Allardyce frustrated as Ligue 1 star opts against West Ham

Sam Allardyce’s hopes of recruiting Serbian striker Filip Djordjevic this summer have been dashed after the player revealed plans to move to Serie A at the end of the season.

The Hammers had previously been linked with a January move for the 26-year-old, who has impressed at current club Nantes.

Since winning promotion with the Canaries last term, Djordjevic has racked up a credible 10 goals in 26 games for the team, which has helped steer his side clear of the relegation zone in their return to the French top flight.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce was also believed to be an admirer of the Serbian’s talents but with the north-east club already moving for the goalscoring duo of Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long, Allardyce and West Ham had appeared to be in pole position to land the forward.

However those hopes have now been extinguished with Djordjevic revealing his is set to move to Serie A club Lazio this summer.

Speaking to Lazio Style Radio, the player announced he was to be “a new Lazio player for next season”.

“I am very excited to be playing in such a prestigious club. I hope to experience huge emotions with you,” he told the station.

The news is a blow to the Hammers, who remain in the hunt for a top 10 finish in the Premier League following an impressive run of form in February that prompted Sam Allardyce to be named manager of the month.

West Ham are currently three points off Stoke and Aston Villa and are 12^th in the Premier League but can be backed at 6/1 to end the season in the top half.

Allardyce’s team are next in action against Manchester United at Upton Park with the hosts 7/2 for victory and the Red Devils available at 4/5.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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