West Ham United are pushing with a bid for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.

The Sun says the Hammers intend to make an improved £6.5 million offer for the Morocco international.

And they insist the bid is not dependent on selling James Collins, who has turned down a move to Stoke City.

A move could be tied up later today after West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury travelled to France to meet representatives of the player and the Ligue 1 champions.