SAM Allardyce plunged back in the transfer market today when he added French midfielder Mario Espartero to his survival squad.

The 24-year-old £1.5 million rated attacker has joined Wanderers on a three-month loan from FC Metz.

Espartero will join fellow new signings Fredi Bobic, Stig Tofting and Youri Djorkaeff in the squad for Saturday's trip to Southampton - provided his international clearance comes through in time.

He was on trial with Glasgow Rangers earlier in the season and has been with the French First Division outfit for two seasons.