Bolton cool interest in Yorke despite suffering from a limited squad

Bolton 0 Inter Milan 1

The Bolton manager was reported to be interested in bringing the striker to the Reebok Stadium but only on a free transfer.

The Trinidad and Tobago international clashed with Rovers’ boss Graeme Souness last season and was expected to leave Ewood Park this summer.

“Now if a transfer fee is involved then I wouldn’t,” Allardyce said when asked whether he would still interested in signing Yorke.

The Bolton boss was speaking after his side’s 1-0 friendly defeat by Inter Milan, with Brazilian striker Adriano scoring the second-half winner.

Allardyce did not have enough players to fill the substitutes’ bench and believes he needs four more signings before the transfer window closes.

“The minimum requirement is four players. The midfield needs strengthening, maybe another full-back and we need a goalkeeper,” he said.

“A centre-forward and a wide man with more pace than what we’ve got.

“Today we did not have enough squad to put on the bench to complete in a match of this quality. If we don’t get a big enough squad then we’ll pay a big price for that.

“The lads here are very good and will compete in the Premiership but we’ve got to get more. As always, the players brought in have been on a very cheap basis. We’re in trouble if we don’t get them as cheap as we are.”

Allardyce has brought six players already this summer and wants to add to the signings of Michael Bridges, Les Ferdinand, Julio Cesar, Radhi Jaidi, Gary Speed and Tal Ben Hain.

“We’ve got to have 20 players to compete in the Premiership,” he said.

Although he needs to bolster the squad, Allardyce was happy with his players adapting to a new system today.

“My plan today was to get through with 11 players without any injuries,” he added. “I was praying for this so I’m pleased that my prayers were answered.