West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola remains hopeful that he will be able to conclude a deal to bring the former Spain international Diego Tristan to Upton Park.

The 32-year-old is currently without a club after being released by Livorno and has been training with the rest of the Hammers squad since the end of last month.

Zola is keen to bolster his strikeforce as Dean Ashton faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but knows the club's financial problems mean players will have to be sold before there are any new arrivals.

Hammers owner Bjogolfor Gudmundsson lost a reported £230million following the collapse of Icelandic bank Landisbank.

Zola said of former Deportivo La Coruna striker Tristan: "Diego's working very hard and we're pleased with him.

"He could be a good alternative. He's got a lot of experience and skills. He can do well as long as he gets fit."