West Ham close on former Arsenal and Chelsea star

West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The Frenchman, 29, is currently training with the London club after leaving Lokomotiv Moscow in summer.

"He is training with us," Allardyce said.

"I'm not so sure whether we have finalised a deal yet but he is doing a little bit of training with us. The deal is very close to being finalised and on the basis of where we are with our squad and the injuries, once we have him fit he will be a very good addition based on his previous record as a footballer."