High profile media attention was also given to the interest West Ham had shown in South African striker Benni McCarthy in the past month but all seemed to go quiet around the former
With McCarthy re-emerging in the news as a possible consolidation target for Jose Mourinho whose bids for Adriano and Trezeguet have led to nothing, the chances of the Premiership new boys landing him have taken a turn for the worse.
Italian international Miccoli of Juventus is another name which appears to have entered room 101 having been linked to the Hammers a week and a half ago, and 26 year old Derby striker Grzegorz Rasiak, reportedly another candidate, has striked himself off the wish-list having agreed a new contract at Pride Park.
Pardew has three strikers with something to prove on the books at Upton Park, and if Czech trialist Mikolanda makes the step-up to sign permanently, that number will rise to four. However it is no secret that what he really wants is a striker with a proven track record on the big stage, and not before too long.
Pardew told the Daily Express, βIt is dangerous if I hold back some of the money until the next transfer window because you have wasted half the season and that could be the most important part.β
Written by Barney French.