Source: Daily_Mail
Zola hopes to Hammer out deal for new striker after losing injured Franco
Gianfranco Zola's bid to guide West Ham clear of the relegationplaces suffered a major blow when one of his key strikers, GuillermoFranco, was injured in training. [LNB]Zola could have money to spend this month after all if one or moreof the three remaining bidders for the Premier League club prove thisweek they have the money to complete a takeover. [LNB]And the priority must be a striker after Mexican international Franco broke down to leave Zola chronically short of firepower. [LNB] Lacking firepower: Gianfranco Zola is running out of fit strikers[LNB]West Ham have seen Dean Ashton retire through injury and leading scorer Carlton Cole and Luis Boa Morte sidelined for months with knee injuries. Kieron Dyer is also out with a hamstring injury. [LNB]At least the weather has given them another week off before next Sunday's trip to Aston Villa and Zola will be confident that Scott Parker, Herita Ilunga, Jack Collison and Mark Noble will all be available after shaking off knocks. [LNB]Well-placed sources believe a takeover will move a significant step closer this week. [LNB]American-backed group Intermarket are favourites but should they not have the funds, the most likely outcome would be former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan taking control. Ben Foster up for sale as Edwin van der Sar returns at Manchester UnitedWest Ham v Wolves called off as area outside Upton Park deemed too dangerous for the fansZola demands emergency summit to discuss West Ham departures WEST HAM UNITED FC
