Speed Set To Sign For Bolton

By Matthew Jones
July 20 2004

34-year-old Wales midfielder Gary Speed is set to sign for Bolton Wanderers later today (Tuesday).

The Newcastle veteran who has been at St James' Park since '98 currently holds the Premiership appearance record and has reportedly agreed a two-year deal with Bolton.

Manchester United's Nicky Butt is the player who has been linked mostly with replacing Speed, who began his professional career with Leeds before joining Everton and then moving to Newcastle two years later for £5.5m.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce said:

"I am hopeful that Gary will complete his move later on Tuesday.

"This will be a major coup for us as I know other clubs were interested in signing him."

Speed's agent Hayden Evans told the Press Association:

"Gary had a year left on his contract but there were two very big First Division clubs and three Premier League clubs who came in for him.

"But there is a feelgood factor about Bolton and Gary sees this as a good move for him.

"Club terms were agreed over the last couple of days and we were given permission to come to Bolton to discuss terms.

"This have been agreed now so it's just a medical left."

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