West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has warned any prospective new owner he will expect a healthy summer transfer kitty.

Zola said: "If we do achieve that then we will need to strengthen the team because there will be very competitive teams in Europe but also there will be more games to play so we will need a strong team. The squad has to be strengthened."

Given that any potential new owners at Upton Park already face £47million of debt and a payment of £25m to Sheffield United to contend with, Zola will no doubt be crossing his fingers that a wealthy Russian or Arab is taking an interest as well as the English consortium reportedly readying a £100m bid for the club.