WEST HAM seem to have lost their battle to sign Brazilian star Mancini after the winger decided to stay with Italian champs Inter Milan, wrotes DAVE EVANS. The Hammers negotiating team of Gianluca Nani and Scott Duxbury thought they were close to a deal

WEST HAM seem to have lost their battle to sign Brazilian star Mancini after the winger decided to stay with Italian champs Inter Milan, wrotes DAVE EVANS.

The Hammers' negotiating team of Gianluca Nani and Scott Duxbury thought they were close to a deal with the 28-year-old international, but it seems that he has had second thoughts, and will try to force his way back into the Inter team.

Insiders say that the deal is not completely dead, as Jose Mourinho is still keen to offload around five players from his top-heavy squad, but it appears that Mancini is no longer close to the top of manager Gianfranco Zola's shopping list.

A loan deal is still a possibility, but with the newly-married wing man settled in Italy, he would be resistant to even a temporary move.

With a week-and-a-half to go before the season kicks-off for the Hammers at Wolverhampton Wanderers, they are becoming increasingly anxious to sign a striker.

Negotiations with Icelandic international Eidur Gudjohnsen are apparently still ongoing, and he remains the top priority for West Ham as they go into Saturday's Bobby Moore Cup clash with Napoli at Upton Park, with Carlton Cole as their only fit and experienced striker.

Stories linking West Ham with another Inter striker - Mario Balotelli - seem to be wide of the mark, despite alleged quotes from Zola, saying the player would be better off at Upton Park.

The 18-year-old Sardinian, who has scored 11 goals in 33 appearances for Inter, was a part of Zola's Italian under-21 side, but he is also known as something of a volatile character.

However, it seems that those Zola quotes may not have been too accurate, and Nani has dismissed the prospect of signing the player, even on a loan deal, as he is seen by Mourinho as an essential part of his Champions League and Serie A squad.

Many fans are becoming anxious at the lack of movement in the transfer marker by the club.

To date, only Luis Jimenez (on loan), 17-year-old Frank Nouble and 18-year-old Fabio Daprela have arrived at the club during the summer transfer window.

Sources inside the club however, say that there is no need to panic and that there are plenty of irons in the fire.

We all wait with baited breath!

Meanwhile, West Ham expect a crowd of around 25,000 for Saturday's game with Italian giants Napoli.

The Bobby Moore Cup clash, which kicks-off at 3pm, will also see the Centenary Stand renamed after Sir Trevor Brooking, and the great man will be there for the official unveiling.

Tickets are available on the day, and if the match finishes level, it will go to penalties.