By Mark Heys
November 19 2005

Sam Allardyce has admitted that he would love to sign former Manchester United captain Roy Keane following his shock release from the Old Trafford club yesterday lunchtime. The 34-year old brought an end to his illustrious career at United by mutual consent following crunch talks with the Reds chief executive David Gill and Allardyce says Keane is the type of player he would like to bring to Bolton if he lowers his wage demands.

"Roy would be a fantastic signing but I'm not sure we can afford him. If he wants the wages he was on at United we would not be able to match that. If it's more realistic, it's different." said the Bolton boss

Allardyce did confirm that he would be speaking to the board of directors to see what the situation is with regards to bringing the former Republic of Ireland star to the Reebok Stadium.

"I will be talking to the board because I would love to get him here." added Allardyce

Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion also appear to be in the running but Scottish giants Celtic are leading the race to sign the tough tackling Irish veteran.

Meanwhile, Bolton are thought to be monitoring Didier Agathe's contract situation at Celtic as he comes to the end of his current deal at Parkhead.