Eidur Gudjohnsen's return to the Premiership is expected to accelerate after he was left behind by Barcelona for their tour of Asia.
The Icelander missed the pre-season trip to Scotland and he has not yet recovered enough to link-up with the first-team squad, who face three games in Asia beginning on August 5.
However, Spanish reports insist that West Ham, along with Newcastle and Manchester City, will continue their bids to prise him away from the Nou Camp and it is the interest which has led to Barca's decision to leave him behind.