West Ham mulling January swoop for Patrick Viera

West Ham will consider a move for Patrick Vieira during the January transfer window.

Manager Gianfranco Zola thought about bringing the former Arsenal midfield player on loan from Inter Milan before Christmas.

But he now feels West Ham can gather enough points over the next two months to move up the table.

However, if West Ham continue to struggle Zola is set to make an approach for the 33-year-old, who is out of favour with Inter boss Jose Mourinho.

Vieira is surplus to requirements in Milan. He has failed to secure a first-team spot and would give serious thought to a move to Upton Park.

Regular first-team football would boost his chances of making France’s World Cup squad should they defeat the Republic of Ireland in next month’s play-off to reach the finals.

The appeal for Zola is that he would land a player with experience and a significant midfield presence.