• Premier League

Diarra trains with West Ham as Allardyce eyes midfielder

Sam Allardyce is hopeful of signing Lassana Diarra after confirming the former Real Madrid midfielder is training with West Ham.

Diarra, 29, has been without a club since leaving Lokomotiv Moscow in August but is not too far away from match-fitness and could be turning out for West Ham inside a fortnight if the expected deal is completed in the coming days.

"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."

Diarra's spell in Moscow ended acrimoniously after reports he refused to train following a bust-up with manager Leonid Kuckuk but, despite the player being out of action for almost nine months, Allardyce believes he could soon be part of his first-team squad at Upton Park.

"He won't be in any good shape in terms of being on the bench on Wednesday or on the bench on Saturday against West Brom," added Allardyce.

"But I certainly hope that, with a good few days training with the lads, he will be close in seven to 10 days if he finally signs the contract."

If the move comes off, it could be seen as something of a coup for the Hammers as Diarra brings experience and has also tasted trophy success, winning the FA Cup with both Chelsea and Portsmouth and the Spanish title at Madrid.

Lassana Diarra has been without a club since leaving Lokomotiv Moscow in August © Getty Images

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