West Ham United Football Club are closing on Brazilian striker Ilan.

The Hammers were furious last week when their top target Eidur Gudjohnsen joined Tottenham Hotspur, when the Monaco man had undergone a medical at Upton Park.

Gianfranco Zola has now turned to Blackburn Rovers ace Benni McCarthy, and Sky Sports also claim the Italian coach is closing on Ilan.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at St Etienne in the summer, and it is believed the French club are willing to let him leave now for a nominal fee.

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