West Ham United are chasing want-away Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka.

The Daily Mail says Anelka is wanted by Sam Allardyce, who believes the Chelsea outcast can secure West Ham a quick return to the Premier League.

Allardyce worked with Anelka at Bolton and will try to tempt the 32-year-old French striker to spend the rest of the season on loan at Upton Park.

Anelka's Chelsea deal expires at the end of the season and he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club next month.