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Allardyce still hopeful of signing United's Fletcher

ESPN staff
January 29, 2015
Allardyce hopeful over Fletcher signing

Sam Allardyce has admitted he still hopes to sign Darren Fletcher but has cast doubt if the Manchester United midfielder will join West Ham.

West Ham are among several clubs who are interested in the Scotland captain, who is also a target for West Bromwich Albion. Fletcher is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and United are prepared to let him leave without a transfer fee in recognition of his service to the club.

But there has been a hold-up amid reports the 30-year-old wants a pay-off from United, because he would be on a lower salary elsewhere.

And Allardyce has not given up hope of taking him to Upton Park, saying: "It is still a possibility. The move isn't dead yet but we'll see."

Fletcher has made 342 appearances for United and was named vice-captain to Wayne Rooney by manager Louis van Gaal at the start of the season. But he has only started one league game since August and has not featured since the FA Cup third round win against Yeovil.

While Allardyce, who is allowing Ravel Morrison to join Lazio, looks to bolster his midfield, he said he is not looking for striking reinforcements.

He added: "With us having [Enner] Valencia, [Diafra] Sakho, [Carlton] Cole and [Andy] Carroll we have more than enough frontmen to cope with demand this season."

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