GUATEMALAN striker Dwight Pezzarrossi is close to convincing Allardyce that he deserves a crack at the Premiership.

The 24-year-old from Communicaciones, has impressed during a trial at the Reebok. He has also played in Spain, Argentina and Chile and holds an Italian passport.

"He is an unknown commodity and he would be a huge gamble but he's shown certain attributes that are pleasing," the manager said. "He might become a necessity."

Another reported target is Lazio's veteran Portuguese defender Fernando Couto, the 34-year-old who has previously played for Barcelona and Parma.

Two players on their way out of the Reebok are reserve strikers Delroy Facey, who is heading for First Division West Brom in a deal believed to be worth £100,000, and Jonathan Walters, who has cut short a loan spell at Barnsley and is set to join Third Division Hull City next week in a similarly priced deal.