Transfer news: West Ham give up chase for Diego Milito as Inter Milan star opts for Racing switch

The Hammers had hoped to add to their attacking line up with the Champions League winner

West Ham United have been forced into pulling out of their pursuit of Inter Milan legend Diego Milito after the Argentinian told the East London club that he’d prefer to end his career at former side Racing.

The European Cup winner is set to leave the Nerazzurri as the club look to trim their wage bill in the wake of their failure to qualify for the Champions League last year.

Reportedly on a deal which earns him £4.5million-a-year, Milito was one of the first to be told his services would no longer be required.

Once his contract has expired this summer, much like Esteban Cambiasso and Christian Chivu, the 34-year-old will be moved on as the Italians look to herald a new era of younger talent.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce will now have to look elsewhere for a new striker to compliment club-record signing Andy Carroll upon his return to fitness, with Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan and Standard Liege striker Michy Batshuayi reportedly in his mind.

Initially interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s Emmanuel Adebayor, before his renaissance in fortunes under new head-coach Tim Sherwood, Allardyce is all too aware that securing another frontman is top of his priorities.