Sam Allardyce: 'Enner Valencia Chelsea transfer talk affecting form'

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has suggested that talk of a January move to Chelsea has turned Enner Valencia's head and had a negative impact on his performances.

The Ecuadorian international joined the Hammers after this summer's World Cup, but the forward has since been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

It is those links that Allardyce believes has distracted Valencia from his duties at West Ham.

He is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "I think [the speculation] affects you without doubt, subconsciously. I don't think he generally goes around thinking it has affected him as no player ever tells you that they are playing badly.

"But, subconsciously, it has to have an effect as you are not absolutely certain about your future.

"I think that there has definitely some thought that goes on subconsciously in terms of, 'Where am I going to be next year? Should I stay here or should I not? Should I go somewhere else? Or I am just looking after myself as it [the deal] is already done?'"

West Ham are currently ninth in the Premier League after their 3-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace at the weekend.