FRESH doubts have been raised over Kevin Keegan's future at Manchester City ahead of Monday's derby duel with Bolton Wanderers.

The Blues boss dropped a bombshell earlier this season when he said he intended to quit when his current contract runs out in the summer of 2006.

But, behind the scenes, there has been increasing concern that the revelation has cast a cloud over the club, prompting renewed speculation that Keegan will go at the end of this season.

City keeper David James has expressed his reservations but Sam Allardyce, who is expected to be one of the managers City will target when Keegan eventually leaves Eastlands, believes the former Newcastle and England manager could yet have a change of heart, especially if the Blues end this season with a surge and qualify for the UEFA Cup .

"He could have a fantastic season next year and the fans will be singing for him and the directors will be throwing him another two or three year contract," the Wanderers boss said.

"I am not so sure he would say no. He was disappointed with the results he had with the team and he has said that clearly.

"He has had some stick like we've all had when we don't live up to the expectation. But he has come through it all and he has done a marvellous job for City.

"I don't think that Kevin is doing anything other than he should do at the moment and that's seeing his contract out. And I don't think he would be able to give it up if he has a great season."

Wanderers chairman, Phil Gartside, dismissed speculation touting Allardyce as a potential successor to Keegan earlier this season, suggesting City was not a big enough club to tempt him to leave the Reebok. Since then he has given Allardyce a substantial improvement to the terms of his contract that has more than four years still to run.

Former Southampton and Coventry manager, Gordon Strachan, continues to be linked with City along with Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie, ex-City defender Mick McCarthy, who is chasing promotion to the Premiership with Sunderland, and Celtic manager, Martin O'Neill.