WANDERERS have denied a report on Wednesday which suggested managerless Newcastle had asked for permission to speak to manager Sam Allardyce as replacement for the sacked Sir Bobby Robson.

A spokesman told the Press Association: "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 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 Sir Bobby Robson.

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

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

Newcastle are facing a growing backlash from their Premiership rivals as they search for a successor to sacked Robson.

Both Wanderers and Birmingham are among those who have hit out after discovering their managers were being linked with the vacant post at St James' Park.

The Sun, which tipped Sam Allardyce for the job on Tuesday, claimed on Wednesday that Newcastle have asked Wanderers for permission to open talks with their manager.

Alan Shearer, Steve Bruce and Allardyce, as well as Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren and Charlton's Alan Curbishley have all been mentioned as possible replacements, although McClaren has already said he is flattered but not interested.

But Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside said on Tuesday: "Sam Allardyce is five years into a 10-year contract at Bolton and he is committed to rewriting the history of this club.

"As far as I am concerned Sam has only written the first page and is dedicated to finishing that job.

"I have a special relationship with Sam and I am sure he will want to finish the job here and create a legacy."

Bruce looks a better bet with his north-east background and the big impression he has made at St Andrews.

But Blues chief David Gold insists the Magpies will face a fight if they were to attempt to prize Bruce away.

Gold said: "We will do everything in our power to keep Steve.

"He has been successful here and if he hadn't, they would not be linking him to other jobs.

"There has been no approach from Newcastle whatsoever, it is purely speculation.

"We are growing, we have an ambitious board and fantastic support. It could be argued - why would you want to leave?"

The Magpies were forced to pass transfer deadline day empty-handed with the Robson business distracting them from strengthening their squad.

Shepherd's search for a centre-back replacement for Jonathan Woodgate came to nothing while, as expected, the Magpies admitted defeat in the battle for Wayne Rooney.