West Ham Boss Sam Allardyce Pours Cold Water On Obafemi Martins Link!

WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce has claimed that he knows nothing about the rumour linking his side with a move for ex-Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins in January.

Sam Allardyce plays down Martins move [GETTY]

Allardyce has made it clear that his January target is to bring in a new striker as the Hammers continue to lack in any presence up front.

Martins, who has previously played in the Premier League for both Newcastle and Birmingham, has been rumoured to make a return to England to make up for West Ham's lack of goals.

But Allardyce, who worked with Martins during his time at St James' Park, says he was unaware of any speculation of a loan move for the Seattle Sounders attacker in the MLS off-season.

Martins has scored 18 goals for Nigeria in his 39 caps [GETTY]

"I haven't heard anything about Oba," Allardyce said.

"He's playing in America at the moment.

"Everyone knows if we're in the market for a player, we'll be linked with everybody. We'll deal with that - speculation is speculation."

Martins found the back 37 times during his short time in England and would provide goals for a struggling West Ham, should Allardyce choose to loan him.