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With Didier Drogba and Salamon Kalou away on international duty for Ivory Coast at the African Nations Cup and Andriy Shevchenko out injured, Blues boss Avram Grant is keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of Saturday's clash at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have already had an £11 million bid for Anelka rejected as Bolton reportedly value the journeyman goal ace at £15 million.

But Grant is now prepared to rush through a deal to capture the Frenchman in time to make his debut against Chelsea's London rivals.

Grant said: "We have confirmed our interest in Anelka. We wanted him for Tuesday and I hope that he will now get him for Saturday.

"If not we'll continue with the players that we have. We are missing three strikers so it's important to do it quickly."

But Bolton boss Gary Megson remains hopeful the deal will fall through and that he will be able to hang on to his prize asset.

He told the Bolton News on Tuesday: "Nic's been into my office this morning and we have spoken about the situation we are all in.

"We just agreed that there was not a massive amount that he could do or I could do. It's just between the two clubs on whether they can get an agreement.

"They have not been able to match what we want for him and I am still hopeful they can't and Nic stays here.

"Any deal has to suit three parties. It has to be right for us, for Chelsea and for Nic.

"If he does go, it has to be for the right reasons."

Should Bolton's valuation of Anelka be met, the 28-year-old's total career transfer fees will total nearly £85 million.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport