Andy Carroll and Sam Allardyce were allegedly caught by a fraudster trying to flog West Ham players and staff Christmas hampers worth £30,000, it has been claimed.

The trickster reportedly turned up at the club’s training grounds in December promising cut-price Fortnum & Mason and Harrods hampers.

The pair allegedly paid £11,000 each for the cut-price luxury hampers but the good were never delivered.

A source from the Premier League football club reportedly told The Sun: “The conman was offering top quality champagnes and hampers from Harrods and Fortnum & Mason at ridiculously cheap prices.

“He told them he had some good contacts in these firms and assured them it was all legal and above board. They were told stuff would be delivered in a short while.”

Carroll – who is preparing for the West Ham match against West Brom this afternoon - tweeted this morning to deny the accusations, adding that his “money is safe”.

Representatives at West Ham have yet to respond to a request for comment about the incident.

“Don’t know how The Sun Newspaper can get away with making up stories!! #MyMoneyIsSafe” he tweeted.

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it has begun an investigation into the selling of the fraudulent hampers.

“Officers from Newham are investigating an allegation of fraud which occurred on Friday, 12 December,” a spokesperson for the London force said.

“It was reported to police on 24 December and inquiries are continuing. There have been no arrests.”