Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce says Kieron Dyer remains on the market - though that won't stop him from being considered for the first team.

"Kieron is disappointed, obviously, because he wanted to see the move [to West Ham] through," Big Sam told the Sunday Sun. "Until that is sorted, he is still contracted to us and I want to use him - and use him at his best."

"Is it possible for a player in his situation to be at his best? If they are a true professional, then yes.

"There are a lot worse things that happen in life to footballers and they still turn up and produce their best.

"Playing is what they look forward to most: football is their respite from whatever problems they have away from the game."

Allardyce added: "He's still for sale, but we've had no contact from any other clubs but West Ham.

"It's in West Ham's hands. If they rescue the situation, then that's that. If they don't, he stays here."