SAM Allardyce has suffered a double dose of frustration in his efforts to add quality and experience to his defensive ranks.

In recent days the Wanderers boss has twice agreed terms with world class veteran defenders and on each occasion had his hopes dashed at the 11th hour.

Terms were agreed with the Roma centre-back Aldair but the 36-year-old Brazil international pulled out of the deal, citing domestic reasons.

Wanderers have also missed out in their bid to tempt Barcelona's 32-year-old Spain defender Fernandez Abelardo. Again they negotiated terms but the player instead chose to stay in Spain and has since joined Deportivo Alaves.

Allardyce, who flew to Italy and Spain to speak to the players and their representatives, was bitterly disappointed to miss out on the two vastly experienced internationals - Aldair has played 87 times for Brazil, Abelardo 54 times for Spain - but was soon back on the Continent on the trail of alternative targets on his wish list.

"We agreed personal terms with both players who are highly-experienced international defenders," the manager confirmed. "Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, the players decided not to proceed with the transfers.

"It is disappointing from our point of view because they would have added steel to our back line. However, the search goes on."