West Ham close in on Blackburn defender

Sam Allardyce has revealed that West Ham are in negotiations with Blackburn Rovers to sign defender Martin Olsson.

The Hammers boss is desperate to bring in another left-back after George Mccartney injured a knee and he has targeted the Swede.

Olsson, 24, came through the ranks at Blackburn and established himself as a first-team regular during Allardyce's spell as manager at Ewood Park.

Speaking about the defender, Allardyce said: "We have made an enquiry. There are ongoing negotiations at the moment."

Hammers co-chairman David Gold is currently suffering from pneumonia but Allardyce says his illness will not affect any transfers this month.

He added: "There's still a communication line to him if David Sullivan needs to. We're as active as anyone else."

Meanwhile, Allardyce said that on-loan striker Andy Carroll, who has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury against Manchester United last month, is at least a fortnight away from a return to first-team action.

He said: "Andy's not fit yet. It's a bit difficult to put a time on it but it will be a couple of weeks now."