Bolton manager Gary Megson has signed Sean Davis on a free transfer - six months after Portsmouth rejected a £3.5million bid for the midfielder.

Megson has beaten a number of clubs for the 29-year-old's services after his contract at Fratton Park expired.

Davis has agreed a three-year deal and Megson said: "We are delighted to have signed such an experienced Premier League footballer.

"Sean made 40 appearances last season for Portsmouth and he will strengthen our midfield.

"We wanted to bring him to the Reebok in January but our bid of £3.5million was turned down by Portsmouth, who didn't want him to leave."

London-born Davis has made nearly 200 top-flight appearances with Fulham, Tottenham and Portsmouth.

He is also a former England Under-21 international, earning 12 caps between 2000 and 2002.

Davis is looking forward to challenge that lies ahead. "I am happy my future has been sorted out," he told www.bwfc.co.uk. "I wanted to move to a club where I can play my football and be appreciated.

"Bolton showed genuine interest in January and that was hugely encouraging.

"It is an exciting opportunity not just for me but my family as well. I want to enjoy my football and take the club forward."