Sam Allardyce has rejected speculation linking him with the Sunderland managerial job, claiming that he expects to remain in charge of West Ham United beyond the end of the current campaign.

Following the sacking of Gus Poyet earlier this week, the Black Cats hired experienced Dutchman Dick Advocaat until the summer to help turn around their faltering fortunes at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

Allardyce, whose own future at West Ham currently remains uncertain, is among those to have been tipped with the Stadium of Light job over the past few days.

However, he has now laughed off these claims, telling reporters: "It's pure speculation. I'm West Ham manager. I'm professional. I'm contracted to West Ham, and don't expect anything other than that somewhere along the line we will be talking about a contract here."

The Hammers have not won a game in the top flight since January 18, which has seen the club slip to 10th place.