Hammers want Lukaku to partner Carroll

Romelu Lukaku is a target for West Ham, with joint-owner David Sullivan hoping to pair the striker with Andy Carroll.

Chelsea's Belgium international striker enjoyed an outstanding season-long loan at West Brom, where he netted 17 goals to finish sixth in the Premier League top scorers' chart.

The Blues are expected to send the 20-year-old out on loan again for the 2013/14 campaign, with Europa League debutants Swansea understood to be leading the chase.

However, Hammers supremo Sullivan believes he can convince Lukaku to remain in the capital and play at Upton Park alongside Carroll, who could be about to secure a permanent £15million switch from Liverpool.

"Lukaku would be a loan again. We'd maybe buy him a year later if Chelsea decide they don't want him," Sullivan told the Daily Mirror. "If we sign Andy, it would be a record signing for the club. He and Romelu would be devastating. The best strike-force outside of the top six or seven.

“Lukaku has been amazing for West Brom this season and I’d hope that he would prefer to live in London.”

Having surprised many pundits by finishing in the top half of the table in their first season back in the top-flight, Sullivan is now hoping the team can push on under Sam Allardyce.

“I am absolutely delighted with this season,” added Sullivan. “To be clear of relegation with three or four games to go has been a lovely feeling. But we have another challenge ahead. Newcastle were fifth last year and yet hovered above the relegation zone this time. There can never be any room for complacency.”

The Hammers also confirmed they are in talks to extend the contract of midfielder Gary O’Neil.

“For Gary, negotiations are ongoing and that will be done between the chairmen and his agent now,” Allardyce added.

Ghana international Derek Boateng has announced he has signed a two-year deal at Fulham.

The 30-year-old is a long-standing target of Cottagers manager Martin Jol, who has attempted to bring in the Dnipro midfielder on several occasions before.

Boateng’s transfer had to be put on ice previously due to contract disputes with his Ukrainian club, but a deal now looks to have been struck.

The former Getafe, Cologne and Beitar Jerusalem midfielder took to Twitter today to post a photo of himself holding a Fulham shirt at the club's Motspur Park training ground, with the comment "I'm finally happy!!!"

In an earlier post, Boateng tweeted: "I have signed a two-year deal with Fulham FC! I'm happy to see this deal confirmed! Thanks God, my family and everyone who support me!"

Fulham have yet to officially confirm the move.