Allardyce: Arsenal Yet to Table Offer for Hammers Ace

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce insists that Arsenal are yet to make an offer for midfielder Mohamed Diame.

Recent reports claimed the Gunners were considering a January move for the Senegal international, who has a £3.5m release clause in his contract with the Hammers. However, Allardyce has now played down the speculation by revealing that there has been no contact from their London rivals so far and also questioned how the 25-year-old would fit into Arsene Wenger's sqaud.

"You are always worried about losing players but we have not had a bid from Arsenal for Diame. I can't see where he would fit into their side," Allardyce told ESPN.

Diame, who joined West Ham as a free agent in the summer after leaving Wigan Athletic, has impressed at Upton Park this season and was the standout performer in the Hammers' 3-1 win over Chelsea in December.

According to Goal.com, Arsenal will scout Diame at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round replay between West Ham and Manchester United.

Ferdinand Backs Cole for West Ham Success

Meanwhile, Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand has backed his former Hammers team-mate Joe Cole to find success during his second spell at Upton Park.

Cole left Liverpool and joined West Ham on a free transfer earlier this month. The duo are Hammers' academy products and played together at the east London club from 1994 to 2000, along with fellow England international Frank Lampard.

"The era we had there will be part of West Ham's history forever now, with so many players who went on to play for England and win league titles with other clubs," the Daily Mail quoted Ferdinand.

"It is unfortunate for West Ham those players did not stay there and their presence get built upon. That is all history now I suppose. But Joe Cole has gone there to rewrite a bit of his own history in the coming months. It would be good to see him do something positive, but not this week. We want to get through this round," the United veteran added.