Hammers consider Eidur

Certainly we need to improve upfront and that is the majority of the job.

Gianfranco Zola
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• Eidur Gudjohnsen
• Lucas Neill

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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has hinted that he could be considering an offer for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen as he looks to increase his attacking options.

The Iceland international is thought to be close to leaving Camp Nou and it has been claimed that Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham are monitoring the situation.

But Zola has now 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, very good player. I am sure West Ham are not the only team who are looking for a good player like him."

Weaknesses

West Ham 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."