Allardyce in the dark over Tevez

Sam Allardyce has admitted that he is unaware of the situation regarding Carlos Tevez's purported loan switch to West Ham.

Big Sam takes his side into this weekend's Championship encounter with Blackpool having suffered a major blow this week having lost the services of David Bentley, who returned to Tottenham after been diagnosed with a knee problem that will keep him out of action for most of the season.

However when questioned as to the possibility of bringing Tevez in to fill the loan spot vacated by Bentley, Allardyce revealed that the matter was entirely in the hands of the club's board who have been negotiating with Manchester City.

"I suppose the situation from my point of view is just if and when the decision is finaly made regarding what's happening with Carlos at Manchester City," said the Hammers boss, when questioned about the possibility of signing Tevez at today's pre-match press conference, "Then perhaps my co-chairman David Sullivan might want to pursue it.

"That would be with my blessing, obviously. He [Sullivan] was the man who talked about it with me first and if we could get him back here, based on what he did here last time - and if he did love the club as much as he did, and if there was a possibility - then I think it's an outside chance.

"We will wait and see.''

Allardyce, who will be looking to his team to bounce back after a string of disappointing results is set to welcome back Matt Taylor and Mark Noble to his squad for Saturday's game.

Definitely out however are Joey O'Brien and Robert Green, meaning Manuel Almunia is set to make his home debut after arriving from Arsenal last month on a short-term loan.