West Ham United are confident of closing a deal for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.

The Times says the Hammers are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Chamakh after raising their offer to about £7 million plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

The forward, who has been offered a five-year contract, has become more inclined to agree to a move to Upton Park since Arsenal dropped out of the race at the weekend.