Current contracts a concern for Allardyce

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce will focus on securing Kevin Davies and Tal Ben Haim on long-term deals before venturing into the transfer market next month.

Both players will have only six months left on their current contracts when the window opens, allowing them to negotiate with other clubs and leave on free transfers in the summer.

Allardyce, though, is determined to retain their services and will make that his priority before considering bringing in further reinforcements.

“The biggest issue for us, at the moment, is to secure contracts of people who are already here,” Allardyce told the club’s website www.bwfc.co.uk.

“It’s an absolute must to get Davo and Tal sorted first and then to look at others who will be due to come out of contract next year.”

Allardyce has decided not to pursue his interest in Slovenia international trialist Branko Illic.

The player’s agent claimed last week a deal was almost done with a medical already completed.

However, Allardyce said: “He’s a player we may take another look at later, but for the moment I don't think he will have much of an impact on the first team.”

Trotters forward El-Hadji Diouf hopes Allardyce’s team can embark on an unbeaten run at home until the end of the season having already played Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea at the Reebok Stadium.

The Senegal striker this week moved up to second in the Actim Index, the Premiership’s official player ratings system, behind only Wayne Rooney and ahead of the likes of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

And the controversial forward believes Wanderers can build on their home form to sustain a push up the table in the remainder of the season.

“The Bolton fans are great; they really do make a difference and appreciate how we are playing,” he said.

“Now that we have played the ‘big four’ all at home, we should be strong enough to remain unbeaten at home for the rest of this season.”