C&H EXCLUSIVE
Dimitar Berbatov is one of several striking targets the irons have inquired about as a potential loan signing next month.
But the 32 year old Bulgarian has made it clear to Fulham that he wants to remain at Craven Cottage and help the west London club steer clear of relegation.
Claretandhugh understands that former Manchester United forward was high on the list of potential forwards the Irons wanted.
And we were told by a source today that the club had inquired about his likely availability.
The response was immediate with the Cottagers making it clear the player wanted to stay and they had no intention of letting him go.
However, the Hammers are working hard and our source made it clear they want the new man in by the first week in January.
He said: “This can’t be allowed to drag on – we are narrowing down the options and we know the urgency – a player will be brought in even should Andy Carroll be fit.”