Zola closes on Chamakh - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Zola closes on Chamakh

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is edging closer to signing Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh and is looking to sell James Collins to push the deal through.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is still hopeful of signing Collins but the Hammers are also waiting to see if Aston Villa are willing to bid for the 25-year-old centre-back.

The money for Collins would be used for Morocco international Chamakh, who is needed to support Carlton Cole as Zola's only senior striker.

Chamakh wants to leave his French club and earlier in the summer was on the radar of Arsenal but Arsene Wenger felt his price was too expensive for a player whose contract is running out.

Meanwhile, left-back Herita Ilunga's facial injury means he is rated as doubtful to face Tottenham on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League clash at Upton Park.

Jonathan Spector is a likely replacement but Fabio Daprela, the Switzerland Under-19 international, impressed in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Watford.

Radoslav Kovac also featured in the 2-1 win, his first appearance since signing a permanent deal with the club. Josh Payne and Zavon Hines scored the goals in the friendly.

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London