Avram Grant is ready to spark a capital bidding war by launching a raid for Israel star Itay Shechter.

The Hapoel Tel Aviv striker is being chased by a whole host of clubs including West Ham and London rivals Tottenham.

Shechter is keen to make the move to the Premier League in the New Year following a successful spell with Hapoel.

David Gold has backed Avram Grant to bring an end to West Ham's disastrous start to the season.

The Hammers have managed just one win from their first seven league games and are bottom of the table.

Grant replaced Gianfranco Zola during the summer after impressing co-owner Gold with plans for the future. And Gold is adamant Grant can lift the gloom and lead his team out of trouble, beginning on Saturday against fellow strugglers Wolves.

Wigan are reportedly weighing up a move for Finland striker Roni Porokara.

The Orebro SK player has also attracted interest from a number of clubs in Germany as well as Maccabi Haifa.

Porokara, 26, would cost around £500,000 and is eager to play in the Premier League. He scored the winner in Finland's victory over Belgium last week.

Dekel Keinan will be available for Blackpool's trip to Arsenal tomorrow after finally signing a two-year deal. As reported, Keinan's work permit was approved last month but due to Ministry of Employment bureaucracy he only received it on Monday.

Avram Grant has revealed that he feels right at home in London's East End ahead of West Ham's opening Premier League game of the season.

The former Israel coach, who replaced Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park last month, begins his reign with a trip to managerless Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Hammers endured a wretched season fighting against relegation last time around but Grant is adamant the feel-good factor surrounding the club has given everyone a newfound confidence.

"Life is very good and I feel as if I have been here at Upton Park for many years," he said.

Tamir Cohen has been tipped to take the Premier League by storm after fighting his way back to full fitness.

The Bolton star has been in impressive form during pre-season and has warmed up for Saturday's opener against Fulham by scoring goals for fun.

Cohen was forced to undergo a mi nor operation at the start of the summer after being forced the end of the season with a niggling injury.

But the 26-year-old has already got manager Owen Coyle excited with the Bolton boss expecting great things from the Israel international.

Yosssi Benayoun has lifted the lid on his childhood torment after silencing his doubters with a dream move to Chelsea.

As a teenager, Benayoun was fiercely criticised for turning down the chance to join Dutch side Ajax and supposedly throwing away the opportunity of a lifetime.

At just 16, the talented midfielder was already one of the most talked about youngsters in European football and enjoyed a successful trial with the Amsterdam club.