OLIVER Bierhoff has priced himself out of a move to the Reebok.

Sam Allardyce says the German international's £1.7 million wage demands are out of Wanderers' league.

The Bolton boss confirmed: "We made an inquiry, but the financial package was just too big for us."

Bierhoff, who scored the fifth goal in Germany's 5-2 victory over Hungary in Budapest last night, is available on a "free" transfer after ending his contract with AC Milan and is looking for a move to the Premiership.

Acknowledging Wanderers' interest, he said yesterday: "Bolton are now serious contenders. They have made an offer and the idea of playing in England appeals to me strongly."

But Wanderers have done their sums and, although they are prepared to push the boat out for the right player, there are limits - even for the former captain of Germany!

Southampton have already held talks with 33-year-old Bierhoff, who starred in Germany's Euro 96 triumph, but they too have baulked at his wage demands, fearing his introduction could cause unrest in the dressing room.

Saints' chairman, Rupert Lowe, reckons: "He is an outstanding player who would be a major asset to the side but his demands are high and I am not prepared to disrupt the team harmony.

"We need some reality. He is not 25 and we are not Manchester United."

After a succession of failed attempts to strengthen his squad, Allardyce is now resigned to going into Saturday's opening Premiership fixture at Leicester with the players who have been together throughout the pre-season campaign.

"We'll go with what we've got," he said confidently as he surveyed the Euxton scene as the players put the final touches to their preparations for the Premiership.

"We just have to make sure everybody is spot on. The levels of fitness, the enthusiasm and the air of optimism is there for everybody to see."

Summer signings Djibril Diawara, Nicky Southall, Henrik Pedersen and Akinori Nishizawa were all involved in today's training sessions, hoping to be involved at Filbert Street.

But the manager's team selection is being held up as he waits for fitness updates on Colin Hendry (knee) and Gareth Farrelly (thigh strain), who have been under treatment all week. Both are doubtful but Farrelly is a major concern.