Gianfranco Zola has admitted he is anxious to sign Inter Milan's Brazilian attacker Mancini following fresh doubts over Dean Ashton's long-term Upton Park future.
The England striker, sidelined since last September after damaging his ankle during the West Ham manager's first training session, is missing from the club's pre-season tour to Austria.
The 25-year-old's unexplained absence has fuelled claims that he is set to depart before the start of the new season as Scott Parker and Valon Behrami - both injured - linked-up with the squad after Zola stressed the importance of team-bonding.
Gianluca Nani, the Hammers technical chief, has been in Milanattempting to broker a deal with Mancini, as Zola looks to reinforcehis attack for the forthcoming campaign which would pave the way for Ashton's exit.
Source: Daily_Mail