Manchester United have told Darren Fletcher he can leave on a free transfer in recognition of his long service at a club he joined as a trainee 15 years ago and made his debut for in 2003.

West Ham United are trying to sign the Scot and Sam Allardyce believes there is a 50-50 chance of the transfer occurring.

If Allarydce managed to bring Fletcher to the club it would represent something of a coup. The Scot was made Manchester United’s vice-captain by Louis van Gaal and, as a player who has won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups, would add vast experience to West Ham’s tilt at qualifying for European football.

Allardyce’s side are in seventh place and only four points behind Manchester United in fourth so Fletcher’s addition would be a boost to the Hammers’ outside prospects of achieving Champions League football for the first time.