Sam Allardyce: West Ham move for Manchester United star Darren Fletcher 'a possibility'

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce insists a move for Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is still a possibility.

United are prepared to let Fletcher, 30, leave Old Trafford on a free transfer during the January transfer window, with the midfielder making just four appearances in this season.

Both West Ham and West Bromwich Albion are keen to add the Scotland international to their respective squads, with Allardyce's side thought to be favourites to secure his signature.

The prospective move has stalled in the past few days, however, with the Daily Mail suggesting the delay stems from United's refusal to pay up the remainder of the player's current contract – which expires at the end of the season – and waive the right to a transfer fee.

With the transfer window closing on 2 February, however, Allardyce remains hopeful of a deal being struck.

When asked about signing the Fletcher during the club's press conference on Thursday 29 January, the Hammers boss said: "It is still a possibility. The move isn't dead yet but we will see."

A severe bout of ulcerative colitis has seen Fletcher make just 10 appearances in two years for United. While manager Louis van Gaal named him vice-captain at the start of the season, the Scot has played a peripheral role at the club and made just one appearance in 2015, against Yeovil Town in the FA Cup.

When asked of the possibility of Fletcher leaving, Van Gaal said: "It is the transfer month, so you never know.

"He is a player of Manchester United [at the moment]. That is the update and Darren Fletcher is the only player who has won already the FA Cup in my selection. He is also my captain, one of the three and that is the update I can give."

Should Fletcher complete a move to West Ham, he could conceivably make his debut against his former club when they travel to Upton Park on 8 February.