West Ham end interest in Benjani

Sky Sports News understands that West Ham have ended their interest in Manchester City striker Benjani.

The Hammers made it clear that they want to use the new funds available from the takeover of David Sullivan and David Gold to buy a striker in January.

Having missed out on Ruud van Nistelrooy before his move to Hamburg and with Eidur Gudjohnsen joining Tottenham, attention turned to Benjani.

West Ham, though, have now ended their interest and will not be pursuing a permanent or loan deal for the former Portsmouth star.

The Zimbabwean was out of favour at City under former boss Mark Hughes but new manager Roberto Mancini appears prepared to offer players a chance to impress.

However, it was still reported that Benjani, who scored in the FA Cup third-round victory at Middlesbrough, could leave City.

Mancini, though, allowed Robinho to return to Santos on loan on Thursday and, with Roque Santa Cruz struggling for consistent fitness, he may have been unprepared to allow further departures. Sky Sports News

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