Ex-Newcastle midfielder Dietmar Hamann has snubbed Bolton - after signing for the Trotters! In one of the most bizarre transfers in recent history, the former Germany midfielder has been poached by Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce.
It is the latest twist in a drama which unfolded in the space of 90 minutes yesterday when initially it was stated Hamann was leaving Liverpool for Bolton.
Then the Trotters revealed his stay at the Reebok Stadium would be one of the shortest in history. Instead of joining Sam Allardyce's men as initially agreed, the 32-year-old said he would be joining City instead.
Pearce: "We have agreed compensation with Bolton. I think they will be reasonably happy with that and we have a top-quality player.
"First off all I thought Didi (Hamann) would still be a Liverpool player and not available. But then his agent phoned me and my first thought was to make sure everything was clear at Bolton. We have to be seen to be whiter than white in a situation like this. That's why I rang Sam Allardyce and he gave me permission to talk to Didi.
"I am delighted he is here as he brings experience and leadership qualities to the team. He has everything. If you get more winners like him in your squad, you are going in the right direction."
Hamann explained that he made the decision to join Bolton too quickly: "I signed for Bolton four or five weeks ago and realised a few days later I had made a mistake."
By the way, Harford left Newcastle for Bristol City, who couldn't afford the payments and he re-signed for the Toon so they could sell him to Birmingham City.