A DRAMATIC late bid from Middlesbrough brought a twist in the tail of the Michael Ricketts affair with just over an hour to go before the transfer deadline writes Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock

Unconfirmed reports claimed Boro and Wanderers had agreed a "near £4million" fee for the transfer listed striker, who appeared to be heading for Spurs.

But Wanderers' website said: "Contrary to reports in the media, as of 3:30pm today, we have not had an official bid from Middlesbrough Football Club for Michael Ricketts.

"There are still a few hours to go until the transfer window closes and we will monitor the situation and see if anything progresses."

The three clubs involved are staying tight-lipped but after a morning of frantic activity behind the scenes, Sky Sports reported that Ricketts, who was seen at the Euxton training ground shortly after noon, is heading for Teesside to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of the transfer.

Meanwhile Sam Allardyce is understood to be following up contingency plans, attempting to sign at least one, possibly two signings to compensate for the loss of his top scorer.

It was a race against time with all cash transfer deals having to be finalised before the transfer window closes at 5.30pm with loans being permitted up to midnight.

Wanderers' officials were also desperately trying to complete the formalities of the loan deal to sign Spain international Salva Ballesta from Valencia.

All parties have agreed the arrangement and the player has passed his medical but, without international clearance - which had still not been received at mid-afternoon - the deal could collapse.

It became evident overnight that Ricketts' chances of still being a Bolton player this weekend were receding.

As Allardyce feared, the long-running transfer saga was taken to the wire with Spurs reported to have made a £3.5m cash bid, having failed in all previous attempts to persuade Wanderers to accept a player-exchange deal.

Glenn Hoddle had managed to strengthen his financial hand by offloading misfit Ukrainian striker Sergei Rebrov to Turkish club Fenerbahce and midfielder Tim Sherwood to Portsmouth, having previously moved Les Ferdinand to West Ham.

But that appears to have sparked Middlesbrough into action.

As late as yesterday, Allardyce was saying he had spoken to Boro boss McClaren and had ruled out an official bid.

He did not, at that stage, expect any late movement, commenting: "I would think it's not going to happen."