Bolton manager Gary Megson is set to step up his pursuit of Real Betis' midfield powerhouse Achille Emana after conceding defeat in his attempts to lure Portuguese ace Miguel Veloso to the Reebok Stadium.

The Trotters boss has been on the trail of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Veloso, who has also attracted the interest of both Arsenal and Manchester United, for the past 12 months and even had an offer for the 23-year-old rejected by the Portuguese giants in January.

Veloso is believed to have signalled his desire to leave the Estádio José Alvalade this summer but Sporting's €10million (£8.5m) asking price and the player's desire to join a club who can offer him European football has convinced Megson to turn his attentions to Emana.

According to the Daily Mirror, Megson has tabled a £5million offer for the Cameroon international, who was a revelation for in his debut campaign for Betis despite the club's relegation from the Primera Division, scoring 11 goals and creating seven more in his attacking midfield role.

The former Toulouse star, 27, is expected to leave Los Verdiblancos this summer and has been linked with a return to France with Paris St Germain and a switch to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

However, a move to the Premier League would certainly appeal to the Indomitable Lions ace given that the physical nature of the game in England would certainly suit his powerful and aggressive style.