Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce spent his free Saturday afternoon doing a spot of window-shopping at Bury's Gigg Lane.

The Shakers were taking on Brighton and it is most likely that Allardyce went to check on the progress of prolific Seagulls striker Bobby Zamora.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Wanderers on many occasions but Saturday is believed to be the first time Allardyce has personally watched him.

The Bolton boss stayed for an hour and did not have a wasted journey. He saw Zamora score his 17th goal of the season - and a club record equalling eighth goal in as many games - with a sublime 35 yard chip after outpacing a defender. Sam sat next to Brighton boss Peter Taylor, who said: "I don't know which player Sam was watching. All I can say is that Bobby is an intelligent lad who knows it will help his career to stay at Brighton.

"The chairman has told me that we don't have to sell Bobby. He is a very good striker who just needs one chance and you can see that he is going to be a very good player."

If Wanderers do make a bid for the lanky striker, they will need to offer good money. Wigan Athletic and Cardiff City had bids of £1.5m turned down last season. And since then Zamora's price-tag has continued to soar.