West Ham sign Marouane Chamakh on six-month loan deal from Arsenal Earlier in the day, Allardyce said: "From my point of view, the situation I have with Andy Carroll being injured and Modibo Maiga going to the African Nations Cup, means as a striker we have Carlton Cole and that is it until Andy gets fit." The Irons have also been linked with a swoop for Blackburn defender Martin Olsson, a player whom Allardyce worked with when he was in charge at Ewood Park. "We need to find a left-back as quick as we can as well, because Joey O'Brien has a hamstring problem and George McCartney is out for a number of weeks, so we will have to see if there is anyone who we can find in that position for us," added Allardyce. I did not know Martin was available, so we will have to wait and see if they make Martin available at Blackburn. I would definitely be interested because I worked with the lad when I was at the club and helped develop him into what I consider now to be quite a good player. Whether Blackburn are wanting to sell anybody in their fight to get back into the Premier League, I don't know. QPR are reported to be keen on Mohamed Diame, but Allardyce has stressed he will not welcome any approach for the Senegal midfielder, who is currently sidelined by injury.