TALKS have begun which could see Sam Allardyce installed as the new West Ham manager, say reports.

Representatives of Allardyce have held initial discussions about the possibility of the ex-manager of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle taking up the reins at Upton Park.

Face-to-face talks between the parties could soon follow, according to reports.

West Ham last week sacked Avram Grant within hours of relegation from the Premier League. ‘Big Sam’ has been out of management since being given the boot by the chicken farm magnates in charge at Blackburn.

Allardyce is likely to face competition for the post at West Ham from Chris Hughton, one of his successors at Newscastle.