BOLTON have yet to make a decision on whether to sign former Brazil international Denilson despite suggestions to the contrary by the player's brother and agent.

The 31-year-old, once the world's most expensive player, has been on trial with Wanderers having left Palmeiras in December.

Denis de Oliveira Araujo, Denilson's brother, intimated a deal was close to being done today but that claim appears to be premature.

"We have yet to make a decision, he is still on trial," said a Bolton spokesman.

Left-winger Denilson cost Real Betis about £21.5million when he moved from Sao Paulo in 1998 but struggled to live up to that price tag.

After unsuccessful spells at Flamengo, Bordeaux, Al-Nasr in Saudi Arabia and FC Dallas he returned to his homeland for what was expected to be his swansong.

However, after the end of his one-year contract with the Sao Paulo-based club in December he returned to Europe to begin a trial with Bolton last week.

Araujo claimed Denilson had impressed Wanderers boss Gary Megson with his fitness levels.

"He has undergone several tests and was highly praised by the staff," he said.

Condition

"They said that, despite not playing for a month, he has the same conditions of the other players.

"Bolton board members told us that Denilson's situation has to be settled on Wednesday.

"I am optimistic - they gave him the key of the closet of the training centre."

There was always a feeling Denilson viewed his trial with Bolton as a way of advertising himself to other clubs and Araujo said they already had another interested party.

"If they do not give us an answer then I am going to consider that the negotiation is over and, in this case, we have a proposal from another European club," he said.

MEanwhile, Matt Taylor has urged Gary Megson to "freshen up" the Bolton squad with new signings during the January transfer window.

And with extra additions Taylor insists Wanderers can start to climb back up the table.

In the absence of suspended Kevin Nolan, the former Portsmouth midfielder is set to captain the side against United at the Reebok on Saturday.

"Things need to be freshened up around the place," said Taylor, celebrating the first anniversary of his move from Fratton Park.

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