WEST HAM UNITED are preparing to intensify their efforts to prise striker Yakubu away from Everton.

The Hammers have been linked with an interest in the Nigeria international for some weeks, with speculation increasing after Avram Grant was confirmed as new manager at Upton Park.

Grant was in charge of Maccabi Haifa during Yakubu’s spell at the Israeli club, and is keen to be reunited with the forward.

Yakubu has struggled to rediscover his top form after returning to the Everton first team last August after missing nine months due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, making only 15 starts – compared to 21 substitute appearances – and scoring just six goals.

Everton manager David Moyes has repeatedly stressed he does not want to let any of his players leave during the summer transfer window after his team’s strong finish to the campaign.

However, with funds once again likely to be limited and the strikeforce bolstered by the free transfer arrival of Jermaine Beckford, Moyes may be tempted by an offer of around £6million.

West Ham, who have signed Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer, value 27-year-old Yakubu at nearer £4m but will look to strike a compromise deal.

Yakubu was on target yesterday for Nigeria in a 3-1 win over North Korea in a World Cup warm-up friendly in South Africa.