Anxious Zola eager to sign Mancini following fresh doubts over Ashton

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