West Ham close to deal for St Etienne striker Ilan

West Ham United are in talks with St Etienne for striker Ilan.

The Daily Mail says West Ham hope to sign Brazilian striker Ilan for a nominal fee from St Etienne today.

A swoop for Ilan would provide welcome relief for Gianfranco Zola's side, who have missed out on forwards Eidur Gudjohnsen and Victor Moses in the last week.

The Upton Park club are in desperate need of reinforcements up front and their lack of firepower was once again exposed during the 0-0 draw with Blackburn on Saturday.