West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is likely to sell defender James Collins so he can fund a move to bring in a new striker.

Collins has been linked with Stoke City and Zola said the fact he had defensive options could persuade him to offload the 26-year old.

"There's an interest in him (Collins) from another team, but that's all I know," Zola said.

"In defence we have eight players I can choose from. In attack, I can only choose Carlton Cole or myself. We have two young players who are doing well, but they need time."

The Italian tactician is lining up a move for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh but admitted the Morocco international could end up elsewhere.

"I don't think West Ham are his only potential destination. There are a few teams after him," he added.