Bolton Wanderers have rejected a bid from Chelsea for their star striker Nicolas Anelka.

"Chelsea can confirm we have made an official offer for the transfer of Nicolas Anelka which is being discussed with Bolton Wanderers," the London club said on their website but initial bid has been knocked back by the Trotters.

The value of the bid has been undisclosed, but it is believed to have been in the region of £12 million.

Chelsea are looking to bolster their forward as soon as possible as they will be without Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou for the African Cup of Nations.

Last week, Anelka confirmed that he was interested in a move to Stamford Bridge and that the two clubs were talking.

"The chairmen (of Bolton and Chelsea) are discussing it. I really hope it happens - and especially that I am eligible to play in the Champions League," he told L'Equipe.

"But until the contract is signed and I am presented to the press in my new shirt, nothing is done."

"Staying at Bolton, where I am very happy, wouldn't be a punishment either."

The former Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid man has often courted controversy due to the number of transfer requests he has made in the past.

However, the 28-year-old is now married and believed to be a more settled character and the France forward signed a new four-year contract with Bolton earlier this season.

Nevertheless, his excellent form has seen him being consistently linked with a host of top clubs and Chelsea are expected to return with another bid.

Anelka has scored 11 goals this season, but was left out of the Bolton team that lost 1-0 to Sheffield United in the FA Cup at the weekend, keeping him eligible for that competition.

Seán Fay / Eurosport