Hammers boss keen to recruit

West Ham manager Alan Pardew insists he will still try to strengthen his squad before the closure of the transfer window on Thursday.

And Fulham’s French midfielder Steed Malbranque is understood to be on his wishlist still despite a groin injury that could sideline him for three months.

Malbranque has refused to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage, where he has been frozen out of first-team plans by manager Chris Coleman.

The club are now looking to sell the former Lyon player before he leaves on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Malbranque has already turned down one West Ham approach and refused to even consider an offer from Middlesbrough, but he could now be available for a knock-down £3m (€4.4m).

Pardew said: “It’s going to be a difficult week because everyone knows there’s only a limited amount of time left.

“Both the buyers and sellers are hedging their bets and that makes it awkward for the Premiership clubs who are trying to secure the faces that can take clubs forward and strengthen squads.

“We’re all in the same boat and we’ll have to address everything again when we get back to work on Tuesday morning. Right now, I can’t give any update on our position.”

Coleman revealed: “There is a club – and clubs – interested (in Malbranque). We are close to a deal with one club. The sooner Steed signs for someone else the better for this club.”