close of the transfer
window with Chelsea tipped to push through a late deal.
As a result, Allardyce is scouring Europe for a replacement and has
been linked with a number of players, including Paris Saint
Germain's David Rozehnal.
It appears, though, he has now turned to long-time target Cesar, a
centre-back he has been pursuing for over 12 months.
The 29-year-old is currently on the books of Primera strugglers
Levante - a side he opted to join over Bolton in the summer.
However, he finds himself out of favour at the Valencia-based
outfit and has been informed that he does not feature in the plans
of new boss Abel Resino who replaced Juan Ramon Lopez Caro earlier
this month.
The stopper missed Levante's 4-2 defeat by Sevilla at the weekend
as he was reportedly negotiating a switch to Bolton and Spanish
sources claim he will meet Levante officials on Monday in a bid to
ease his departure from the club.
The Spaniards are thought to want around 1.5million (£1million)
for the former Deportivo La Coruna man and that could represent
shrewd business for Allardyce if Ben Haim does ultimately
depart.
Meanwhile, Levante will move for Malaga striker, and former Bolton
loanee, Salva Ballesta if Cesar does leave to free up a place in
their squad.