And here's to you, Mr Robinson

Sam Allardyce is considering a bid for Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Allardyce, who worked with the former England number one during his spell at Ewood Park is said to be mulling over making an offer for the 33-year-old goalkeeper, who is currently out of favour at the Championship club.

With only youngster Raphael Spiegal and Stephen Henderson, who has failed to impress, behind current number one Jussi Jaaskelainen in the pecking order at the Boleyn Ground, Allardyce is keen to improve his options.

And should Big Sam move for Robinson, it could represent a double swoop on his former club with left back Martin Olsson still an option, despite Rovers having rejected West Ham's opening bid of around £2million.

In other player news, Rob Hall has extended his loan at Championship club Birmingham City for a further month - that's despite West Ham's Premier League under 21s programme starting next week.

Development squad manager Nick Haycock will also be without Blair Turgott for the first few weeks of the Elite Group campaign, with the young forward opting to remain with Carling Cup giantkillers Bradford City until mid-February.