Diafra Sakho has confirmed that co chairman David Sullivan was responsible for his arrival at the Boleyn claiming he thinks Sam Allardyce had second thoughts about him.

Speaking to the Mail, the five-goal hitman said: “I have always wanted to play in England and when West Ham came in for me in the summer, I thought that was it.

“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 added: ‘I had heard QPR didn’t want me so I wanted to prove I could do it.

“West Ham gave me the chance and now the coach Mr Allardyce believes in me too.

“I’m enjoying it and scoring goals against Liverpool and Manchester United shows I can play at this level. I’m just glad Mr Sullivan put his trust in me.’