SAM FAILS WITH SIX ENQUIRIES

In the end, `Big Sam` swooped to sign Gareth Grant from Bradford on loan, but he was also keen on bringing several bringer names to the Reebok Stadium.

"I made enquiries regarding a number of players today, including Ruel Fox (Tottenham), Michael Hughes (Wimbledon), James Beattie (Southampton), Paulo Wanchope (West Ham), Gareth Ainsworth (Wimbledon) and Jonathan Greening (Manchester United)," admitted Allardyce.

"We were close to clinching a deal with a couple of these players, but it was not to be."

Wanderers have previously been linked with a move for Greening but their interest in the others is something of a revelation.

Wanchope and Beattie would have represented particularly big-name signings for the club, and it does show that they are continuing to think like a Premiership club, despite their Nationwide League status.