Hammers linked with Boro ace

9:46am Friday 9th May 2008

WEST Ham are reportedly ready to launch a £5 million bid for Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil.

The talented 24-year-old has struggled to make an impact at the Riverside following his move from Portsmouth last summer.

Now media sources believe that Irons boss Alan Curbishley, who is looking to boost his injury-hit squad in the summer, is ready to step in and bring O'Neil back south.

O'Neil (pictured) is the sort of flair player that the Hammers have been lacking this season.