BOLTON boss Sam Allardyce's hopes are rising over landing World Cup star Rivaldo. And that could open the door for Brazilian international striker Marcio Amoroso to follow him to the Reebok.

Bolton, still furious that the Rivaldo story leaked out, are making no comment about the situation but developments have encouraged Allardyce to forget the deadline he set for Rivaldo's reply.

Signing Rivaldo would be a trump card in luring other players to Bolton and Wanderers had already been linked with Amoroso who arrived in England last night for talks with Portsmouth.

Amoroso, who left Borussia Dortmund after a bust-up, seemed to be heading back to Italy but the Premiership would appear to be his target now and the chance to play alongside Rivaldo could tempt any Brazilian.

He said: "When I heard of Portsmouth's interest in me I was very happy but there are other Premiership clubs who have been in touch."

Interest

The 29-year-old has also attracted interest from Spurs, Villa and Middlesbrough.

Monaco's Croatian international striker Dado Prso is another player on Bolton s wish-list who could have his head turned in Allardyce's direction if and when the manager's optimism over Rivaldo is justified.

Allardyce has watched him in his last three Champions League matches against Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Wanderers are also being linked with 30-year-old Internazionale midfielder Matias Almeyda. The Argentinian is out of contract in the summer.

Meanwhile, skipper Jay-Jay Okocha today looked forward to Bolton's future to give a major hint that he is ready to follow Youri Djorkaeff in committing his future to the club.

He said: "We wanted to establish ourselves as a Premiership side this season and not be a candidate for relegation. I think we have proved it.

"We want to aim for more now and with the kind of manager we have nothing is impossible."

For more on Bolton pick up tonight's Manchester Evening News.

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