Allardyce concedes Anelka could slip by

Sam Allardyce says Bolton are "no nearer" to sealing a deal for Nicolas Anelka as the clock ticks down on the transfer window.

The Frenchman has made it clear that he fancies a move back to the Premiership but Turkish club Fenerbahce are so far refusing to sanction the striker's exit.

Allardyce is getting frustrated after a summer of struggling to land a top class striker, and the former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City star would be a massive coup for the Trotters.

"I just don't know if the Anelka transfer will happen," Allardyce said. "Every day ticks by and we get closer to deadline day and we seem no nearer.

"Until I see Anelka in my office at Bolton, I won't believe it will happen. Until such times it is pure speculation.

"If the Anelka signing doesn't materialise we will move on. I still remain hopeful, but I can't afford to put all my eggs in one basket."  PA