Hammers move for Madar

West Ham are making a move to sign the French international striker, Michael Madar, who flies in to London today to start a three-day trial with the Hammers that could lead to a free transfer from the Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, writes Alan Nixon.

The tall target man has been told by the French coach, Aime Jacquet, that he must have first-team football to regain his place in the national squad before the World Cup finals.

Harry Redknapp, the West Ham manager, has also agreed a pounds 1.5m fee with Nottingham Forest for the centre half Colin Cooper. The former England international will discuss personal terms this week about a move to London to replace Marc Rieper in the Hammers defence.