Hammers make improved offer

West Ham are understood to have made an increased offer for Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh.

Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury is reported to have made an improved offer for the Bordeaux striker of €7million plus a 25% sell-on fee and an additional annual sum of €1million (although it is unclear for how many years this particular clause applies).

It was revealed earlier in the week that Bordeaux were holding out for €8million plus a sell on fee, whilst the Hammers are understood to have initially offered a fee in the region of £4.5million.

Meanwhile, Sir Trevor Brooking - who was in charge of the Hammers last time they were relegated in 2003 - has warned the current owners that the club must enhance their attacking options ahead of the transfer window deadline.

“West Ham need a couple of strikers – and they would be the difference between a top-half finish or looking over their shoulder," he said.

“The new asset management group of creditors need to support the club because, to get their money back, they’ll need West Ham to stay in the Premier League.”