Soccer / Beitar J'lem closes on Bolton's Idan Tal

Beitar Jerusalem's sporting director Giora Spiegel flew back to Israel last night from the team's training camp in the Netherlands to try and close a deal to bring midfielder Idan Tal to the club from English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers.

Bolton yesterday granted permission to the Israel midfielder to hold talks with Beitar and said that it would release him on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old, who had arrived at the Reebok Stadium from Maccabi Haifa last summer, but failed to make an impression and was used only in 16 top-flight appearances.

"We don't have a date yet, but I am certain that Idan Tal will play for Beitar," coach Itzhak Shum said last night.

Beitar hopes to have Tal on board by the 15th of the month as it prepares for its Champions League qualifier against FC Copenhagen.

Meanwhile, Beitar is also stepping up its efforts to bring in a foreign striker, with Croatia international Bosko Balaban the club's preferred choice. Balaban, 29, has played for Dinamo Zagreb, Aston Villa and FC Brugges.

Another player on Beitar's hit list is Peru striker Andreas Mendoza, who is currently in action for his country at the Copa America. Levski Sofia striker Emil Angelov has also reportedly been offered to Beitar.