FAB SWOOP FOR SAM

WEST HAM are hopeful of sealing a deal for Italy striker Fabio Quagliarella.

With Andy Carroll out injured and only the inexperienced Modibo Maiga available to lead the line, the Hammers need more firepower.

But boss Sam Allardyce has already used up his summer budget, with winger Stewart Downing’s £5million switch from Liverpool the last big signing. That means West Ham’s preference is to take Quagliarella (left) on loan from Juventus.

The forward has only a year of his contract left to run at Juve, who have brought in Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

And that is why the Italians want to sell, to cash in now rather than let him go for free next summer. The Hammers are prepared to match his wages and know the player prefers a move to London rather than Sunderland or Norwich, who are also interested.

Allardyce is also busy trying to offload fringe men to fund the deal.

Alou Diarra, Matt Taylor, Ricardo Vaz Te and third-choice keeper Stephen Henderson are all available.

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