West Ham United are ready to step up their pursuit of Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

The Sunday Mirror says West Ham are also close to sealing a deal for Everton striker Yakubu.

The Hammers have tabled a £4million bid for the Nigerian, while the Merseyside club are refusing to do business for less than £6m.

Yakubu cost £11.25m from Middlesbrough in 2007. But in the last two seasons he has suffered injuries and scored just nine goals in 35 league appearances.

West Ham are expected to up their offer this week in a bid to stop Yakubu demanding a move.