West Ham United are hoping to sign a striker and left-back and
have identified Eidur Gudjohnsen and Nicky Shorey as their number
one targets.
However they may have to wait until January to land the two as they
have been told by their respective clubs, Barcelona and Reading,
that they do not want to sell in this summer's transfer window,
which closes on 31 August.
It appears that West Ham will wait, especially for Gudjohnsen,
whose transfer has become a long-term project for his fellow
Icelander and the West Ham chairman, Eggert Magnusson. However it
may still prove a difficult task to sign the striker who, although
keen to return to England if he leaves Barça, has also attracted
interest from several other clubs.
The move for Shorey is also on hold. West Ham made a £5m approach
for the left-back but were rebuffed by Reading, but it is
understood that Shorey is keen to move to Upton Park and has also
rejected a new, £20,000-a-week contract at Reading.
Shorey has two years left on his present deal which may influence
whether or not the club decides to cash in on him now.
West Ham are expected to return to the negotiations before the end
of this month and offer a player plus cash deal especially as
Reading, who have shown an interest in midfielder Hayden Mullins,
will want to sort out replacement for Shorey should he leave.
