Bolton table £5million bid for Bullard

Bolton Wanderers are in talks with Premier League rivals Fulham over the £5 million transfer of England midfielder Jimmy Bullard, according to reports.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and with talks over a new deal stalled speculation is mounitng that Bullard could leave Craven Cottage during the January transfer window.

The former Wigan Athletic midfielder had been linked with a move to Arsenal as a replacement for their injured skipper Cesc Fabregas but Bolton are the first club to make a concrete offer.

However, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is keen to keep hold of his star player.

"We want and expect Jimmy to stay here," Hodgson said earlier this week. "He has a year and a half left on his contract and 18 months is a long time in football."

Bullard is currently sidelined with a groin problem but Bolton are still interested in a deal having had a £2million bid for Joey Barton rejected by Newcastle United earlier this week.

Bullard has impressed at Fulham and has forced his way into England manager Fabio Capello's plans.