Transfer news: West Ham close in on Inter Milan striker Ishak Belfodil

Algerian forward will be well-needed striking cover for the Upton Park club should the deal go through

Ishak Belfodil (R) of Internazionale Milano (Getty Images)

Beleaguered West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is close to finalising a deal for Inter Milan striker Ishak Belfodil, according to reports.

The Hammers boss is under heavy pressure to rectify the club's poor form - after the 5-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest was followed by a 6-0 retreat to Manchester City last night - and is homing in on his second signing of the transfer window.

Having signed Roger Johnson on loan from League One side Wolverhampton Wanderers this week, Belfodil offers well needed cover up front.

Linked with QPR this season, the 21-year-old has failed to make his mark at Inter since joining from Palma last summer and has made just two appearances for the Serie A outfit this term.

Reports in Italy, since added to by Sky Sports, suggested that Belfodil has already agreed personal terms with the Hammers and could fly to London for a medical as early as tomorrow.

The Irons have been seriously lacking in fire power this season with record signing Andy Carroll out with a foot injury.

Mercifully the former Newcastle United striker is due back within the next couple of weeks but the arrival of Belfodil could prove to be a vital addition to Allardyce’s downtrodden squad.