Desperate West Ham hope Mido can solve striker problem

West Ham United are attempting to sign Egyptian striker Mido, having missed out on Ruud van Nistelrooy and Eidur Gudjohnsen. The courting of Mido, who was dropped by Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, demonstrates how desperate West Ham have become with only three days left until the transfer window closes.

Mido, 26, who had trouble keeping his weight down during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, has only scored one goal in 11 league appearance for Zamalek in the Egyptian league this season. The club are also set to sign Benni McCarthy from Blackburn for £2m although the move has been delayed over complications with his work permit.

Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, accused Gudjohnsen, his former Chelsea team-mate, of lacking respect after he snubbed him to move to Tottenham. Zola believed he had secured the striker's signature after he agreed terms on a loan move and even underwent a medical. "I am disappointed with Spurs and disappointed with Gudjohnsen," he said. "They keep telling me that football has got like this, and I keep saying that when I'm dealing with people, I expect them to behave with respect."

West Ham also confirmed the resignation of chief executive Scott Duxbury yesterday.