West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce faces a battle to land Newcastle United midfielder Alan Smith.

The Daily Star Sunday says boss Alan Pardew has insisted that Toon outcast Smith, who has played only four minutes as a sub this season, won't be allowed to leave on loan.

But Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, who signed Smith from Manchester United for £6million four years ago, is ­interested in reuniting him with former Magpies skipper ­Kevin Nolan.

Smith, now 31, won't be offered a new deal when his contract runs out next summer and his first club, Leeds - and Doncaster - have also been linked with him.