SAM Allardyce is trying to coax Oliver Bierhoff to the Reebok in one of the most audacious bids of the summer.

The Wanderers' boss, who has suffered a succession of setbacks on the transfer market in recent weeks, has offered the German striker a route to the Premiership.

Wages could be a major stumbling block with Bierhoff, who is available on a free transfer from AC Milan, believed to be demanding £32,000 a week - way above Wanderers' ceiling on salaries.

Nevertheless, Bierhoff, aged 33, is understood to have set his sights on playing in the Premiership and has already rejected offers from leading Spanish clubs Real Betis and Seville in favour of Southampton, with whom he has already had talks.