Allardyce confirms interest in Anelka

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed his interest in signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka.

The striker is set to leave Stamford Bridge after having a transfer request accepted by Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas.

Sam Allardyce: "If Nicolas is available, I'd be massively interested.

"I've not contacted Chelsea and am just looking at the situation with January looming.

"It would be an end-of-season pursuit rather than next month (because Anelka will be available on a free transfer in the summer).

"We need to get into the Premier League - and then we'd have a better chance of signing someone of Nicolas' quality.