West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that he would like to sign Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.

Allardyce is keen to bolster his defensive ranks, having witnessed his injury-hit backline concede 16 goals in five games since the turn of the year.

Vermaelen is one of West Ham's top targets, but Allardyce believes that the Gunners may be reluctant to part with the Belgian international due to their continued involvement in three competitions.

"I think under the circumstances at Arsenal with the situation they're in with the Champions League and cup matches, they've had to use him as soon as any of the two defenders are injured," Allardyce told reporters.

"I don't think there's any chance we'll get someone of his quality, but it would be nice if we could. I'll keep going and hope we get some [new players]."

Vermaelen has featured in 11 first-team matches for Arsenal so far this season. The Gunners have won six of those games, losing three.