WEST HAM are reportedly stepping up their interest in Marseille defender Gael Givet as they seek to replace Anton Ferdinand.
London-born Ferdinand is in talks with Sunderland over a possible move after the Hammers agreed a bid - believed to be in the region of £8million - from the Wearsiders.
But with Danny Gabbidon, James Collins, Jon Spector and James Tomkins all sidelined with injury, Irons boss Alan Curbishley has admitted that the club is "thin on the ground" at centre back.
26-year-old France international Givet has been heavily linked with a move to Upton Park, and it now appears the Irons are looking to seal a deal by the end of the week.
A fee of around £5million is being mooted for the player.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article