Will Sam sign

Chairman David Gold hints that Sam Allardyce will be handed a new deal at West Ham



West Ham chairman David Gold has admitted that manager Sam Allardyce is 'highly likely' to remain at Upton Park.

Reports had claimed that Allardyce is facing an uncertain future as there are just six months left on his current contract and he is yet to start formal talks about a new deal.

Allardyce has expressed his desire to have a long reign at West Ham, who have made a solid start to the season, and Gold has suggested he will be offered the chance to stay at the helm.

Writing on his official Twitter account, Gold said: "Its highly likely that Sam will be with us next season. He likes us we like him. Thats a good basis for a on going relationship. Dg"

Allardyce's squad has been stretched thin by a string of injuries and he was disappointed to lose Yossi Benayoun, who has returned to Chelsea after failing to make a big impact during his loan spell.

The Israeli midfielder has been struggling with injuries and Allardyce intends to replace him with a new face during the January transfer window.

"He's obviously not contributed the level of games that we thought he would do," Allardyce said.

"On that basis he's going to return to Chelsea which frees up an opportunity

for us to go out in the market to do a little bit more.

"Had he been involved more and played a bit more than he has we'd have been only too delighted to continue the loan but because of the lack of contribution he's gone back."