BAGGIES JUST WON’T GIVE UP ON GIBSON

SULLIVAN: PEA FOR PERFECT

WEST HAM jointchairman David Sullivan says Javier Hernandez could be one of the greatest players to have ever signed for the club. He becomes the 33rd striker signed by the club since Sullivan and David Gold took over. But Sullivan believes they have struck gold with £16million “Chicharito” (or “Little Pea”), from Bayer Leverkusen.

“He is potentially the best player to ever come to the club,” said Sullivan.

“He is probably the best proven goalscorer we have signed. He’s done it in the Premier League with Manchester United. His goalscoring was a goal every two-and-a-half games, so that’s a pretty good record.”

Sullivan also refused to rule out a move for England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, among others in August.

The Hammers chief added: “I can’t comment on players from other clubs and we have a lot of good midfielders at the club, but never say never.” WEST BROM are preparing a third bid for Boro defender Ben Gibson.

Baggies have had two offers rejected but are not giving up after relegated Boro told Gibson, who has 10 England Under-21 caps, he can go if they get a big offer.

Boss Tony Pulis is considering a club-record £20million bid for the 24-year-old (below), who is also on the radar of Tottenham and Leicester.

Pulis has other targets, including Manchester United centre-backs Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who could leave Old Trafford following the arrival of Swedish international defender Victor Lindelof.

The Baggies boss will need reinforcements at the back if he loses Jonny Evans to Leicester.

Pulis has so far brought in only striker Jay Rodriguez from Southampton for £12million and Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazi on loan.

A permanent deal for Bournemouth defender Marc Wilson, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the The Hawthorns, remains likely.