Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham close in on Gudjohnsen but Russians bid to snatch super Mario
West Ham are keen to bring their protracted pursuit of Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen to a conclusion.
The Hammers remain hopeful of signing the former Chelsea striker, although the Iceland international's wage demands are a major stumbling block.
Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli, who Upton Park boss Gianfranco Zola would like to sign on loan, has been linked with a permanent transfer to Zenit St Petersburg.
Italian style: Napoli fans enjoy the Bobby Moore Cup
Reports on the Continent say the Russian giants will offer almost £13million for the 18-year-old Italy Under 21 international.
Zola admits he is keen to add to the squad before the Barclays Premier League opener at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, but also expects further joy from the West Ham production line.
'This club is a club that wants to get good players and climb the table but we always leave an open door for the young players coming through too,' said the Italian.
'Last year, it was a case of Junior Stanislas, James Tomkins and Jack Collison and hopefully there will be some more players coming through.'
Napoli spoiled the party in West Ham's final match of pre-season with a 1-0 win at Upton Park on Saturday.
Italy international Fabio Quagliarella's brilliant header with 12 minutes remaining was enough to lift the Bobby Moore Cup as 21,364 fans turned up for the opening of the new Sir Trevor Brooking Stand.
The match raised £42,728 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.
