Allardyce has made no secret of his desire to strengthen West Ham's forward line in the off season, with moves for Andy Carroll and Dimitar Berbatov touted, and now Mali international Maiga appears to be in contention for a move to the English Premier League.

Maiga, 24, has notched 24 goals in 59 Ligue 1 matches for Sochaux since joining the club from Lens two years ago and it is believed he would cost West Ham approximately 4.5 million pounds.

"At the moment that is progressing," Allardyce told Sky Sports when asked about the potential transfer of Maiga.

"That is going forward as we speak but is a little way off being clinched."

Maiga reportedly came close to joining Newcastle United in January, but the move is thought to have broken down when the forward failed his medical.