Hammers in double swoop

West Ham are hoping to make their first signings since returning to the Premier League with the capture of Sunderland defender George McCartney and Blackburn striker Yakubu.

Sam Allardyce, keen to boost his squad as early as possible has instructed his employees to bid for the Nigerian international and tie up a permanent deal for Irish defender McCartney, who spent last season on loan at the Boleyn Ground.

The Hammers are thought to have offered £1.2million for the much-travelled Yakubu who arrived in England back in 2003 when joining Portsmouth - since when he has featured for Middlesbrough, Everton, Leicester and Blackburn who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2011/12 campaign.

Just 48 hours ago a 'source' close to the African striker said: "Yak has his heart set on staying in the Premier League so it looks likely that he will be off this summer.

"He was really saddened by what happened at the end of the season because he had a great rapport with the [Blackburn] fans, but he is certain that he is still a Premier League striker and hopes that a deal will be done that suits all parties."

Meanwhile McCartney, who is currently contracted to Sunderland is expected to sign on a free transfer. Speaking after West Ham confirmed their return to the Premier League, the Irish international said: "Of course I would like to be here next year.

"I have regrets about leaving a few years ago and I have got the opportunity to come back and things have gone really well. So hopefully in a few weeks' time when everything has settled down, we can sort something out."

We'll have more on these stories as details emerge.