"With the departure of Michael Ricketts, we now have a potent strikeforce with the purchases of Pierre-Yves Andre and our earlier signing Salva Ballesta, " said Allardyce.

BBC: Florent Laville

London-born Ibehre has proved to be a good foil for ex-England striker Michael Ricketts and rising talent Troy Deeney, the trio mustering 30 league goals between them.

BBC: Ibehre eager to stay with Walsall

Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle, who missed out to the Teessiders in the race to sign Michael Ricketts from Bolton, was hoping to bring the 33-year-old to White Hart Lane to help out their injury crisis.

BBC: Boksic linked with Spurs