West Ham United are interested in signing Nicolas Anelka from Chelsea after the Frenchman’s recent transfer request, The Daily Mail reports.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce worked with Anelka when the two were at Bolton and is keen to bring the experienced striker to Upton Park. Anelka is upset by the lack of first team opportunities he is seeing at Stamford Bridge at the moment and is looking to move on. Chelsea have accepted his transfer request, which has alerted Allardyce to make a move for his former player.
Anelka’s contract expires at the end of the season and he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any side next month. The Irons face competition from wealthy Shanghai Shenhua, who have the financial means to offer Anelka the world. Sentimental values may attract the French striker, who could be drawn by former teammate Kevin Nolan and working under Allardyce again.
West Ham currently sit second in the Championship table and are favourites to get promoted back to the Premier League, one year after their relegation. Allardyce is eager to speak with Anelka and attract him with the lure that the Hammers hold.
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