West Ham United are ready to continue the Ferdinand tradition alive at Upton Park.

The Sun says Hammers chief scout Martin Glover has watched Southend's Kane Ferdinand in his last three games for the League Two leaders.

Shrimpers midfielder Ferdy, 19, is the cousin of stars Rio and Anton, who both stepped out on the road to stardom through West Ham's famous youth academy.

Now Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is ready with £500,000 to snap up the latest offspring from one of soccer's most successful bloodlines - and give him a shot at the big-time.

West Ham pocketed £18million profit when they flogged ex-England skipper Rio Ferdinand to Leeds and trousered £8m when Anton left to join Sunderland.