are believed to have lined up Loic Remy and Salomon Kalou as possible transfer targets this January.

Marseille striker Remy is already the subject of talks with Newcastle, who see the French international as a credible replacement for Demba Ba, should the Senegalese hotshot leave St James’ Park next month.

But West Ham appear keen to hijack the move, after Hammers agent Willie McKay held talks in London with Marseille president Vincent Labrune on Tuesday evening, The Daily Mail reports.

It is thought that a player-plus-cash deal has been discussed with the French giants that could see Modibo Maiga go the other way, just as Gabriel Obertan had been mooted as the player to join the Ligue 1 side in the event of a part-exchange deal with Newcastle.

QPR have also been linked with Remy but their lowly league position makes Rangers an unattractive destination for the 25-year-old.

Salomon Kalou is also on West Ham’s radar, The Daily Mail has reported. The former Chelsea forward appears keen on a return to England after failing to settle at Lille this season.

The Ivorian left Stamford Bridge for free in the summer, but has managed only three goals in 17 appearances so far this season, as the double-winners of 2010-11 have endured a poor first-half to the campaign, currently languishing in 11^th place, nine points behind the leaders, Paris Saint-Germain.

The Hammers had tried to sign the 27-year-old this summer, but were beaten to his signature by the French club.