BOLTON Wanderers South African international Mark Fish has turned down the offer of an extension to his contract, stating a desire to play in the Premier League.

Charlton Athletic, who almost landed Fish in the summer, have renewed their interest in the strong-tackling defender, hoping to re-unite him with former team-mate Claus Jensen, who left the Reebok Stadium for the Valley in the close season.

A Bolton spokesman confirmed: "Talks are continuing with Mark regarding his future. We hope that by the time his contract expires at the end of the season he will be looking forward to Premiership football with us."

Fish is included in the squad for tomorrow's trip to struggling Stockport County. Manager Sam Allardyce, disappointed at the number of wasted chances in the goalless draw against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, is still without key striker Dean Holdsworth, sidelined for two weeks with a groin injury.

Summer signing Michael Ricketts is expected to lead the line, and with Gudni Bergsson returning to the defence, could be joined up front by wily campaigner Ian Marshall.

Allardyce will be anxious for third-placed Bolton to keep up the pressure on his promotion rivals, especially with the crucial clash at Watford coming up next Tuesday.