Sunderland had told West Ham a month ago they would not be approaching the club for permission to speak with Sam Allardyce.

A close relationship exists between the two boards and Black Cats owner Ellis Short (right) had made it clear privately there would be no approach as speculation increased.

Short had decided that he needed a short term replacement for Gus Poyet whilst he studied the long term possibilities with Dick Advocaat getting the gig.

But public comments from Hammers vice chairman Karren Brady claiming a bookie she knows  had made Allardyce favourite for the job had apparently prompted the Short assurances to the irons board.

However, no such assurances were given about an approach at the end of the season with an insider telling ClaretandHugh: “The message and methodology is clear. That’s when it all happens at this club.”