Gold reveals transfer ambition

David Gold: Has revealed West Ham hope to sign up to four players this summer

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has revealed the club hope to sign up to four players during the summer transfer window.

The Hammers are back in the Premier League after just one season in the Championship thanks to their 2-1 play-off win over Blackpool at Wembley last month.

The summer re-building has already begun, with Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen agreeding a move to east London in July.

A number of other players have been linked with a switch to Upon Park, including former Real Madrid midfielder Guti, who is available on a free transfer after being released by Turkish club Besiktas.

Gold refused to be drawn on any individual targets but did admit the club intend to be busy right up until the deadline at the end of August.

"We're connected with about 20 players," Gold told Sky Sports News.

New season

"What we hope to do is to maybe bring in two, three or maybe four players by the close of the window as we start off in the new season."

Gold also revealed that the Hammers did everything they could to try and persuade goalkeeper Robert Green to stay at the club.

The England international rejected the offer of a new deal and will leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.

"We did our very best and we're very sad that we have lost Robert, "added Gold.

"We wish him well, and wherever he goes I'm sure he will be a great servant to that club."