Bilic cool on striker option

Slaven Bilic is not keen on a swap which would see Saido Berahino arrive at The London Stadium in a deal involving Diafra Sakho.

The possibility of a switch beween clubs by the two has been regularly speculated but ClaretandHugh understands that the manager is cool on Berahino and is “very unlikely” to go in that direction.

With Carlos Bacca still pondering his next move but with Hammers hopes receding, the club are looking in other directions although Berahino is seen as a risk.

Bilic is very much a manager into strong characters and the West Brom hitman’s documented off the pitch problems is possibly affecting his thinking..

A deal which sees Sakho move to Crystal Palace would be much more likely should the player decide to remain in the Premier League.

ClaretandHugh has also learned that although the Hammers had been believed to have chilled on a move for Italian international striker Simone Zaza, an Italian agent has told Juventus he thinks he may be able to move the player into the club.

However, a source told us: “I really don’t think that one is going to happen but at this time of the summer everything and anything is possible.”