Slaven Bilic has confirmed that West Ham did not instigate the Chinese interest in Andy Carroll.

There have been suggestions that the club instructed agents to try selling the striker but the manager ha made it crystal clear that no such move took place.

Instead he insisted that the Chinese had watched a Hammers game and had been interested in a number of our players.

He said: “I don’t know how many clubs were involved but they fell in love with Andy after coming to ewatch a game and were also watching other players.”

Slaven is confident the big fella will be fit for the game against Chelsea on Monday evening after watching him in training.

He said: Andy is a key player for this club and I am very optimistic he will be involved against Chelsea. It’s looking good and we will see over the next few days. It will be great to see him on the pitch.”