Big Sam tells Rivaldo to make up his mind on Bolton deal

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has admitted Rivaldo (pictured) may be stalling on signing for his side in the hope of attracting an offer from a more glamorous club.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has admitted Rivaldo may be stalling on signing for his side in the hope of attracting an offer from a more glamorous club.

Voicing his frustration over the Brazilian playmaker's failure to put pen to paper after more than a week of negotiations, Allardyce said Bolton would pull out of the deal if nothing became concrete in the next few days.

"I'm disappointed that we haven't got a decision one way or the other, but that also means there's still hope," said Allardyce.

"If there's not a positive move in a few days then we'd have to call time on it, because it might suggest that our offer is being touted about to see if it could be bettered elsewhere. We don't want to work like that.

"We will have a cut-off time that will be considered as more than enough time for him to make a decision. That will then be it, and we'll move on."

Rivaldo flew home to Brazil earlier this week to mull over Bolton's offer and consult members of his family about the prospect of moving to the northwest of England.

His English agent Peter Harrison said he was happy with the terms on offer but indicated that Rivaldo remained uncertain about moving to one of the smallest clubs in the Premiership.

Rivaldo's career has nose-dived since he helped Brazil lift their fifth World Cup in 2002. After being sidelined at AC Milan, he returned to Brazil to play for Cruzeiro.

The 32-year-old is now a free agent and keen on a return to Europe for what remains of his career.

Bolton want him as cover should Nigerian playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha leave the club this summer although Allardyce has not ruled out playing the two in the same side.