West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is ready to hang his survival hopes on Brazilian striker Adriano.

The Sun says Adriano, 27, has just won his domestic league title with Flamengo - but now fancies a new challenge.

Hammers boss Zola is still reeling from the retirement of leading front man Dean Ashton last week aged just 26.

And he is ready to go into battle with AC Milan and Roma to secure Adriano's signature and boost his attacking power.

The player's agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, said: "Adriano will now take a holiday and then we'll evaluate everything.

"By Christmas, I think it'll be decided."