Nolan to be a Hammer

Wednesday, 15/06/2011

Newcastle skipper Kevin Nolan is set for a shock move to West Ham.

He would be giving up the Premier League to join his former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce at Upton Park.

It is believed that the Hammers have increased their intial bid of £3m for Nolan and that it could now be as high as £5m.

Nolan, 29 next week, was the Geordie's top scorer last season but could fall foul of the club's policy of bringing in promising young stars.

St. James' Park officials are understood to be dismayed that Nolan – who has two years of his contract still to run – wanted a much longer deal than they had offered him, effectively tying him to the club for the rest of his career.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has already bought French midfielder Yohan Cabaye and are also in the hunt for his fellow countryman Blaise Matuidi. They will also welcome back Hatem Ben Arfa from long term injury for the new season.

Newcastle are chasing West Ham striker Demba Ba and could now be frontrunners in the race.

• 

• Have your say