Hammers confirm Benni liking

West Ham United have confirmed their interest in Benni McCarthy.

The Hammers were linked with a move earlier this week, as they look set to join a chase which already involves Newcastle, Bolton and Blackburn.

However, the Londoners could now emerge as front-runners after their chief executive Paul Aldridge admitted McCarthy was on their wanted list.

"I can confirm that McCarthy is on a list of possible signings," Aldridge told maisfutebol.

"We have received the information from one of our scouts, but we are still in a very premature phase and we have not officially spoken with anybody."

West Ham are known to be in the market for a new striker, but their prime target Peter Crouch seems destined to move elsewhere.

The Upton Park outfit are now considering McCarthy, who has a fine record in Europe, with Ajax, Celta Vigo and Porto.