Hammers talk on Sakho/Sunderland link

Sunderland have shown no interest in signing Diafra Sakho despite regular recent reports that Sam Allardyce is keen on the Irons striker.

Reports in the national press that a deal could be done have been joined by another in local newspaper The Northern Echo today that both Sak and Swansea City striker Bafetimi Gomis interest the former Hammers manager.

However, there has been zero contact between the two clubs where it is well known a close relationship exists between the chairmen.

We were told that it would be quite impossible to do business even had there been contact because Slaven Bilic won’t firm up his plans until he has watched all his targets at the Euro Finals.

Enner Valencia is known to be available but the manager has given no indication that Sakho is a player he would allow to leave, although a bid of between around £20 million might change that.

However, we were told: “If both were to go both would have to be replaced very quickly and it might be too much change too quickly anyway.

“Sakho is very highly regarded and it would be a surprise if he were allowed to move on even should interest emerge but to confirm – there has been no Sunderland contact.”