Bolton have dismissed claims that Brazilian international Rivaldo has had a change of heart and is on the verge of joining the club. Sam Allardyce was keen to sign the former World player of the Year, after making the player an offer at the end of May, but Rivaldo then flew off to talk to clubs in Germany, Spain and the Middle East as well discussing a possible deal with Scottish champions Celtic.
It has been reported that the player's representatives were in England last week trying to resurrect the deal, but Bolton insist there is now no possibility of Rivaldo coming to the Reebok.
"I can categorically confirm that Rivaldo will not be joining us, it is absolute nonsense," said Allardyce. "It astounds me where these stories come from."
Rivaldo has been without a club since parting company with Brazilian side Cruzeiro. He had been with the club for only a month before leaving following the departure of former Brazil coach Vanderiei Luxemburgo.
Although the Rivaldo deal now appears to be dead, Allardyce has invited four players to join the club's training camp in Portugal as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new season. They include former Southampton and Aston Villa star Hassan Kachloul as well as ex-Middlesborough player Emerson, along with Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim and Lens midfielder Cyril Rool.
Ben Haim booked his place on the plane to Portugal after impressing Allardyce in Saturday's friendly match against none-league outfit Radcliffe Borough. The 22-year-old is currently contracted to his club side Maccabi Tel Aviv, but Allardyce may yet sign the young defender if he can agree a reasonable fee.
"Tal Ben Haim has all the attributes to be a classy centre half and we will monitor his progress. He is a current Israeli international and is ken to play in the Premiership," said Allardyce. "I have also been impressed with Emerson in training and I want to see how he'll interact with the squad this week.
"Hassan Kachloul has Premiership experience with Southampton, Aston Villa and Wolves. He is a competent striker and would definitely do a job for us. We will also have a look at Cyril Rool. He has proven experience in the French league with six years at the top level."
Former Spain captain Fernando Hierro is not with the squad, although he is believed to be another transfer target, but former Manchester United winger Jordi Cruyff will not be joining the club.
Allardyce has already signed Michael Bridges and Les Ferdinand, but has failed to recruit Wolves striker Henri Camara, Porto captain Nuno Valente or Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt.
