By Mark Heys
December 20 2005

Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce has targeted three new loan signings ahead of the re-opening of next month's winter transfer window. Allardyce is fearful that the amount of league and cup fixtures will take their toll on his thin squad and wants at least three new additions to cover any potential injuries or suspensions.

"I would like to bring in up to three new players on loan anyway and if we beat Wigan that will become an absolute must." said Allardyce

"The last thing I want is for us to go through but see our season peter out because we pick up injuries or suspensions and haven't got the squad to cover those scenarios."

The Wanderers manager's need for short term signings will be greatly increased due to the fact that Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye, Khalilou Fadiga, El-Hadji Diouf, Radhi Jaidi and Jay-Jay Okocha are all on African Nations Cup duty next month.

Marseille defender Abdoulaye Meite and Valencia's Marco Caniera are being consistently linked with moves to the Reebok Stadium in the press and there has also been suggestions that Allardyce is watching West Ham's in form striker Bobby Zamora and Bury's Bolton-born starlet Simon Whaley.