West Ham looking to sign more attackers before close of transfer window

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham are looking to strengthen their attacking options still further before the transfer window closes.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has already recruited Modibo Maiga, who opened his account for the club in last night's 2-0 Capital One Cup win over Crewe, and Matt Jarvis this summer.

Liverpool pair Andy Carroll and Joe Cole have both been linked with moves to Upton Park and although assistant manager Neil McDonald would not be drawn on individual targets, he confirmed West Ham were focusing their search on attack more than defence.

"The manager and the board have worked very hard to bring people in and if we could nick another one before the end it would be brilliant," he said.

"That would bring extra competition, it would be another body which would be good for the team.

"We are scouring all over the place. If we get the right person then hopefully the chairman can pop up with the money again and get them in."

Although West Ham are seeking reinforcements up front, McDonald confirmed that Nicky Maynard remains part of their plans after his man-of-the-match performance against Crewe.

Maynard opened the scoring against his old team with a crisp volley, having been set up by a one-touch exchange between Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te.

The 25-year-old, who joined from Bristol City in January, had been linked with a move away from Upton Park.

But McDonald said: "He is an important member of the squad and he has put in a good performance today and given the manager something to think about, that's for sure.

"That is all you can do. He is certainly a goal scorer and he took his goal very, very well. He is involved all the time, he is on the bench. Nothing that I have heard (suggests he won't be here this time next week)."

Maiga made an eye-catching full debut, sealing West Ham's win with a strike from close range after he followed up Kevin Nolan's saved shot.

The Mali striker could have had a hatful more. He put a close-range volley over the bar and directed a header wide from six yards while twice seeing fierce drives well saved.

McDonald was pleased with his contribution.

"I thought he was fantastic. He is still getting used to the pace of English football and that takes time to settle into," McDonald said. "I thought he got stronger as the game went along."

PA