The Real thing?

Sam Allardyce is hoping to take former Real Madrid and Spain legend Guti on trial this summer, according to a tabloid newspaper this morning.

The 35-year-old midfielder played more than 500 times for the Spanish giants during 15 years at the club and according to reports could be set to join West Ham at their pre-season training camp in Austria at the beginning of July.

Barry O'Connor, who is cited as the player's UK agent is reported to have told The Sun: "West Ham will make a final decision before the next season starts. I cannot discuss what terms could be offered."

Guti - full name José María Gutiérrez Hernández - left Madrid in 2010 having agreed a two-year contract with Besiktas in Turkey. However he was released from his contract last November and has not played competitive football since.

West Ham are set to fly out to their Bad Waltersdorf training camp in Austria on 2nd July, where they will stay for five days. On 7th July, United are scheduled to play Austria Wien in their first pre-season friendly.