Source: SKY_Sports
Hammers confirm striker search
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has assured fans that signing another striker is the club's top priority before the transfer window closes.
Luca Toni's agent has said the Bayern Munich striker could move to Upton Park while Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has admitted his interest in bringing Barcelona's ex-Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen back to England.
Chile international Luis Jimenez is West Ham's only significant signing so far this summer but Duxbury insists that the Hammers' hierarchy is doing its utmost to bolster the Zola's attacking options.
"I know the fans are waiting for us to sign at least one more forward and that is what we are working to do," he told the club's official website.
"Gianfranco, (technical director) Gianluca Nani and I are absolutely aware that we need to bring at least one more into the squad as soon as possible.
"We are talking every day and working very hard to make this happen. The reality is we are looking at top-quality players and these deals can take time."
Jimenez has arrived on a season-long loan from Inter Milan but Dean Ashton is yet to regain full fitness and Freddie Sears has been loaned out to Crystal Palace.
That leaves Carlton Cole short of support as youngsters Savio Nsereko and Zavon Hines are the Hammers' only other strikers.
"It is important we keep the supporters updated as much as we can with the squad and what we are doing during the transfer window," Duxbury added.
"We all recognise your concern with regard to striker recruitment and this is our top priority. As the manager has also said in the press, we are trying to add more attacking options.
"Luis Jimenez was an important signing for Gianfranco and it was good to get the deal done so early in the summer.
"Not all transfers are as straightforward and the other high-profile targets we have been following have required us to be patient.
"Rest assured everyone at the club is working hard to bring further recruits to the squad - especially a forward."
