West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is set to step up his bid for Spartak Moscow midfielder Radoslav Kovac.

The Daily Mail says Zola could be forced to spend on a new midfielder after Luis Boa Morte suffered a devastating blow during this morning's pre-season clash against Spurs.

The Portuguese international is out until Christmas after rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments in the opening exchanges in the Beijing contest.

Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac, who spent the back end of last season on loan at the Barclays Premier League outfit, remains an option with the club weighing up a renewed £4million offer to sign the Spartak Moscow man on a permanent basis.