SAM Allardyce is leading the race to sign combative French midfield ace Olivier Dacourt.

The former Leeds United and Everton player, currently with Italian club Roma, is one of the players the Wanderers boss has earmarked to beef up his squad for next season and discussions have already taken place with the player's agent.

Wanderers face competition from rival clubs in England and Spain for the signature of the former France international but Dacourt's English representative says Allardyce is in pole position.

Peter Harrison, who is working on the deal with Dacourt's agent Bruno Satin, said: "I have had a meeting with Sam about Olivier.

"There are a few other clubs in England who are keen, but Bolton are the only club we have talked to at this moment.

"Sam is keen and Bolton are an attractive option.

"There is also interest from Spain which could be an option for Olivier, but we will just have to see how things develop."

Allardyce has twice been frustrated in his attempts to strengthen his midfield this summer, with Dietmar Hamann deciding to stay at Liverpool while Newcastle's Laurent Robert opted to move to Portsmouth, and is determined not to miss out on a third target.

The Wanderers' boss is refusing to comment on recent transfer speculation but is known to be keen on the Croatian defender, Igor Tudor, who has been made available by Juventus, and the Senegalese midfielder, Abdoulaye Faye, who is being loaned out by Lens.