Allardyce still has four years left on his Bolton contract

Allardyce has emerged as the surprise contender for the job with some bookmakers suspending betting on him.

But a club spokesman told BBC Sport: "We've had no approach - we're treating it just as rumours."

And his agent told the Northern Echo: "We've had no contact with Sunderland and we're not expecting any."

Media reports suggest that Allardyce, who still has four years left on his 10-year contract at Bolton, is one of the names being considered by incoming Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn.

The reality is that there are three or four names that are in the frame at the moment and that are being considered Niall Quinn

Martin O'Neill, Roy Keane, Alan Curbishley and Alex McLeish have also been linked with the club.

Quinn told Sunderland's website: "The selection of the next Sunderland manager remains a work in progress.

"But the reality is that there are three or four names that are in the frame at the moment and that are being considered."

However, Allardyce's agent Mark Curtis added: "Sam won't be going to Sunderland."

Allardyce, who was overlooked for the England job recently, would have to step down to the Championship if he agreed to the move.

The 51-year-old has guided Bolton eighth, sixth and eighth places in the last three Premiership seasons after engineering their promotion to the top flight in 2001.