WEST HAM have swooped to sign Mexico striker Guillermo Franco on a free transfer as Gianfranco Zola seeks to boost his depleted strike force.

The club admitted to missing out on one of their prime targets – believed to be Manchester City's Benjani – on deadline day of the summer transfer window, and revealed that they were tracking a free agent to join Carlton Cole, Alessandro Diamanti and Zavon Hines in attack.

That man has emerged as 32-year-old Franco, who represented his country at the 2006 World Cup.

The forward's contract at Villarreal expired in the summer, enabling him to move on a free transfer. He is expected to complete a medical at Upton Park and put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

Zola said of his latest addition: “I'm sure he is a player who can make a good contribution.”

Franco was keen to get started with his new club. “I'm happy because I'm going to an English team and I believe that is a good opportunity for me.”

The Mexican arrives in East London in good form after scoring in his country's 3-0 win over Costa Rica last week.