Pardew confirms Kanoute interest

Alan Pardew has confirmed that he is seeking to bring Tottenham striker Freddie Kanoute back to Upton Park.

Pardew - speaking to supporters at tonight's fans forum - revealed that he is interested in re-signing the Malian international, who left Upton Park in 2003 in a £4m deal.

"I know that there is some hostility to him coming back but his performance for Tottenham last year was very good," said Pardew.

"I'm not going to say it's not going to happen because we need a top striker - there's no doubt about that. And the market is a bit thin on the ground.

"I know it's not going to be a popular decision for some if we bring Freddie back, but he is one of the contenders - and I have to say he is a top line striker."

Pardew also revealed that the club had been in for Liverpool striker Milan Baros, amongst others - although that deal appears to be dead in the water.

"We chased Crouch, and then Baros," he added. "But we didn't get too much encouragement from the player.

"Adebayor of Monaco was also a player I really fancied but it just didn't come off."

Kanoute's fee - should a deal be struck - is likely to be in the region of the £4m West Ham received for him from Tottenham two years ago - not £6m as reported in the weekend press.

And that should leave Pardew enough to make a second signing, with another striker or attacking midfielder his priority.