KEVIN Davies will sign a new contract next week after agreeing a deal that secures his Reebok future for the next three and a half years.

The only thing holding up the completion of the formalities is that Davies' agent is currently away on holiday.

But, as Davies predicted last weekend, protracted negotiations were brought to a successful conclusion yesterday, when a relieved Sam Allardyce announced that a settlement had been reached.

"Negotiations have been quite drawn out, but I'm pleased we are finally there now," the Wanderers' boss said.

"Like every manager you have great fears when a player moves into his final year of a contract. I'm delighted that he has committed his long-term future to us. He is a player that would be extremely difficult to replace."

Davies, who joined Wanderers in July 2003, after being released by Southampton, has repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Allardyce and the Reebok backroom staff for helping him revive his career.

"Kevin knows we look after him really well and, above all else, he enjoys playing his football at Bolton Wanderers," Allardyce added.

"What I like about Davo is his overall commitment to training and playing. From the outset, he was determined to be successful here and he has proved that beyond anyone's wildest expectations."

The Wanderers boss, however, is resigned to losing Tal Ben Haim, although probably not until the summer.

"He won't sign a contract now," Allardyce said of the Israeli international, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

"It is a great shame that it has gone beyond that now. We'll just have to wait and see what will happen over the coming months.

"I don't think he will move this month. He is likely to see out his contract and he'll be off and away in the summer."

Allardyce has stopped short of critcising Ben Haim for refusing to commit his future to Wanderers, but expectshim to maintain the standards that have seen him linked with Chelsea and Spurs and drawn an enquiry from West Ham.

"As a player, you can use the rules and regulations and you can't blame him for that.

"It is a difficult situation for both parties but he is an ambitious lad, as long as Tal continues playing for us at the level he has set himself, I'll be very happy."