[AMERICANS ABROAD] New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream won his appeal and was granted a British work permit, paving the way for him to join the English Premier League's Bolton Wanderers in a deal reported to be around $3 million, which would the most ever for an MLS defender.

Bolton turned to Ream, who played two seasons with the Red Bulls, following its sale of defender Gary Cahill to Chelsea. Bolton, which faces a battle to avoid relegation, is also pursuing another MLS player, Philadelphia Union striker Sebastien Le Toux.

Bolton's other American is the injured Stuart Holden, who was signed during the January transfer window two years ago shortly after the arrival of manager Owen Coyle.