SAMMY Lee has urged any players tempted to follow Sam Allardyce out of the Reebok exit door not to act in haste.

El-Hadji Diouf has already been linked with top clubs in Germany, Italy, Spain and France, who have declared their interest and there has been fresh rumours that Nicolas Anelka could be seeking a move to satisfy his ambition to play in the Champions League.

Skipper Kevin Nolan was prompted to act swiftly to nip speculation over his future in the bud after it was claimed he was being touted for a £5million summer move.

Lee, promoted from assistant manager on Monday following Allardyce's shock resignation, confirmed today that he has spoken to all his players in the hope of easing their fears that things could turn sour.

"I've spoken to each and every one of them," he said. "I understand their fears but I just want the best for them.

"All I want to do is give them the best opportunity to go out and perform to their best. But I can understand their anxieties."

Diouf, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury he suffered in the home defeat by Reading a fortnight ago, has apparently hinted that he could be on the move this summer.

One report quoted the Senegal striker as saying: "This has been my best season in England and I am wanted by Werder Bremen, Roma, Atletico Madrid and others, including Paris St Germain."

Lee, who makes his managerial debut at West Ham tomorrow in the first of two remaining games that will decide whether Wanderers will be playing in Europe, has also revealed that he is close to appointing a continental-style general manager to take charge of transfer deals and contract negotiations.

After promoting Gary Speed to player-coach to work alongside current first team coaches Ricky Sbragia and Jimmy Phillips and goalkeeping coach, Fred Barber, the new Whites boss has identified the man he wants to bring in and says the appointment, approved by chairman, Phil Gartside, and club owner, Eddie Davies, is imminent.

"I'm not into titles but this is a structure that will give us the best opportunity to take the clubs forward," he said.

"The general manager will be liaising on transfers, contracts, things like that, the duties I'm not very good at.

"It's to give me maximum time to be on the training ground with the lads."