West Ham are reportedly ready to spark a bidding war for Everton's Andy Johnson by putting an £8million offer on the table at Goodison Park.

The 27-year-old, who cost the Toffees £8.6million when he arrived from Crystal Palace in 2006, netted 10 goals in 26 appearances last season.

But he finds himself behind Aiyegbeni Yakubu in the pecking order, with boss David Moyes often preferring to play with just a lone striker.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has seen Henri Camara return to Wigan following a disappointing season-long loan spell, and could struggle to hang on to star striker Dean Ashton this summer.

But if he lodges a bid for Johnson, it is likely to stir North-East duo Middlesbrough and Sunderland into action, as both Gareth Southgate and Roy Keane have been linked with the former Birmingham hitman.