Hammers in new striker link

West Ham are being linked with a move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh.

25-year-old Chamakh has been strongly linked throughout the summer with Arsenal, who are rumoured to have had a £6million bid for the wantaway striker already rejected.

But according to today's edition of L'Equipe, West Ham have now entered the race to sign the international who is set to leave the French club having refused to sign a new contract. Chamakh's current deal is thought to have just one year left to run.

Bordeaux are said to have set Chamakh's asking price at £15million initially, although that was reduced to £10million due to the player entering the final year of his contract.

Quite where the Hammers would get that kind of money from remains a mystery, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the Hammers are being used simply as a pawn to hasten Chamakh's move to the Emirates.

Chamakh, who was born and raised in France but opted to play for his parent's country of birth began his career with local side FC Marmandais. Having been snapped up by Bordeaux at the turn of the century he made his full debut (aged 18) in 2002, although it was another two years before he became a regular in the first team.

Although never prolific, the 6'2" striker has scored 46 goals in 189 appearances for les Girondins including a season-best tally of 13 last season. His main attributes are considered to be his aerial strength and close control.