Monday 11 April 2016 14:44, UK
Diafra Sakho is not at loggerheads with West Ham despite a cryptic expletive-laden message posted by the striker on social media at the weekend, Sky sources understand.
Widespread reports surfaced of a fall-out between Sakho and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic at training on Friday when the Senegal international did not feature in the matchday squad for the Premier League visit of Arsenal at the weekend.
But Bilic insisisted after Saturday's 3-3 draw with the Gunners - in which Sakho's replacement Andy Carroll scored a hat-trick - that the 26-year-old had in fact reported an injury that kept him out of the Arsenal game.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold reinforced Bilic's claim in a Twitter message posted on Saturday, suggesting Sakho was unwell but should be in contention to return to the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United on Wednesday night.
Sources close to the player have since insisted the message - posted on the social media platform Snapchat - was a private matter and not aimed at Bilic or West Ham in any way whatsoever.
Further reports had claimed Sakho has become increasingly unsettled due to West Ham's pursuit of a new striker this summer, while it has also been reported he has become frustrated at seeing contact talks stall.
But Sky sources understand that these reports are wide of the mark and talk of a new deal is premature, with Sakho signing an improved contract at West Ham within the last 18 months.
Sakho, who joined West Ham from Metz in 2014, has scored six goals for the club this season.
