SAM Allardyce's hopes of signing Sunderland's Brazilian centre-back Emerson Thome have taken a backward step on Thursday writes Gordon Sharrock

The Wanderers boss said he may have to look at alternatives after making no significant progress on the Thome talks.

"It's looking like being extremely difficult to get it done at the moment, financially.

"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.

"None of us is taking it forward at this moment in time."

This lack of movement led to renewed speculation that Allardyce may turn his attention back to Real Madrid's Julio Cesar, who is available on a season-long loan.

Allardyce is also being linked with the former Parma and Fiorentina defender, Saliou Lassissi from the Ivory Coast, who is a free agent after been released by Roma.

Meanwhile, an earlier target, Brazilian World Cup winner Roque Junior, is talking to Leeds about a loan move from AC Milan - after telling Wanderers they could not offer him a big enough stage.

Allardyce is understood to have drawn up a number of contingencies, if the talks with the 31-year-old former Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday defender Thome and his representatives do break down.

With Sunday's transfer deadline fast approaching, Allardyce knows he could find himself in a race against time to get the man he sees as central to Wanderers' hopes of making any significant impact on the Premiership.

And the need could not be greater after seeing his defence leak 10 goals in the first three games - the most alarming episode coming at Portsmouth on Tuesday when they were humiliated and hammered 4-0 by the Premier League newcomers.

Injuries to experienced defenders Bruno N'Gotty and Anthony Barness, who are both doubtful for Saturday's now crucial Reebok clash with Charlton, emphasised the lack of depth in his defensive ranks.