Denilson, who became the world's most expensive player when he moved to Real Betis from Sao Paulo in 1998 for £21.5million, today began a week-long trial with the Trotters in the hope of securing a deal.

The 31-year-old playmaker is a free agent after being released by Palmeiras earlier this month and is keen to move to a European club.

Although Bolton are in pole position to sign the 2002 World Cup winner, his advisors are working hard behind the scenes to publicise his availability.

Trotters boss Megson said: "Denilson and his people are using it (the trial) as well because it somehow managed to get on Sky television at the exact time he was arriving into the country.

"But that's not a problem because Denilson is over here to try and get himself a contract at a football club. And at the moment he's at our club."

Bolton has been home to several ageing superstars in recent years.

The likes of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo and Fernando Hierro made key contributions to the club's success under Sam Allardyce.

Yet Megson is refusing to look too far head.

"Guys like Denilson don't go on trial because we all know the quality that he's got," he said.

"He's obviously found himself in a position where his contract has finished and he can sign for anybody.

"He's using that, and it's no problem at all.

"He won the World Cup in 2002 and he was part of a fantastic team but it's about the here and now.

"The trial is about us looking at him and him trying to get a contract somewhere."

Megson could sign West Ham defender Calum Davenport, 26, in a £3million transfer but admitted he is also pursuing other targets.

The Trotters have also been linked with a move for Zenit St Petersburg centre-half Sebastien Puygrenier in a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

On Davenport, Megson said: "We've got an agreement with West Ham but we're also looking at other players in that position.

"We've also got another player that we're close to coming to an agreement with, so it's decision time.

"We may get accused of messing somebody about but we've got to do what's right for the football club.

"It still may happen that Calum joins Bolton but we'll need another 24 hours before we decide what we're going to do."