Bolton have rejected West Brom's improved £1.5million bid for unsettled centre-back Abdoulaye Meite, describing it as "derisory".The Baggies are closing in on Charlton defender Madjid Bougherra after having a £2million bid accepted on Wednesday.

So Tony Mowbray has now turned his attention to adding Meite to his Hawthorns squad.

The Ivory Coast defender is out of favour with Trotters boss Gary Megson - but the flame-haired supremo is standing firm on his £3million valuation of the powerful 27-year-old.

Albion had a £1.25million bid rejected earlier this month, and have now had a slightly-improved offer knocked back by the Trotters.

It is believed Megson is prepared to accept £2million for Meite, who has also atrracted interest from Hull City.

But he is not prepared to give his former employers a cut-price deal, with a club source telling The Bolton News: "The offer is derisory. Abdoulaye is a player with considerable Premier League experience.

"Gary is not openly touting Abdoulaye for a transfer and will not let him go for anything other than market value."

Meite has not figured for Wanderers since his refusal to play the second half against Manchester United at Old Trafford back in April with his side 2-0 down at half-time.

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