SIR Alex Ferguson's team-building search for the star capable of providing the inspiration Manchester United need to achieve the Champions League success he craves could be available just down the road - playing at the Reebok Stadium! writes Chris Sudlow

As AC Milan and Juventus face each other at the Theatre of Dreams in the Final which has yet again eluded the Premiership champions, Ferguson - a long time admirer of West Ham's Paolo Di Canio - could do worse than make a bid for the similar extrovert skill factor provided by Wanderers' Player of the Year Jay-Jay Okocha.

Okocha set English football alight with his stunning form and dazzling skills this year, sparking rumours that he is destined for a bigger stage.

While a move to their deadliest rivals - and England, and possible the world's, richest club - would be a bitter pill for Wanderers fans to swallow, Okocha fanned the flames after the last day survival-clinching victory over Middlesbrough by refusing to give assurances that he would still be at the Reebok next season despite being happy at Bolton.

"If I said I would be here for sure next season and then I left that would not be nice so I cannot say that," he said.

His words were interpreted in some media quarters as an intention to quit Bolton if he got a better offer. But Okocha was also quick to point out that he would be more than happy to help Wanderers build on this season's achievements in the future.

Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce said the issue was irrelevant unless somebody came up with a king's ransom which is highly unlikely given the lack of money available in today's transfer market - for all but the richest clubs.

"I am sure what Jay-Jay will be doing next season because he has his name on a contract with us," the manager said.

"Unless somebody comes up with an offer for an enormous amount of money he will be playing for us."

Okocha, crowned a fantastic season with a stunning first-half free kick which ensured Wanderers beat Middlesbrough 2-1 to achieve Premiership safety at West Ham's expense.

Then, in the evening he was awarded the highly prestigious Wanderers Player Of The Year accolade at a celebrity-packed awards dinner attended by more than 850 people in the Premier Suite at the Reebok Stadium

Wanderers fans voted in their thousands and Nigerian World Cup star Okocha came out on top with Youri Djorkaeff runner-up for the main award.

It was a fitting reward for the 29-year-old World Cup star, whose dazzling skills and important goals helped to secure Wanderers' top flight status for a third successive season.

Okocha won his Goal Of The Season Award for his sensational strike against West Ham on Easter Saturday.

The Golden Boot, sponsored by Warburtons, was shared by three players - Okocha, Henrik Pedersen and Youri Djorkaeff, who all netted seven times.