SAM Allardyce is looking to sign a new defender before Saturday's game against Portsmouth.

News that Ricardo Gardner is out for the season and Simon Charlton will be missing for up to three weeks has made it imperative for Wanderers to strengthen their back line immediately.

With Florent Laville still a couple of months away from returning from injury, Wanderers' defensive resources are stretched to the limit.

They have only three defenders available who have played regular Premiership football this season.

Ivan Campo had to be moved back after Charlton went off at Blackburn on Saturday but the Spaniard is more suited to his enforcer role in front of the back four than at the heart of it.

It means defensive reinforcements are vital if Wanderers are to build on their encouraging first half of the season.

"Our defensive line-up is almost devastated," said Allardyce. "We are in the process of trying to strengthen that area in the next week.

"The most important thing now is to pick up a defender and put him in the squad."

One player immediately linked with a possible loan move to the Reebok was Liverpool's French left back Djimi Traore.

Allardyce confirmed Gardner ruptured ligaments in his knee in the Premiership derby with Manchester United. The defender will now travel to see reknowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado as he begins the long road to recovery.

It is the second serious knee injury Gardner has suffered during his career. He was out for seven months last time and the one thing in his favour is that he is seen as a quick healer.