Kalou left the English Premier League after transferring from Chelsea to Ligue 1 side Lille two seasons ago but revealed his desire to return to England earlier this year.

The 27-year-old has already been linked with a move to West Brom and there have been reports in the English media that the forward has already rejected West Ham, but Allardyce remains hopeful a deal can be struck.

"I think that, as far as I know, the West Ham chairman is speaking with the player's agent," Allardyce told Sky Sports News.

"We understand the player wants to come back and play in England. Whether that's with us or whoever, we're having a look at it.

"Obviously from his record at Chelsea and his goalscoring record last season in France, and his age, he's very appealing to us."

Allardyce did acknowledge any deal could be scuppered by the Ivory Coast international's preference to play centrally with West Ham already possessing Andy Carroll, Ricardo Vaz Te and Modibo Maiga.

"What regular position he wants to play may be the stumbling block," Allardyce said.