Allardyce: West Ham in negotiations with Blackburn over Olsson deal

By Nick Wright Thursday, January 10, 2013
11:26 AM

Transfer news: Manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that West Ham are still locked in negotiations with Blackburn Rovers as they look to thrash out a deal for defender Martin Olsson.

Blackburn reportedly rejected the Hammers’ initial £2million offer for the 24-year-old Sweden international but Allardyce says talks are ongoing with the Championship club.

Allardyce worked with full back Olsson during his time at Ewood Park and admits a left-sided defender is his top priority after injuries to Joey O’Brien and George McCartney.

Allardyce was forced to start 18-year-old academy product Dan Potts in Sunday’s 2-2 FA Cup draw with Manchester United having recalled the youngster from loan at Colchester United.

Quizzed on reports that Blackburn are asking for £7million for Olsson, Allardyce said: “I don’t think that’s true, no, but we have made an enquiry. Ongoing negotiations at the moment.”

He continued: “I think that if I was strengthening anywhere at the moment it would be in the left back position because of our injury problems in that area.

“We are only looking at that position at the minute.”