English Premiership
Hammers launch Henry bid
2010-05-22 12:30
London - West Ham have launched an audacious bid to lure USA-bound Barcelona striker Thierry Henry to the club as they aim to rebound from an almost catastrophic season in the London Premiership.
Barcelona announced earlier this week that France international Henry was set to leave the Spanish giants after talks were held between the club and Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.
But according to The Sun, debt-hit West Ham would dig deep to make Henry, who spent several years with Arsenal, the highest-paid player in their history.
Joint chairperson David Sullivan said a two-year deal worth around 75 000 pounds a week, more than 7.5 million in total, was on the table.
Sullivan told The Sun: "We're trying to assemble a more prolific strike force at West Ham and I'd love to have Henry here.
"Our club is in debt but a striker of his quality and standing would make it a great deal.
"Henry is still up there with the best.
"I've made an offer which would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history.
"And it's a serious offer because Henry could walk into almost any Premiership side."
West Ham finished fourth from bottom of the Premiership last season, five points above the relegation zone.
The club subsequently sacked their Italian manager, Gianfranco Zola, who according to recent reports is set to be replaced by Portsmouth manager Avram Grant.