West Ham United are reportedly hesitant to sack manager Sam Allardyce due to the £5m in compensation that the 59-year-old would be entitled to if his contract is terminated.

The former Bolton Wanderers boss has seen his future in East London become subject to some doubt of late, with the Hammers sitting second from bottom in the Premier League table having recorded just three victories all season.

The club-record signing of Andy Carroll for a fee in the region of £15m is believed to be a contributing factor in the uncertainty surrounding Allardyce's position, with the ex-Liverpool striker yet to make an appearance for the club this season due to a long-term foot injury.

However, according to The Mirror, United's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are reluctant to part company with the ex-Newcastle United boss due to the figures involved in the coach's pay-off clause.

West Ham travel to the City Ground this afternoon for a third-round FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.