SAM Allardyce is not convinced that the transfer request - what he describes as "a desperate last throw of the dice to engineer a move" - is necessarily the end of the Reebok road for Michael Ricketts.

As we revealed on this website on Tuesday, there will be no sale if Wanderers' valuation is not met before the January 31 transfer deadline and that could leave the 24-year-old striker in an uncomfortable position with supporters and team-mates alike.

"If Michael doesn't leave, he doesn't leave," Allardyce said philosophically. "That could be a blessing in disguise. You don't always get what you want.

"If he's still here after the deadline then it's up to him and how he plays, whether he gets in the first team or not.

"He can handle it with the fans because he's a strong character and fans have to accept the situation just like I have to. We all know we don't keep the best players forever at this club. We've always been a selling club.

"But if the players think he's letting them down, they'll tell him. You've always got to consider your team-mates."

Wanderers will consider letting Ricketts go in a part-exchange arrangement, provided the valuation is to their liking, but Allardyce maintains he will not let him go on the cheap. "I'm not saying this is the case with Michael but, if any player thinks that by not playing so well and not getting selected, he can upset the directors and the manager to such an extent that they'll let him go for nothing, it won't work here. That's a very dangerous road to go down."