Sergei Rebrov is finally free after four years at Tottenham. The North London club have confirmed the Ukrainian who cost them £11m in 2000 can now move clubs without a fee.
The international striker had a year left on his White Hart Lane contract, and has recently been training with West Ham, who may now follow up their interest in the player.
Hammers manager Alan Pardew said: “It is early days yet. Sergei and I had a look at each other on the training pitch just the other day. He’s obviously a quality player, but there are hurdles like contracts and work permits to overcome.”
Despite Pardew’s caution, West Ham players Teddy Sheringham and Steve Lomas have both appealed for the manager to take a chance on the 30-year-old forward.
Sheringham said: “He can score goals and make goals and I enjoyed playing alongside him at Tottenham.”