Former Arsenal and Real Madrid flop Julio Baptista close to joining Bolton for survival fight in the Championship
The former Brazil international is set to sign for Phil Parkinson's side as a free agent
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BOLTON have called upon the services of 35-year-old forward Julio Baptista in a bid to save their struggling campaign.
The former Real Madrid and Arsenal star was last seen in England as part of his country's senior team in TV tournament the Star Sixes.
But now Baptista will sign for Bolton as a free agent and try to help out Phil Parkinson's winless strugglers.
Baptista arrived at the club hotel after weeks of haggling with chairman Ken Anderson and agent son Lee about a possible deal.
Wanderers have been working under a transfer embargo but hope they get the nod to use Baptista from the Football League.
Trotters chief Phil Parkinson has been hoping to bolster his side's front line following their promotion to the Championship.
Baptista told Sky Sports last month that he was keen to continue playing after being released from MLS outfit Orlando City last November.
He said:"I'm not finished yet.
"My agent is looking for a team so I can keep playing a little bit longer.
"Let's see what happens. Maybe it will be Spain.
"Maybe it will be China. We will have to wait and see."
The 35-year-old endured a torrid spell in the Premier League with Arsenal after signing for the north London outfit in 2006.
He only managed to tally three goals in 24 league outings under the management of Arsene Wenger.
