Bolton: No move for Allardyce

Bolton denied today receiving any request from Newcastle to speak to manager Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce emerged as the new favourite to take over at St James’ Park after Alan Shearer, Steve McClaren and Steve Bruce were all ruled out.

The Bolton chief fits the bill for Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd who demanded a young British boss to replace Bobby Robson.

But the Magpies’ chances are receding with Allardyce proving harder to tempt away from the Reebok Stadium than they might have thought.

Bolton too are standing firm with a spokesman saying: “We have not had an approach from Newcastle to speak to Sam and it is all just speculation.

“As far as we are concerned it is all done and dusted and Sam is staying at Bolton.”

Allardyce is five years into a 10-year contract at the Reebok Stadium and apparently more than happy.

Chairman Phil Gartside insisted yesterday he was convinced his highly-rated boss would elect to see the job through with Bolton currently riding high in the Premiership.