Okocha’s future often overshadowed Bolton’s rise to prominence at the end of what has been the club’s best season in the Premier League.

Okocha captained Wanderers to their highest-placed finish in the Premiership of eighth, as well as their remarkable run to the Carling Cup final where they were eventually beaten by Middlesbrough.

In signing up Okocha for the next three years, the deal could help Allardyce persuade other big names to join the Bolton bandwagon at the Reebok Stadium.

“Securing Jay-Jay’s services for the next three seasons firmly underlines this football club’s desire to compete in the upper reaches of the Premiership,” said Allardyce on the club website, www.bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk.

“His performances over the past two seasons have helped to fortify the name and reputation of Bolton Wanderers, and his signature is a marvellous boost to everybody connected the club.”

While Okocha is likely to become one of the highest-paid players in Bolton’s history, Allardyce has scoffed at suggestions the Nigeria international midfielder is set to pick up £2.5m (€3.7m) a year with his new contract.

“Jay-Jay has signed a significant contract, but it astounds me where figures of £7.5m (€11.1m) have come from. This is wide of the mark,” added Allardyce.

After joining Bolton from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2002 following the World Cup finals in Japan, Okocha scored seven goals in his first season with the club, becoming an instant favourite with Wanderers fans.

Although only finding the net three times last season, with his last goals a double in the 5-2 Carling Cup semi-final first leg win over Aston Villa in January, Okocha’s overall contribution to Bolton’s superb season cannot be questioned.