Wanderers boss Sammy Lee has been dismissive of the rash of speculation stories linking him with moves for a variety of player, including the Qatar based Ecuador international striker Carlos Tenorio and Lille's French full-back Mathieu Chalme.

But he has confirmed having had a fleeting interest in the French midfielder, Antoine Sibierski, who joined Wigan Athletic on a two-year contract after rejecting a new one-year deal at Newcastle.

Lee spoke to the 32-year-old former Manchester City player on Sunday but got the impression he always favoured a move to Wigan.

"It was only a long shot," the Wanderers boss said. "I heard he was prepared to speak to us, so I went to see him. He was impressed with everybody here, but I think he had already decided he was going to Wigan."

Sibierski said he was attracted by Wigan's potential.

"Bolton was definitely a temptation and I thought about it," he said.

"It wasn't an easy decision. Wigan are in the same situation Bolton were in three or four years ago and that's a bigger challenge and an exciting challenge for me.

"I feel we have got great things to do. I signed for Wigan not just because it's a two-year contract near Manchester, where I still live, it's because I felt Wigan can improve and do better than last season."