Julio Baptista to Bolton: Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star set for shock switch

In what would be one of the most surprising transfers in recent memory, Baptista looks likely to be plying his trade at the Reebok Stadium this campaign.

The Sun say Phil Parkinson has drafted in the ex-Brazil international to help Bolton overcome their nightmare start to the new season.

Wanderers are currently winless from their first five league games, amassing just two points so far via draws away at Millwall and Birmingham.

Yet Parkinson is hoping Baptista can fire them back up the table and nearer to safety.

Baptista was last seen on these shores in July, where he competed in the Soccer Sixes tournament at the 02 Arena.

He has been out of contract since leaving MLS outfit Orlando City at the end of last season.

If he moves to the Reebok, it will be a completely different story to over a decade ago.

After dominating La Liga with Sevilla, he moved to Real at the start of the 2005/2006 season.

Manager at the time Vanderlei Luxemburgo spent £13million to sign him and gave him the No8 shirt upon his arrival.

Baptista scored eight goals during his first season at the club yet left on loan for Arsenal 12 months later, with Jose Antonio Reyes heading in the opposite direction.

Fond memories from his time in north London are few and far between.

But most fans remember him for his stunning performance against Liverpool at Anfield.

The 35-year-old put the Reds to the sword by scoring four times and firing Arsenal to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. 

Yet his season was to end in disappointment with the Gunners ending the season without a trophy to their name.