Defender swoop ruled out

Bolton have turned down Derby's approach for defender Danny Shittu after the Rams tried to land him on loan.

The defender has struggled for first-team football at the Reebok Stadium since arriving from Watford in the summer and Derby wanted to take him to Pride Park for a month.

However Trotters boss Gary Megson has told the Rams no deal as he is lacking strength in depth and has no experienced back up for Gary Cahill or Andy O'Brien should they pick up an injury or suspension.

Birmingham have also expressed an interest in the defender but Bolton will not be letting him go until January at the earliest when they would be able to draft in a replacement.