Hammers set to swoop for French star

West Ham United are looking to return with a new bid for troubled Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque.

Fulham manager has reiterated his stance with the player many times this summer and is hoping a deal will be finalised prior to the upcoming transfer deadline.

He said: "We've agreed fees with other clubs but he doesn't want to move. He wants to see his contract out so he can move on for nothing next summer,"

"I've told Steed to his face, he won't play for Fulham even if he's fit."

"We've been consistent with what we've said. We've done everything we can to keep Steed happy, offering him a long-term and short-term contract.

"He's turned down everything. It's Steed's way or no way. We said to him last season, don't go down this route because there will be no winners.

"We've had good service from a quality player, but he's had good service from us too, so it works both ways.

"Letting him walk away is bad business on our part and we have to set a precedent for other players. We can't let players who we have invested a lot of money in walk away for nothing."

Coleman said that he wanted to sign another midfielder but that would depend on whether a buyer comes in for Malbranque.

The Fulham boss also revealed his plans to land a replacement for the midfielder star this month saying: "We're looking to bring in someone to play wide right. Maybe it will have to be a loan deal,"

"Looking at the budget we thought we'd lose one or two players that we've still got, so we don't have the money to bring in anyone else.

"I've been told we can't buy but I've been looking at the position since last season. Selling Steed would release cash for us, maybe enough for two players."