Wanderers may have to delve into the unknown again as they reach desperation point in their search for reinforcements.

Sam Allardyce has drawn a blank on all his top targets and fears he may have to opt for players he has not seen before if he is to get the two signings he needs to bring his squad up to scratch.

"We're still trying but there is nothing imminent," the manager said.

"And with just five days to go that's a pretty devastating situation to be in.

"All the deals we were looking at have fallen by the wayside, for one reason or another.

"There are players available, but not on a short-term basis, and we are not in a position to do long-term deals.

"In other cases the players decided they did not want to come here, preferring to stay at their clubs and fight for their places."

Allardyce was determined not to repeat last season's 11th hour panic when he signed French duo Florent Laville and Pierre-Yves Andre on the recommendation of a European contact, without seeing them play.

The gamble paid off with Laville being a resounding success, but Wanderers know they will be lucky if they can pull off another lucky dip.

"I never thought it would be so low key in terms of players being available," Allardyce admitted today.

"Time is limited because we're having to concentrate on tonight's game and the Charlton game on Saturday, but it's a must that we get players in to maintain our terrific run.

"If the transfer window passes us by and we suffer any more injuries, it will leave us extremely exposed at a very important time of the season."