Bolton Enter Utaka Race

Posted: Monday 26th July 2010

Tags: Fulham, Portsmouth, Sunderland, John Utaka

Bolton have set their sights on Portsmouth's John Utaka, according to the player himself.

Utaka looks set to leave Pompey this summer following their relegation to the Championship, with Fulham and Sunderland also interested in the 28-year-old.

Reports suggest Bayer Leverkusen are also tracking the Nigeria international, but he has admitted his wish to stay in England.

"My manager is looking into the offers before him," Utaka said.

"We have had Sunderland, Fulham and Bolton and some clubs in Germany, everything is in the air.

"I would like to stay in the Premier League. It is quick, aggressive and direct and there are loads of goals every week. And, yes, the money in England is also good."

It is understood that Pompey are willing to accept a fee of around £1million, making a loss on a player they signed for £7million in 2007.