Benni McCarthy set for West Ham switch

Hammers look to have completed their first signing of the Gold and Sullivan era

West Ham United look to have completed their first signing of the Gold and Sullivan era with the London side agreeing a £2.25 million fee with Blackburn Rovers for Benni McCarthy.

Sullivan had previously announced their lavish pursuit of a ‘£100,000-a-week’ striker, but it appears the pair now have settled for the South African. The 32-year-old will join from Ewood Park having become out of favour under Sam Allardyce.

The player had missed training in an attempt to ensure the transfer switch occurred in a move that ‘Big Sam’ brandished selfish.

Speaking to Radio Lancashire, Allardyce bemoaned: “The only loyalty a player has got is to himself. That’s not just Benni, that’s all players today.”

“It’s more about a selfish attitude that they have. If something comes their way that they think they must have, they try their very best to go and get it.”

McCarthy had publically aired his frustrations at the lack of first team football. The player arrived from Porto in the summer of 2006 and scored 52 goals at Ewood Park.

The only matter left undecided are his personal terms at Upton Park.

In addition, West Ham were hopeful of landing former Chelsea striker, Eidur Gudjohnsen. It was believed his current employers, Monaco, have agreed to allow the player move on loan and are willing to foot the majority of the wage bill.

The player was believed to be having a medical at the club last night.

However it has emerged that Tottenham made a last-ditch attempt to hijack the Hammers’ bid. The player is reportedly set to have in-depth talks at White Hart Lane today with Spurs now favourites to sign the player.