Bolton have eased their goalkeeping worries with the capture of Oman international Ali Al-Habsi from top Norwegian club SFK Lyn.

The highly-rated 23-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Reebok Stadium.

With doubts surrounding the future of Wanderers number one Jussi Jaaskelainen, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce was delighted with his new signing.

He told the club's official website, “Ali has a massive presence in front of goal and will add much needed competition in a key area for us.

“He aspires to be a great keeper in the Premiership and we'll certainly give him the platform he needs to become a respected player in the best league in the world.”

Elsewhere on the goalkeeping front, there was a surprise on Teesside when it emerged that Middlesbrough had `reluctantly' accepted Mark Schwarzer's request to leave the club.

The 33-year-old Australian asked for a move just six months after signing a lucrative three-year contract, with his agent Barry Silkman claiming he is looking for a fresh challenge.

"He just feels it's time to move on. He's been there eight years, said Silkman.
 
"He would prefer to stay in England, but if the right move came up abroad - if a major club came in for him like AC Milan or one of those clubs - then obviously we'd sit and think about it."

Middlesbrough could also be about to lose Ugo Ehiogu, with West Brom reportedly closing in on the signature of their former defender.
 
He is understood to have held further talks with Albion officials yesterday and sources close to the Baggies are optimistic the deal will go ahead over the weekend if 33-year-old Ehiogu can agree personal terms.