The AC Milan defender has been previously linked with a move to the Reebok Stadium in the past but the Trotters boss insists his trip to Italy was nothing to do with trying to get the 26-year old on loan as some of the press have stated.
However he did tell the clubs official website that he has been in talks with Milan-based representatives about making a move for former San Siro midfielder Ibrahim Ba who was on a recent trial with Bolton over the summer.
The Trotters have just over a week to bring in fresh faces and it is thought that former Sheffield Wednesday and Chelsea defender Emerson Thome is set to complete a Free Transfer move from Sunderland later this week.