Winston Reid’s contract talks have been put on the Hammers back burner until Sam Allardyce’s future has been agreed.

ClaretandHugh was told exclusively this morning that talks would start with the central defender in the middle of next month.

Reid has a year left on his contract and has been linked with a move to Liverpool over the past couple of months where manager Brendan Rodgers is determined to reinforce his defence.

However, the Hammers are aware that the New Zealander’s form wasn’t to his usual high standards following his injury lay-off.

And as a result, interest from the Kop boss  has cooled a little thus taking the urgency out of the situation.

ClaretandHugh last month revealed that his new deal was a priority for the Hammers but the manager’s situation has taken precedence over that.

A source close to the player told us exclusively: “We won’t be going into talks until next month. We are happy to wait – there’s no big rush.”