Bolton hoping to secure loan deal for West Brom's Goran Popov

Bolton were hoping to tie up a loan deal for Albion defender Goran Popov today after overcoming red tape and clearing the way for a move.

Popov was due to join the Trotters on Monday but the move was blocked by the Premier League and Football League who were uncertain whether the loan was allowed.

However, more talks took place yesterday and the clubs are confident of finalising a transfer.

Popov, who has played just twice in the Premier League this season is on loan at Albion from Dynamo Kiev and, while English rules allow loan players to be 'sub-let', they do not permit loans from foreign clubs outside the transfer window.

The authorities claimed on Monday that the move was against the rules as Popov would effectively be loaned to Bolton from his Ukranian parent club.

However, the Trotters appear to have convinced the powers-that-be that the move would qualify as a domestic 'emergency loan' as their agreement is with the Baggies.