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Sam Allardyce still hopes to sign Darren Fletcher, but is not sure whether the Manchester United midfielder will decide to join West Ham. The Hammers are among several clubs interested in the Scotland captain, who is also a target for West Bromwich Albion. Fletcher, who will turn 31 on Sunday, is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and United are prepared to let him leave without a fee in the January window in recognition of his service to the club. But there has been a hold-up amid reports that the 30-year-old wants a payoff from United because he would be on a lower salary at another club. Allardyce has not given up hope of taking him to Upton Park, telling a news conference on Thursday: "It is still a possibility. The move isn't dead yet, but we'll see." Fletcher has made 342 appearances for United and was named vice-captain to Wayne Rooney by manager Louis van Gaal at the start of the season. But he has only begun one league game since August, and has not featured since the FA Cup third-round win over Yeovil at the start of the month. While Allardyce, who is allowing Ravel Morrison to join Lazio, is looking to bolster his midfield, he said he was not seeking striking reinforcements. He added: "With us having [Enner] Valencia, [Diafra] Sakho, [Carlton] Cole and [Andy] Carroll we have more than enough frontmen to cope with demand this season."
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