The Daily Mail says West Ham hope a £90,000-a-week salary will convince Anelka, 28, to join their growing band of Premiership diehards and, with the money they have offered Bolton, are confident of getting their man.

An club insider said: "When was the last time West Ham could offer big salaries and lure players from Liverpool and Arsenal - as well as someone with Anelka's pedigree? The answer is never."