Allardyce warns off Okocha suitors

Spurs are reported to be keen on signing the Nigerian wizard in the transfer window to help them climb away from trouble.

Okocha's contract expires at the end of the season, but Allardyce insists the club will not try to cash-in on the skilful ace.

Bolton are in talks with the former Paris Saint Germain star and are hoping to extend his contract.

"There's been no approach for Jay-Jay, but the rumours about Spurs have been going round for a while," said Allardyce.

"But even if they came in now with £1 million, I'd say 'No' because he is far too important to us.

"It could be different in the summer when his contract is up.

"He could leave us then on a free transfer and there is nothing that we could do about it.

"But I'm still hopeful that we'll be able to persuade him to stay."

Meanwhile, Allardyce has revealed that Ibrahim Ba is set to put pen-to-paper on a new deal next week.

Ba's future at Bolton had been in doubt after initially failing to agree terms on a new deal, but both parties have now reached an agreement which will keep him at The Reebok Stadium until the end of the season.

"We have sorted it (the contract) out with him (Ba) verbally and it will be rubber-stamped on Monday. It is important to have a player like him in our squad," added Allardyce.

Allardyce is looking to add to his squad and is being linked with a move for Tunisian Mourad Melki.

Melki, who plays for local side Esperance De Tunis, is believed to have travelled to England for talks and Allardyce could offer him a short-term deal.