Transfer Talk: West Ham close in on Nice striker Rémy

The West Ham manager Avram Grant, who has already signed Thomas Hitzlsperger, Frédéric Piquionne and Pablo Barrera this summer, is looking to use the owners' renewed support to improve his squad with the signings of centre-back Tal Ben Haim and the Nice forward Loïc Rémy. "The squad is not yet complete, so we will buy or loan a few more players," Grant said. "Even if the club are limited with money, we know what we are doing and we know what we want to do."

The Hammers look to be first in the queue for the French striker according to comments from Nice chairman Gilbert Stellardo yesterday. He puts them top of the list to sign the 23-year-old. "West Ham? Rémy is definitely interested," he said. "The only clubs I've talked to are West Ham and Fenerbache."

The promising striker has also attracted the interest of Liverpool and Arsenal recently.

Coventry City

The club have announced the signing of the 21-year-old forward Lukas Jutkiewicz from Everton for £200,000. "We are delighted to have Lukas on board," said the Sky Blues manager Aidy Boothroyd.

Portsmouth

Bristol City are trying to beat their fellow Championship side to the signature of Stoke striker Ibrahima Sonko despite his already agreeing terms on a move to Fratton Park. Steve Coppell is hoping to convince the 29-year-old to join his side on a season-long loan.