Time running out for Bolton to re-sign Davies

The future of the Bolton striker Kevin Davies is firmly in the balance. The Sheffield-born player is out of contract at the end of the season and has so far failed to reach agreement on a new contract, and with time running out a parting of the ways looks likely.

If an agreement is not agreed quickly Bolton have to decide whether to sell Davies during the January transfer window for a fee or allow the 29-year-old to become a free agent in the summer. Davies' availability has alerted Newcastle and Tottenham, who are both looking to boost their strike force. Davies has been a regular in the Bolton front line and would appear to be proven at this level even if his goals-to-game ratio is not as high as others. Last season he scored eight goals in 47 games and this season he scored twice in 15 appearances. But his ability in the air and to lead the line is a perfect foil for his team.

Davies has rebuilt his career at the Reebok under the manager Sam Allardyce who signed him on a free in 2003 after a short trial. Before that a £7m move to Blackburn from Southampton proved disastrous as he struggled to score goals. But Davies ignored the omens not to go back to a former club and returned to Southampton in a swap deal with Egil Ostenstad. Davies had a loan spell with Millwall before being released at the end of the 2003 season.

Davies' chances of Premiership football appeared remote until Allardyce offered him a lifeline. Davies seized his opportunity and after a short trial signed a one-year deal in the summer of 2003. During his four-year spell Davies has been voted the players' player of the year and helped Bolton to qualify for Europe. Allardyce's managerial style and direct tactics were seemingly ideal for Davies. Until now, that is.