West Ham United are launching a bid for Southampton striker Ricki Lambert.

The Mirror says West Ham have had an approach for Southampton striker Lambert dismissed by the south coast club.

The Hammers are desperate for reinforcements up front, with Andy Carroll expected to be out until the end of January at the earliest.

The Saints have made it clear to the Londoners - and any other top-flight clubs - that they will not entertain offers for Lambert or highly-rated left-back Luke Shaw, who has been linked with Arsenal.