The 26-year-old signed a three-and-a-half year contract at the Reebok after completing a £3.5million move, with former club Luton benefiting from a sell-on clause.

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Taylor revealed: "I had a chat with Roy Keane at Sunderland, and let me make this clear it was not an easy decision. Sunderland were very accommodating, it's a great club and I want to thank Roy publicly for his time."

Keane will be extremely disappointed, especially if another target – Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell – ends up at Everton or Portsmouth, who are both reported to be chasing the player for a loan switch.

Taylor said he had a gut feeling that Bolton were right for him. He said: "They made me feel very welcome, the manager was very welcoming, and the key thing was he wanted me. Football club wise, as soon as I went up there I had a gut feeling it was what I wanted. The Reebok was where I wanted to play.

"Gary Megson just showed that he wanted me, that's a fantastic feeling. That's not to say the other clubs didn't also show that, but Bolton was right for me. The club, the way they conduct themselves and treat their players is fantastic, and Gary was integral to that."

Megson is delighted with Taylor's capture: "Matty's versatility is part of the attraction for a club like this.

"It's been a long, drawn-out transfer because the initial agreement was over two weeks ago, and we're delighted that we've managed to sign Matty in the face of stiff competition from two big Premier League clubs."