Sam Allardyce wanted to front Bolton bid

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Bolton are currently third from the bottom of the Barclays Premier League and there is a fans' protest planned against manager Gary Megson and chairman Phil Gartside before today's make-or-break game against West Ham at the Reebok Stadium.

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Front: Sam Allardyce wanted

Sportsmail understands that former manager Allardyce — who resigned a year ago — and Reid have both received brief soundings from one unnamed group considering a buy-out of the club.

They are believed to be hesitant about getting involved as both have hopes of getting back into football as managers in the near future.

But it seems inevitable now that Gartside and the club's owner Eddie Davies — who has 94.5 per cent of its holding company — will come under pressure to at least discuss Bolton's future, especially if they are relegated.

It is understood that as well as a local consortium, there is another interested party — based in Italy — and that it will make its interest officially known once it becomes clear whether Bolton will play Premier League or Championship football next season.

With the club currently valued at £20m and carrying £35m of debt, it would take in the region of £55m to take it into new ownership.

Last night Megson called for unity as they prepare for a game his team really must win if they are to have a chance of staying up.

Bolton have not won in the League since the first Saturday in February and have taken one point from their last eight games.

And Megson said: "I'd say we need to win because we're running out of opportunities to try and get out of trouble and we are at home.

"If we didn't win there are still points available but it's such a huge game for us that if we were to win then conceivably that could change a lot of things for us and put us right in the mix."