West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that the Hammers tried to sign Rickie Lambert during the January transfer window.

The Southampton striker was heavily linked with a move to the East Londoners, although a deal failed to materialise.

However, Allardyce has now confirmed that the rumours regarding West Ham's interest in the England international were true.

"We were [in for Lambert]. There was some interest that the chairman expressed but it never materialised in the end," Allardyce is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"He is the master of his position at the minute because he scores all different types of goals. He continues to get better and better.

"He's had an outstanding career and is a good example to young lads of starting at the bottom and saying never ever give up or stop trying to achieve your dreams. He's a role model for any youngster."

Lambert, who has scored 11 goals this season, could be up against Allardyce's side when the Saints travel to Upton Park on Saturday.