SAM Allardyce made it clear today that Michael Ricketts' transfer request does not mean the end of the Reebok road for the wantaway striker.

The Wanderers' boss insisted: "Far too many man hours have been invested in Michael Ricketts for us to let him go for anything less than our valuation."

Allardyce says Ricketts' position has not changed significantly with the granting of his transfer request yesterday afternoon. "It just lets everyone know he wants away," he explained.

"But the fact remains that everybody is struggling to raise money and I don't believe we will get the offer that will meet our valuation. This doesn't change things - apart from the fact that I now need to get a couple of replacements in, just in case Michael goes at the 11th hour. I don't want to be faced with sheer panic."

Allardyce is determined - with or without Ricketts - to maintain a squad capable of mounting a successful bid to stay in the Premiership and, with the transfer window closing on January 31, he has just 10 days to work things out

Ricketts, whose future at the Reebok has been shrouded in speculation, finally came clean when he presented the club with a written transfer request.

Allardyce granted it, sparking renewed speculation that Spurs would make an official approach, although Glenn Hoddle is struggling to meet the £6 million valuation Wanderers' chairman Phil Gartside has placed on Ricketts. Middlesbrough, Fulham and even Manchester City are also reported to be interested.

Wanderers remain determined not to be short-changed and are not impressed by the players Spurs are trying to work into an exchange deal - defenders Gary Doherty and Chris Perry.

Meanwhile, Hoddle is desperately trying to cut costs and raise cash. Veteran striker Les Ferdinand left for West Ham on a short-term deal today while midfielder Tim Sherwood is set to join Portsmouth and striker Sergei Rebrov is lined up for a move to Turkey.