SAM Allardyce is refusing to let up in his search for a new goalkeeper.

The Wanderers' boss has conceded defeat in his ambitious bid to bring Barcelona's Richard Dutruel to the Reebok but he remains determined to recruit extra cover and competition for Jussi Jaaskelainen.

He is currently trawling the continent for potential targets but admits he will be promoting from his own ranks once more if the big Finn is ruled out of Sunday's Sky TV Premiership showpiece game at Ipswich.

"Jussi is still under treatment," the manager confirmed, "but I have Kevin Poole and Steve Banks so we have cover if we need it. In saying that, I am looking for another goalkeeper but I can't see anything happening before the weekend."

Reports had suggested that the deal to sign Frenchman Dutruel, which collapsed last week, might be revived but Barcelona would not budge in their demands that would have meant Wanderers paying around £700,000 to take the player on loan until the end of the season. Dutruel has also made it clear through his agent that he would only consider leaving the Nou Camp on a permanent basis.

"In the end it was just too much money," Allardyce insisted, "especially since he wasn't coming here as number one."