EMERSON Thome brought a dramatic end to Sam Allardyce's search for a centre-back at lunchtime on Friday writes Gordon Sharrock

Less than 24 hours after the Wanderers boss feared he had missed out in his bid to sign the Brazilian defender from cash-strapped Sunderland and just two days before the transfer deadline, the deal has been confirmed and the 31-year-old stopper registered in time for Saturday's Reebok clash with Charlton.

Wanderers confirmed the sensational turn of events this afternoon when it became clear there had been a significant development on the financial front overnight, allowing an agreement to be reached between the two clubs and the player.

Thome was at the Reebok this morning to complete the formalities of a one year deal, delighting Allardyce, who has succeeded in recruiting his top target after more than two weeks of hard negotiating.

Allardyce told www.bwfc.co.uk "It's quite apparent to everybody that the strengthening of our defence is a priority.

"Emerson is an experienced defender with a great record in the Premiership. His arrival will add quality to our defence and freshen up the side."

Thome, who has been given the squad number of 26, will now be available to play against Charlton.

A powerful no-nonsense defender with a reputation for being a leader on the field, Thome was close to joining Glasgow Rangers after impressing on a trial at Ibrox earlier in the summer. He returned to the Stadium of Light but the Black Cats hierarchy made it clear that they could not afford to keep him.

A record £4.5 million signing from Chelsea three years ago, the man who made his name at Benfica, where he was known as The Wall because of his physical presence, is said to have overcome the injury problems that restricted him to just a handful of appearances last season.

Allardyce made it clear Thome was top of his wanted list but on Thursday revealed he was having to look at alternatives.

"It's going to be extremely difficult to get it (the deal) done at the moment," he said. "I'd say it's taken a step backward rather than forward. We have been moving forward with Sunderland's help but it appears the player's representative and the player himself are not satisfied."

That changed within hours on Friday.

Having been priced out of moves for two other Brazilians - Roque Junior at AC Milan and Julio Cesar at Real Madrid - Allardyce had been taking a close look at the 25-year-old Ivory Coast international Saliou Lassissi, who has had experience of Serie A with Parma, Sampdoria, Fiorentina and Roma.

He will now attempt to strike a deal with Ibrahim Ba, the former France international wide man freed by AC Milan, who has impressed during a month-long trial at the Reebok.