SAM Allardyce spelled out his frustration at missing out on a number of his top transfer targets when he admitted: "I've never tried as hard and we've never been so safe in the Premiership... yet, up to now, I've ended up with nothing."

The Wanderers boss had hoped to steal a march on rival bidders, both at home and abroad, after securing a fourth top-flight term with more than a month of the season still to play.

He struck a deal with Monaco striker Dado Prso, only for the Croatian to snub the offer and sign for Rangers, and now fears he may miss out on his top defensive target, Marseille's Ivory Coast centre-back, Abdoulaye Meite.

"His performances in reaching the UEFA Cup final have probably put him right out of our range now," Allardyce said. "The Meite and Prso 'deals' were done after we beat Wolves (April 12) but Prso went to Rangers for more money and it looks like we might miss out on Meite, which is very frustrating."

There has been encouraging news on the Rivaldo front with one of the Brazilian's English agents suggesting the former Barcelona ace has rejected Celtic's offer and is set to join Wanderers. But Allardyce says he has heard nothing new and is still prepared to turn his back on the deal, if Rivaldo's asking price is too high.

The manager fears he will not get the funds he believes he needs to ensure Wanderers are in a position to compete in the top flight next season, let alone match the eighth-placed finish that banked £5m more merit money than the club had budgeted for. He has had to revise his original plan to bring in eight new players this summer.

And that could dent his hopes of signing Birmingham midfielder Aliou Cisse. Blues boss Steve Bruce, who has topped the bidding to sign Muzzy Izzet (another Wanderers' target), wants to recoup the £1.5m he paid Paris St Germain two years ago for the Senegal international.

However, Allardyce will make a start on his recruitment drive by signing Everton defender David Unsworth next week. A deal has been agreed and all that remains is for the Chorley-born 30-year-old to undergo a medical before completing the formalities.

Emerson Thome could be on his way out, though, after rejecting a new contract offer, although Wanderers have denied reports that the Brazilian has been asked to take a pay cut.

"We haven't offered him any less than he is on now," the manager said.