Bilic to stay on and targets Toure

WEST HAM UNITED have no intention of sacking Slaven Bilic at the end of the season and are considering making a move for Yaya Toure should he leave Manchester City.

A review of the manager’s and the team’s performance will still take place – as is customary at West Ham under the current owners – but largely with the intention of identifying transfer targets and making off-field improvements.

Toure will soon be out of contract at City and has yet to agree a one-year extension, with West Ham emerging as a viable destination for the 33-year-old Ivorian. It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to match Toure’s wage demands, but given that he would be available as a free agent, a deal could be struck. Toure’s future is expected to be decided soon.

West Ham want to make two or three significant signings– and have considered a bid for the Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge – rather than a larger number of lesser acquisitions as they did last summer in what turned out to be a poor recruitment drive. (© Daily Telegraph, London)