SAM Allardyce insisted on Friday that Jussi Jaaskelainen is not for sale - to Manchester United or any other interested club.

There has been growing speculation this week that the Wanderers' keeper could be in the Old Trafford frame - a link that was dismissed by assistant manager, Phil Brown.

However, Brown's comments that he valued the Finland international at £6m to £7m prompted reports to suggest Wanderers were prepared to listen to offers - a notion Allardyce moved quickly to rule out when he said: "Jussi Jaaskelainen is a vital asset to Bolton Wanderers and to our continued progression.

"He is contracted to this football club until 2007.

"Phil Brown's comments were misinterpreted by certain sections of the media. Phil was merely stating Jussi's worth to this football club."

Jaaskelainen is one of a umber of keepers touted as a possible target for United after Sir Alex Ferguson dropped American international Tim Howard.

Brown said: "I'm not surprised. I've always rated Jussi in the top three in the Premier League.

"And if our players are being linked with the top clubs, then it's a sign that we are doing things correctly here.

"But there has been no official approach. It's pure speculation."