West Ham United have reportedly baulked at the wages Rickie Lambert would demand if he were to join the club.
The Hammers were heavily linked with the Southampton centre-forward during the summer and are said to be plotting another bid this month.
However, the West Ham board were shocked to learn that the England international would want £75,000 per week to sign on at Upton Park, according to the Daily Mail.
The report added that the East Londoners would be willing to pay the 31-year-old up to £50,000 each week, should they be able to agree a fee with the Saints.
If no deal can be reached, then it is thought that Allardyce may turn his attention to Sunderland forward Steven Fletcher.