Viduka On The Verge of Signing for The Hammers

Mark Viduka is reportedly close to signing for London Premier League outfit West Ham. The big Australian is currently on a free transfer after his contract with Newcastle United expired at the end of last season. Even though the transfer window is closed until January as Viduka is on a free transfer he is allowed to sign for the Hammers.

The 33 year old forward held talks with Fulham and Portsmouth recently but both Fulham and Portsmouth managers believed Viduka no longer had the motivation to cut it in the Premier League.

West Ham have been playing England international Carlton Cole as a lone forward so far this season and require cover in case Cole is injured or suspended. It looks like West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes Viduka would provide that cover or could be used in partnership with Cole to add some experience and potency to the young West Ham attack.

A club statement from West Ham indicated they had been tracking a free agent:

“Gianluca Nani (technical director) and Gianfranco Zola (manager) are now discussing the possibility of an out of contract striker joining the club who has been tracked in the past month.”

The news will be welcomed by Australian coach Pim Verbeek as Scott McDonald has so far not warranted a walk up start for the lone forward role in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.