Striker search continues

West Ham are being linked with Porto striker Benni McCarthy as Alan Pardew's search for a top-class striker continues.

Several editions of this morning's newspapers carry stories suggesting that Pardew is set to move for the South African forward, who has spent the last two years in Portugal.

Blackburn are said to have had a £4m bid for the 27-year-old rejected recently, whilst the Hammers are thought to be prepared to up the ante in order to capture the highly-rated international.

Meanwhile, Southampton boss Harry Redknapp had claimed that he has rejected a £6m bid from West Ham for lanky striker Peter Crouch.

Talking to the BBC, the former Hammers manager claimed last night:

"West Ham did make a cash bid but we turned it down. If we sell Crouch, I don't know where we go."

Pardew, who strengthened his defence earlier today by signing Paul Konchesky, Danny Gabbidon and James Collins has already missed out on Heidar Helgusson and Mamadou Niang, who have signed for Fulham and Marseille respectively.