BOLTON Wanderers are bracing themselves for a battle to keep Jay-Jay Okocha.

Sam Allardyce says he is aware that his captain is speaking to other clubs and can do little to stop him turning his back on Wanderers, if he gets a better offer.

"He hasn't signed a contract so we are concerned," the manager said.

Wanderers have opened talks with Okocha regarding a new three-year deal but negotiations were put on hold when he left to captain Nigeria in the African Nations Cup.

But chairman Phil Gartside is considering flying to Tunisia for face to face talks, if he feels the need.

Wanderers admit, however, that they are at the mercy of the player, who is entitled to talk to any club without breaching his Reebok contract.

"It leaves it open for Jay-Jay to go where he wants," Allardyce conceded. "Of course, while he's away, the mice will play, if you like.

"He has a lot of contacts and has already been contacted by other clubs. I know that via other sources. I'm not that stupid not to know.

"He's entitled to do that. There's nothing we can do. Hopefully, though, we can tie him up when he gets back.

"We've had preliminary discussions but, whether he gets the contract or not, we'll have to see."

Okocha hinted at wanting to join a bigger club, and admitted he would find it hard to turn down the likes of Manchester United, if they made an offer. He says he is ambitious and is asking Wanderers to understand his position, if he does decide to move on.

He told Sky Sports News: "I'm quite happy at Bolton but you can never say what will happen.

"We'll just have to wait and see but I'm very ambitious.

"If the club is right for me, I will think about it. You know, in football, things happen and, if I wasn't doing well for Bolton, they wouldn't want to keep me so, if I feel I have done enough there, I have to move on and I hope they understand the situation.

"It's hard when you think you've found a family, a nice place, but, for me, as well, the interest is in football and you never know what will happen."

What may irritate Wanderers' fans is that Okocha has once again spoken of his desire to play for Manchester United, should the opportunity arise.

He said: "It's every player's dream to play for Manchester United. You can't blame Louis Saha (for going there). It might be the only chance to ever play for a club like United so I think he made the right decision.

"We all dream of playing for the best clubs. Of course, they have more advantages than the small clubs because they can buy out the contracts.

"I'm happy with what I've done so far, but I still believe I can do more. There's no limit to success. Once you work hard and believe in yourself you can go places.

"When I first came it was what are you doing in Bolton? What are you doing in the Premiership?

"People thought I couldn't cope with the pace. People thought I couldn't cope with the mentality. People thought I couldn't cope with the weather.

"But I'm glad I've met the challenge and know the target for myself is to achieve a lot."