Diafra Sakho has had a major change of heart and is willing to give everything for West Ham as he looks to force his way back into first-team contention.

Striker Sakho looked to be heading out of the exit door in the summer after telling the club he wanted to leave, and he both passed a medical and agreed personal terms with French side Rennes in late August.

However, no transfer fee had been settled so the Hammers blocked the move from taking place, and insisted that Sakho returned to England.

The Senegalese hit West Ham's second goal as they secured a place in the last 16 (
Image:
Getty)

Boss Slaven Bilic has been impressed with his attitude since the incident and is now expecting big things from the 27-year-old, who scored his second goal of the season on Tuesday in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Championship visitors Bolton.

Bilic said: “Sakho’s attitude and mood is spot on. Really spot on. He’s very motivated in training. He looks really good. That’s why he’s playing for us. He is coming on.

“I do not have any complaints whatsoever. A few times I said that his attitude was not good or whatever, so I’m not lying, I’m not trying to hide things.

“But his determination and everything now is really good. He looks really good, he’s injury free, and he’s willing to train and play good for West Ham United.”