Hammers look at Niang

West Ham and Marseille are battling it out for Strasbourg striker Mamadou Niang.

Niang has attracted the interest of a host of clubs after a productive season with Strasbourg last term.

The likes of Everton, Tottenham, and Portsmouth have been linked with the Senegal international.

Strasbourg are resigned to Niang leaving and they are holding out for the best price for the player.

Marseille are keen to keep the powerful striker in France and are hoping to lure him to Stade Velodrome.

However, the French giants face competition from West Ham for the African's services with the Premiership side holding talks about a possible move to Upton Park.

Hammers boss Alan Pardew is keen to bolster his attack as he plans for life back in the top-flight and has made Niang one of his top targets.

The player's representative Charles Collymore has admitted West Ham and Marseille are both keen on signing the player.

"There has been a lot of interest in Mamadou and to be fair West Ham are very interested in him," Collymore told skysports.com

"We have held very positive discussions with West Ham and we are still trying to iron out a few issues and find out which is the best option for Mamadou.

"Marseille are also interested in Mamadou and I think it is a battle between West Ham and them for Mamadou."