Real Sociedad have confirmed midfielder Mikel Alonso will play on loan at Bolton next season.

Mikel, brother of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, had a trial with the Trotters during their pre-season training trip to Austria last week.

"Real Sociedad and Bolton Wanderers have reached an agreement which will see Mikel Alonso play at Bolton Wanderers on loan for the 2007-08 campaign," read a statement on Sociedad's website.

"In the agreement, the English club will have an option to buy the player before May 2008."

The 27-year-old made his Primera Liga debut for Sociedad in 2001 and has been a regular for the Basque outfit.

Real Sociedad were relegated to the Segunda Liga last season for the first time in 40 years.

Mikel was keen to move to the Bolton to be closer to his brother Xabi as well as have the opportunity to play in the UEFA Cup next term.

(reopens) A Bolton spokesman told the club's website, www.bwfc.co.uk: "The agreement with Real Sociedad is virtually in place.

"Mikel should sign a loan agreement with the club on Thursday."