Sam Allardyce: 'West Ham United can't afford Callum Wilson'

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has played down reports that the club will hunt Bournemouth hitman Callum Wilson, claiming that he would be "too expensive".

Wilson's 22 Championship goals have helped the Cherries to the brink of Premier League promotion.

Only defeat and a 20-goal victory for Middlesbrough on the final day would be enough to see Bournemouth - who face Charlton Athletic away - finish in the playoff places.

The 23-year-old striker has been linked with a summer switch to Upton Park, but Allardyce says that their impending top-flight status gives boss Eddie Howe reason to demand a "huge number" for him.

"Callum Wilson would probably be too expensive and with Bournemouth getting promoted, they will put a huge number on his head," he told talkSPORT.

"I'm sure they wouldn't want to lose such an important player for next season."

Wilson is contracted to the Goldsands Stadium until 2018.