The former Rovers gaffer has been linked with the Hammers role since Avram Grant was sacked by the club following their relegation from the Premier League earlier this month. Allardyce was shown the door at Ewood Park by new Rovers owners Venky's in December last year and has not managed since. But the 56-year-old has now emerged as the leading contender to take over at West Ham and be handed the task of leading the East Londoners back to the top flight. Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are thought to have already held negotiations with Allardyce over taking up the role. His experience is likely to have attracted him to the club, with the former defender also having previously managed at Bolton and Newcastle. Allardyce has been installed as the bookies' favourite to take the Upton Park post, with Cardiff boss Dave Jones and former Aston Villa tactician Martin O'Neill also reportedly in the frame.
