Bolton beat Lille to André signature

Bolton Wanderers FC have beaten French side Lille OSC to the signature of FC Nantes Atlantique striker Pierre-Yves André on a six-month loan.

Help needed
André, 28, who has previously played for Stade Rennais FC and SC Bastia, opted for a switch to the English Premiership club as a replacement for Michael Ricketts, who has joined Middlesbrough FC.

French connection
André played UEFA Champions League football last season for Lille and brings plenty of experience to Bolton where he will team in attack up with fellow Frenchman Youri Djorkaeff and another loan signing, Spain's Salva Ballesta.

Lille frustrated
Lille believed they had reached an agreement to sign the player last night and had hoped to tie up at the deal this afternoon as they sough to strengthen a forward line weakened by injuries to Hector Tapia and Mikkel Beck.

Defensive experience
Meanwhile, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce further strengthened his squad with the signing of Florent Laville from Olympique Lyonnais. The 29-year-old French defender has also joined on a six-month loan, and will be hoping to help Bolton in their relegation struggle.