Last Updated: Fri, 24 Feb 2006 17:10
Alan Pardew will renew his interest in signing Glen Johnson this summer amid reports Chelsea are ready to offload the former Hammer.
The boss remains keen to bring in a long-term replacement for the departed Tomas Repka despite the arrival of Lionel Scaloni on loan in the January transfer window.
Pardew turned to the Argentine defender after seeing a number of enquiries, including an approach for Johnson, rejected.
However, with no plans to turn Scaloni's stay in to a permanent arrangement, Pards is still in the hunt for a right-back and Johnson remains at the top of his wanted list.
News that Jose Mourinho is preparing a summer defensive clear-out which will see Johnson, Asier Del Horno, Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge depart the Bridge has put the Hammers on red alert.
The Blues chief is planning a squad overhaul in the close season and, according to reports, all four players will be shipped out before the boss drafts in replacements.
Del Horno would be the biggest surprise after only arriving at Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £12.5million last summer, but following a disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge he could be heading back to Spain.
Ferreira has also struggled for first-team football and will be allowed to leave while Johnson and Bridge do not appear to figure in Mourinho's plans after being isolated this season.
Bridge, who has been shipped out on loan to Fulham for the rest of the season, is likely to make a permanent move to Craven Cottage with the player keen to stay in London.