West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is already looking towards next season and his transfer targets for the summer.

 

Reported to be high on the list is Cardiff City striker Ross McCormack. Having had a fantastic year at Ninian Park and playing a pivotal role in Scotland’s World Cup campaign to date, the Premier League may beckon quicker than even McCormack himself could have hoped. The former Rangers player could be available for around £3M should Zola decide to follow up his interest with hard cash.

Another forward on Zola’s shopping list is reported to be Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli. The teenager has already represented his country at Under 21 level and may be tempted by a big money move to England if his chances of holding down a place in the regular starting eleven are not thought great given the potential spending of Inter over the summer.

Zola himself is expected to join Steve Clarke in committing to the club by signing an extended contract over the next few days. This will be welcome news to fans as Zola’s former club Chelsea, whom the Hammers face this week, are still on the lookout for a manager following the news that Guus Hiddink will not stay beyond the end of the current season.