Premiership Rumour Mill: Hammers look to Niemi

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The Hammers already have England international Robert Green between the posts but are looking to make a move for former Hearts and Southampton shot-stopper Niemi.

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Ready for a change? Antti Niemi is a reported target of West Ham

Alan Curbishley is determined to perform a dramatic overhaul at Upton Park during the close season and regards Niemi as one of the best keepers in the business.

The Finland international does not fancy another scrap at the wrong end of the top flight table and has revealed how staying up at Craven Cottage finally banished the nightmare memories of the drop during his time on the South Coast with Saints.

"Getting relegated with Southampton served as a motivation for me," he said."On a personal level, I was enjoying the pressure because I knew that if I could do well and help the team to get out of it I would feel absolutely fantastic.

"I knew that it was the opportunity to bury a few demons from my footballing past.

"After the Liverpool game, when we knew we were safe, I felt so empty and relieved that it's hard to put into words. It was such a fantastic feeling."

The Hammers are also interested in buying Middlesbrough's former Derby County central defender Chris Riggott.

Everton want to sign Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley, who finished the season on loan at Aston Villa and Gavin McCann could also be leaving the Midlands club.

He has lost his first-team place to promising youngster Craig Gardner and is set to be offered regular football at newly-promoted Sunderland.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill, meanwhile, has been linked with an ambitious move for Ajax's 22-year-old star Wesley Sneijder.

Birmingham are keen on Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson, who has just finished an eye-catching season on loan with Charlton Athletic even though Colin Doyle impressed as they gained relegation from the Championship last term.

And Chelsea are still considering whether to bid for Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim, who is also wanted by West Ham and Portsmouth.

Rumour of the day: Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the chase for Southampton left-back Gareth Bale.

No chance: Saints will not allow Nathan Dyer, another of their exciting prospects to leave and are happy he has signed a new deal at the St Mary's Stadium.