Alan Pardew is set to raid Arsenal as he seeks to strengthen West Ham's squad in preparation for the Championship climax.
Pardew was present at Motspur Park last night to watch Fulham reserves beat Arsenal 5-1, and is understood to have run the rule over several of the Arsenal youngsters.However his main target - full back Justin Hoyte - didn't play in the heavy defeat for the Gunners.
Pardew will be strengthening his squad next week with two possible signings mooted. The delay in bringing in the new faces is due to Championship rules which stress that loan deals may not exceed three months at this stage of the season - and should the Hammers sign anyone before next week those loan players would have been illegible for a possible play-off final appearance at the end of May.
2004/05 Coca Cola Championship play off dates
Semi-final first leg: weekend of 14/15 May
Semi-final second leg: week commencing 16 May
Final: (Bank Holiday) Monday, 30 May
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