MARIO Jardel has conceded defeat in his bid to make a name for himself at the Reebok by joining Italian minnows Ancona.

The Brazilian striker, who rejected a move to Spanish club Espanyol last week, has signed for the Serie A strugglers on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.

He joined Wanderers from Sporting Lisbon in August and still has 18 month of his contract to run, but it looks likely that the two-time winner of the European Golden Boot award will cut his ties at the end of the season after failing to force his way into the Premiership side.

He has scored three goals for Wanderers -- all in the Carling Cup -- but his seven league appearances have all come as substitute.

Jardel's departure should give Sam Allardyce scope to strengthen his squad before the January 31 transfer deadline.

He has an interest in former Sunderland captain Michael Gray, who is back at the Stadium of Light after a loan spell at Celtic, and is currently giving a trial to Togo-born defender Kodjo Afanou, who won the French championship with Bordeaux in 1999 and recently had a short-term stint with d'Al Ain Sports et Cultura in the United Arab Emirates.