VALENCIA striker Salva Ballesta is still locked in talks with Wanderers over a move to the Reebok.

Manager Sam Allardyce admits interest is high in the 23-year-old, who cost Valencia more than £8 million when he was signed in 2001, but fluctuating cash demands are holding up the talks.

Allardyce said: "We are interested in Salva, and he wants to come here, but the financial package hasn't been concluded yet."

Ballesta has made just three appearances for the Spanish club during the current campaign, but could now move to Wanderers on a loan deal until the end of the season

His agent Juan Maraver said: "There's a strong interest in him but the clubs have still to reach an agreement."

Salva is out of the picture at the Spanish club and was not even on the bench in the 1-0 defeat of Sevilla.

But he has a good scoring record. He is in his second year at Valencia after joining them from Atletico Madrid where he scored 22 goals in 33 games.

He topped the league scoring charts in 2000 when his tally was 27 for Racing Santander.