Hammers chasing Anelka

West Ham have bid a clubrecord

£12million for Bolton

striker Nicolas Anelka.

After failing to land Darren Bent and

Andrew Johnson this summer, they

are finally hoping to land the

attacking spearhead to lead their

ambitious assault on the top six.

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They hope a £90,000-a-week salary will convince Anelka, 28, to join their growing band of Premiership diehards and, with the money they have offered

Bolton, are confident of getting their man.

But after already landing fiery Craig Bellamy, the arrival of controversial Anelka — dubbed Le Sulk for his past behaviour — will concern some West Ham fans.

However, as with the signing of Freddie Ljungberg from Arsenal, supporters will

be excited to see their club attracting high-profile players.

A club insider said: "When was the last time West Ham could offer big salaries and lure players from Liverpool and Arsenal — as well as someone with Anelka's

pedigree? The answer is never."

England striker Dean Ashton is also returning from a year-long absence after breaking his ankle to bolster West Ham's attacking options after the sale of Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool and Carlos Tevez's likely departure.

The club appear to be preparing for life without Argentina striker Tevez,

whose proposed move to Manchester United is still the subject of a bitter dispute between West Ham and his owner, businessman Kia Joorabchian.

Anelka was on Manchester United's wish-list earlier in the summer and Newcastle, under former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, have monitored his progress, too.

The France striker was top scorer at the Reebok last season with 12 goals from 38 games after signing from Fenerbahce for a club record £8million. The former Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City player has been accused

of failing to bond with team-mates and settle at previous clubs.

But West Ham hope to lure him after failing to sign either Everton striker Johnson or Bent, who snubbed the Hammers when joining Tottenham from Charlton in July.