Some interesting rumours here:
c/p
http://www.thesoccerblog.org/premiershi ... new-tevez/
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is ready to sign the new Carlos Tevez - Argentine teenage wonder striker Nicolas Mazzola.
The Independiente kid, who played for his country in the Under-17 World Youth Cup in Korea earlier this campaign, has already been over for secret talks.
Now Hammers, who loved and lost Tevez last season, could have found a player of similar South American style and swagger.
And Curbishley may be able to land him for a knockdown fee of around £1million up front.
Sources in Argentina reveal that Mazzola, who has already cracked the first team at Independiente, was first spotted by the Hammers in the Korean tournament by Trevor Brooking, who tipped them off about his ability.
Mazzola, 18 later this month, was approached and gladly came for a look at the facilities in East London, with a move now likely to be sorted out before the end of the window.
West Ham are also making thorough doublechecks into his background to make sure there are no third-party issues as there were with Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
And Hammers also want to be sure that Mazzola has a valid EC passport after being told that he qualifies through an Italian family background.
It could be a major coup for Curbishley, who is stepping up his recruitment drive for top worldwide talent. He is also after Hungarian Under-21 defender Zsolt Korcsmar.
The tall Ujpest Dosza centre half has also been in for a ‘test’ and has been asked back soon, with a view to a full-time capture.
Hammers were one of the biggest spenders on players when Curbishley swept in a year ago, but the owners now want to ensure the club’s tradition of pushing young players through is carried on.
Meanwhile, Curbishley has made an audacious bid to take Darren Bent on LOAN from Tottenham for the rest of the season.
He wants to add another striker to his injury-hit squad but does not have the money to spend big.
First choice is his former Charlton player Bent, who he tried to sign in the summer before the player opted for a £16.5m move to White Hart Lane.
But Spurs boss Juande Ramos may block the cheeky move.
That will see West Ham turn their attentions to Portsmouth misfit Dave Nugent, who has been a flop since his £6m summer move from Preston to Fratton Park.
I have doubts over whether you'll get Anelka though as it seems every friggin club wants him at the moment.
