Martin Petrov on verge of signing for Espanyol

There have been reports out of Spain for a little bit now about Martin Petrov leaving Bolton Wanderers in favor of a return to Spain. The club in question are Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona, S.A.D., or simply, Espanyol. The draw there for Martin Petrov is to be reunited with coach Javier Aguirre, under whom he played for while at Atletico Madrid from 2005 to 2007.

According to the Bolton News, the club have declined to comment on the situation but Martin Petrov has flown out to Spain already to complete talks and sign the papers. The deal could become official in as soon as the next 24 hours and there would be no transfer fees involved.

The move would rid Bolton of Petrov's reportedly large wage debt but it will come as a shame for the fans. Petrov was often Bolton's greatest attacking threat and his ability to shoot from distance as well as whip crosses in with pace would be missed. It was his clever cross that allowed Marvin Sordell to score Bolton's second goal against Sunderland.

Petrov has made just 14 appearances for Bolton Wanderers this season with eight of those 14 coming from the substitute's bench.