Hammers backtrack on Yak

West Ham United have 'cooled' their interest in signing Everton's Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni. The Hammers have been tracking the African ace for much of the summer, having decided that their strike force is in need of strengthening.As Yakubu is a proven Premier League goal-getter, the Upton Park outfit felt he was an ideal candidate to bolster their ranks.They have, however, been frustrated in their efforts to take him to the capital, with Everton reluctant to do business.The Toffees feel the terms on the table are unacceptable and have informed the Hammers that they will need to up their offer if they are to land Yakubu.

Better

West Ham are reluctant to increase their bid, though, and could now turn their attention elsewhere.Co-owner David Sullivan believes the club would be better advised to bring in a potential star of the future, rather than a 27-year-old striker who has struggled with injuries in recent times."We have cooled on Yakubu," he said."When you have a good, hard look at him, we want younger and quicker and better."Reports suggest Everton are holding out for somewhere close to 8million for former Middlesbrough and Portsmouth ace Yakubu.

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