Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has tried to buy moody Frenchman Nicolas Anelka "several times".
Yet, to Ferguson's frustration, he has never ended up at Old Trafford.
"We have tried to buy Anelka several times," said Ferguson. "He is a very talented player. You always assess players with pace and ability to score and he comes into that category, and has done throughout his career."
Ferguson refused to say why none of his quests for Anelka had been successful although, bizarrely given Bolton's present plight, he feels the Parisian has actually found a home from home with the Trotters.
"Sam (Allardyce) showed great faith in bringing him to Bolton because he had been around a few clubs before that," said Ferguson.
"But, for the first time, he seems to be feeling very settled and happy, which is important for a player like Anelka.
"Sam took the risk and it has worked. Bolton are getting their dividends and Anelka seems to have found the right club for himself in terms of enjoying the environment and the training."