Diarra set to bolster West Ham midfield
WEST Ham boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed the Hammers are close to agreeing a short-term deal with former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.
Diarra, who has also played Premier League football for Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth, is currently a free agent having seen his contract at Lokomotiv Moscow terminated last August.
Allardyce insisted the 29-year-old would not be in contention for tonight’s clash with Southampton or West Ham’s FA Cup fifth round tie at West Brom on Saturday.
“He is training with us,” said Allardyce. “I think the deal is close to being finalised and I think on the basis of where we are at the minute, with our squad and the injuries, as soon as we get him fit he’ll be a really good addition.
“I hope with a good few days training with the lads he’ll be close in seven or 10 days, if he signs the contract.”