West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has hinted that he could
be considering an offer for Barcelona's Icelandic striker Eidur
Gudjohnsen.
Gudjohnsen is understood to be close to leaving the Nou Camp and
it has been claimed that Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham are also
monitoring the situation.
Zola has indicated that he could enter the race for Gudjohnsen
after witnessing the forward's ability firsthand during their time
together at Chelsea.
The Italian holds his former team-mate in high regard, but
recognises he will not be the only European manager aware of the
30-year-old's talents.
Zola told Sky Sports News: "Eidur is certainly a very good
player. I am sure West Ham are not the only team who are looking
for a good player like him."
The Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League last season and
Zola is looking to improve on that display in the coming
campaign.
Luis Jimenez has arrived on loan at Upton Park from Inter Milan
to increase the Hammers' guile in the attacking third, but their
manager is still keen for more variety.
"We are trying to spot what our weaknesses can be," added
Zola.
"Certainly we need to improve upfront and that is the majority
of the job."
Zola is also hopeful defender Lucas Neill will agree a return to
East London after his contract expired in June.
When asked if the Australian had a future with West Ham, he
said: "We hope so. He has got our trust and we like him, so it is
down to him."