By David Kent

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Arsenal scouts watched West Ham midfielder Momo Diame, 25, against Manchester United last night.

Queens Park Rangers have already considered a move for Diame, who has a 3.5million release clause included in the contract he signed after joining the Hammers on a free transfer from Wigan last summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has long been an admirer and Rafa Benitez also likes the 25-year-old, a view reinforced by Diame's goal and game-changing appearance from the bench when West Ham beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Premier League last month.

Wanted man: Diame was scouted by Arsenal at Old Trafford

Wanted man: Diame was scouted by Arsenal at Old Trafford

French-born Diame has endured fitness problems since moving to England in 2009 and has been out with a hamstring injury since mid-December but has returned to action quicker than expected.

West Ham manager Allardyce has been impressed with Diame's contribution in his 16 games and are anxious to keep him at the club but this will require substantial improvements to his terms.

The Hammers are aware the 3.5m release clause leaves them vulnerable during this transfer window but they have yet to strike a deal and are well aware of gathering interest from other clubs.

Fulham and Everton have also monitored his progress.

Last month, West Ham's co-chairman David Gold confirmed he did not want to lose the powerful midfielder.

Hammer time: Diame has a 3.5m clause written into his contract

Hammer time: Diame has a 3.5m clause written into his contract

'We are talking to the player and are improving his deal,' said Gold. 'I would be very confident that he will remain our player.

'I believe at this stage this will be nothing more than agent talk ahead of the transfer window opening.

'We are talking to Mo and his agent and I am quite confident he will still be our player at the end of January.'