Okocha will take time to decide his future

Okocha will be free to talk to other clubs in January when he is away on Nations Cup duty with the Super Eagles in Tunisia.

The midfielder has hinted he may stay at Bolton, but fuelled doubts about his future when he said: "My door is always open."

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has already warned he will resist all bids for Okocha, whose contract runs out at the end of the season and who has been linked with a number of high-profile clubs.

Yet the Nigerian has given Bolton reasons to be hopeful he will stay at The Reebok Stadium.

"I am still a Bolton player and have a contract until the end of the season," he explained.

"Hopefully I will extend my contract. Without any doubt I am happy at Bolton.

"I have settled in quite well and that should be my first priority.

"But you never know what is going to happen in football and my door is always open for any other club.

"I have heard the rumours and it is nice when people like what you are doing. It shows you are doing a good job."

And Okocha added that he cannot wait for the forthcoming 2004 Nations Cup to start.

"Football brings the people together and it is like a religion for us," the midfielder explained.

"When we are playing, nothing is going on in the streets. Everyone is in front of the television watching football.

"So playing is for the joy we give the people and that keeps us going.

"I am glad the Nations Cup is coming up and that I will be part of it."

Nigeria, who are in Group D alongside Morocco, South Africa and debutants Benin, open their Nations Cup campaign against the Moroccans on 27 January in Monastir.

The Super Eagles are seeking their third success, having won the trophy in 1980 and 1994.