West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is poised to dip into the transfer market after Guillermo Franco's injury.
Franco injury leaves Hammers short of options
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is poised to dip into the transfer market this month after Guillermo Franco's injury blow.
Franco, 33, is facing the rest of the month on the sidelines after a suffering a muscular complaint in training, leaving Zola short of options.
Carlton Cole is not expected back until later in January following his absence with a knee problem, with the Hammers keen to bring in reinforcements.
Nuno Gomes, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Aston Villa's former Hammers striker Marlon Harewood and Stoke targetman James Beattie have all been suggested as possible targets to help Zola's bid to avoid relegation this season.
The better news for the Italian is players returning from injury, with Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Jack Collison and Danny Gabbidon among those in the frame for next weekend's trip to Aston Villa.
The club could also make an announcement this week on how talks are progressing over a takeover.
Icelandic bank Straumur, the club's owners, continue negotiations over a potential sale.
David Gold and David Sullivan are said to be in the race along with Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes and the InterMarket Group.
