West Ham United forward Diafra Sakho has claimed that Sam Allardyce had doubts over signing him.

The Senegal international has been in impressive form for the Hammers and has scored five goals in his last five games.

However, he has revealed that a move to the club almost fell through before co-owner David Sullivan intervened.

"I have always wanted to play in England and when West Ham came in for me in the summer, I thought that was it," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"But then the deal began to fall through as I think the coach was having doubts and I was resigned to returning to France.

"Fortunately for me, Mr Sullivan stepped in and said he would be signing me and on a permanent deal. It was the chance I needed."

Sakho scored for West Ham during their 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.