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West Ham have bid rejected for Holt, keen on Anelka

West Ham had a bid rejected for Grant Holt © PA Photos

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West Ham have confirmed to ESPN that they have had a bid rejected for Grant Holt, and that they are also chasing Nicolas Anelka and former Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Holt publicly stated his desire to leave Norwich last week, and the Hammers - looking for a new goalscorer after securing promotion back to the Premier League - saw an offer of £3 million turned down by the Canaries.

Norwich chief executive David McNally denied on Twitter that a bid had been received but a West Ham source told ESPN: "It is true what Norwich are saying, West Ham did not bid £4 million for him. [But] a bid of £3 million was lodged for Holt."

The Hammers may still return with an improved bid for Holt, though the two clubs are thought to differ in their valuations of the player.

Sam Allardyce is determined to bolster West Ham's strikeforce ahead of the club's return to the top flight and is also considering trying to convince former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Anelka, whom he signed for Bolton in 2004, to return to English football.

Tottenham and QPR are also reportedly interested in Anelka, with the Frenchman thought to favour a move back to the Premier league from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, though his wages could prove a stumbling block for the Hammers.

West Ham are also interested in Stoke's Kenwyne Jones and Wigan free agent Mohamed Diame, but whatever the problems in signing a new striker, the Hammers have already lined up a new goalkeeper.

With Rob Green released by the club, Allardyce is keen to be reunited with his former keeper Jaaskelainen, who left the Reebok Stadium earlier this month.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.