West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is confident he can defy the credit crunch to bring Diego Tristan to Upton Park.
Financial problems no hurdle for Hammers boss
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is confident he can defy the credit crunch to bring out-of-favour Spanish striker Diego Tristan to Upton Park.
Tristan failed to make a mark at Italian club Livorno after joining from Real Mallorca last summer, and the new Hammers manager insists the club are keen to bring the 32-year-old to East London.
Zola has reportedly been told he can only bring in new players if he sells other squad members first after Hammers owner Bjogolfor Gudmundsson lost a reported £230million following the collapse of Icelandic bank Landisbank.
Free agent Tristan arrived at Upton Park at the end of September and Zola has extended the former Spanish international talisman's trial to get a closer look at the experienced forward.
Experience
Tristan scored 78 goals in 177 games for Depotivo La Coruna from 2000-2006 but scored just once in his 21 appearances for Livorno last season and is now looking for a new club following his release.
Zola said: "Diego's working very hard and we're pleased with him.
"He could be a good alternative. He's got a lot of experience and skills.
"He can do well as long as he gets fit."
Zola is looking to bolster his attacking options with West Ham hitman Dean Ashton set to be out until at least the New Year with an ankle injury.
