Big Sam in link to City

Allardyce refused to discuss the matter after his Bolton side's draw at Chelsea - but it is believed he will leave the Reebok Stadium this summer.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is understood to have contacted City to complain that businessman Ray Ranson had approached Allardyce.

Gartside is known to be upset that news of Allardyce's plans have come into the public domain, effectively ending any chance he has of persuading his long-time manager to stay.

However, Gartside's anger is matched by powerful figures at City, who feel their name is being dragged through the mud by the link with Allardyce at a time when present boss Stuart Pearce is still in a job.

Pearce shrugged off the speculation after the 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa but the situation is embarrassing for the former England skipper, whose position is under threat anyway after dismal run in which his side have failed to score a league goal on home soil since New Year's Day.

"I'm very confident to be honest, I don't feel there's a better man out there to do my job," he said.

"I know what constraints I've had to work under for the last two years at this football club and I know what needs to be done.

"I actually had a board meeting on Thursday morning and it was very constructive and pointing in the right direction.

"If the chairman feels another manager is better than I am then I'm behind the chairman, but he doesn't. He feels I'm the best man for the job."