Transfer Centre

Sam Allardyce: 'West Ham United targeting younger striker than Samuel Eto'o'

By Joe Sharratt, Reporter | 03 August 2014

West Ham distance themselves from a move for Samuel Eto'o after manager Sam Allardyce reveals that the club are looking to sign a younger striker.

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that West Ham United want to sign one more striker before the transfer window closes, but admitted that they would prefer a younger option than Samuel Eto'o.

Eto'o, 33, has been linked with a move to the Hammers after being released by Chelsea at the end of last season.

"There has been a lot of talk about Samuel Eto'o. From our point of view the chairman was perhaps looking at a younger player," Allardyce told reporters.

"Samuel is still available and we have decided he should be considered at some stage if we're not successful [in signing a younger player].

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly while we've been here the chairman has made enquiries, whether they can be finalised I won't know until I get back. Everyone is working hard to bring in a new face to give us the opportunity to score the goals with the chances we're creating."

West Ham have already added forwards Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate to their squad this summer, though they will be without Andy Carroll for four months after he was injured during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand.