Yak Linked With West Ham, Gets Toffees Backing

West Ham United are reportedly considering a move for Blackburn striker Yakubu.

The Nigeria forward has netted 13 goals for Rovers this season including four against Swansea last month.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is searching for a striker to boost their promotion hopes and a move for the 29-year-old could be on the cards.

Meanwhile Everton assistant coach,Steve Round is happy for Yakubu over his goal scoring form with Blackburn Rovers.

While Round is pleased to see him rediscovering his form elsewhere, he knows there are absolutely no guarantees he would have scored anything like that sort of return had he stayed at Goodison.

"“I have known Yakubu a long time,” Round told evertontv. “We signed him from Portsmouth when I worked at Middlesbrough. First season he got 20 goals, the next a couple less and the season after that a few less than that.

“Then he moved on to Everton and first season got 20 odd goals. There is no question Yak is a very good player. He was very unlucky at Everton – he had a horrendous injury. He ruptured his Achilles which was a career threatening injury – one that can finish you – he overcame that but it got to the stage where he had one year left on his contract and do you wait until he leaves for nothing, or at that stage do you make the money you can?

“I think it was best for all concerned that he had a fresh challenge and we generated some revenue. We all wish him well. He’s a great lad and a lovely guy to work with.

“He has had a good start at Blackburn and I hope for his sake - and for theirs - that it continues. Fortunately for us he can’t play on Saturday.”

Everton Assistant Coach Backs Anichebe To Shine

Everton assistant boss Steve Round has backed striker Victor Anichebe to put his fitness worries behind him.

The striker has netted twice since returning from injury and Round believes he will come good during the second half of the campaign and put his recent fitness problems behind him.

"Victor is a really good player," Round told the Post. "He is strong and aggressive, he holds the ball up well and has great technique.

"He needs to score more goals and he'd admit that.

"He needs to get into more scoring positions, but he has started well (since returning from injury). He has got a couple of goals and he always looks a threat.

"The most important thing for Victor is to train and stay fit and, if he can do that for the remainder of the season, then it will be a big, big bonus for us.”