West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is lining up a bid for Rennes fullback Rod Fanni.

The Mirror says French international defender Fanni has been in the mind of the Hammers even before Lucas Neill decided to reject a new one-year deal at reduced wages. Neill was one of the highest earners at the club, but many believed he did little to justify it.

Fanni's agent, Dominique Six, said: "We have been in talks with several clubs including West Ham, which is interesting to Rod."