Tabloid reports this morning claim Bolton Wanderers are winning the race to sign released Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza. The Trotters, Town, Reading, Leicester City and Turkish side Trabzonspor are all interested in signing the 29-year-old free agent this summer.

It is reported that the lure of staying in the Premier League may be what clinches Mpenza's signature for Gary Megson's club.

Yesterday, the Belgian international's agent Rachid Tajmout said he was expecting an offer of a contract by the Blues in the next few days after talks had gone well.

Tajmout was also quoted by a newspaper in Mpenza's home country saying his player would prefer to drop into the Championship rather than return to the Belgian top flight as he felt the standard was higher in the Football League.

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