Source: Telegraph
West Ham target Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen
Carlton Cole is currently West Ham's only fit senior forward, with Dean Ashton seemingly set to leave Upton Park, while Luis Boa Morte is ruled out for up to six months through injury.
Consequently Zola knows he needs reinforcements up front, a factor highlighted in their relatively impotent attacking display against Tottenham at the Barclays Asia Trophy on Wednesday.
The Italian is a keen admirer of Gudjohnsen, who has expressed a desire to leave Barcelona this summer after becoming frustrated with a lack of first-team football.
"Gudjohnsen is one of the players who have been linked with West Ham," said Zola. "He is one of those players that not only West Ham would be interested in.
"We know we need to be more effective going forward and so we are looking for a striker.
"We don't know who it will be but hopefully someone will come."
However, Zola admitted he is not afraid to turn to the club's highly successful Academy should the need arise this season.
Players such as Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas broke into the West Ham first team last season and Zola is confident more talented youngsters could make the grade again this term.
"We already have so many young players like Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas and they are playing already," he added.
"It is good to see the players from the youth team making it in the Premier League.
"That is down to the fact the West Ham have a good Academy and the club policy is to play them.
"Obviously we don't have the possibility to spend money like other clubs.
"We have a good atmosphere in the club, we have some experienced players and they are really good for the others.
"I have total confidence in West Ham, there is a positive atmosphere and everyone is working well so I am positive it is going to be a good year."
West Ham play Chinese side Beijing Guoan at Beijing's Worker's Stadium in the third place play-off of the Barclays Asia Trophy today.
