West Ham United are reportedly preparing a bid in an effort to prise Southampton striker Rickie Lambert away from the club this month.
The Hammers find themselves in a relegation battle this season, with Sam Allardyce's men sitting second from bottom in the Premier League table having secured just three victories all term.
According to The Mirror, the East London outfit have identified the England international as the ideal candidate to fire the club to safety and are prepared to offer the 31-year-old a weekly salary of £65,000 in an attempt to lure him to Upton Park.
The prospective deal is said to have the backing of co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, who sanctioned a club-record £15m move for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll in the summer.
However, the duo are yet to see what their money bought, with Carroll failing to make a single appearance all season due to a long-term foot injury.
Lambert has scored six goals in 20 league appearances for the Saints this term.
Shane Callaghan
