http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/1182650.stmWednesday, 21 February, 2001, 16:44 GMT
Hammers chase Trinidad star
Pierre is being tracked by a host of British clubs
West Ham are leading the chase to sign rising Trinidad and Tobago striker Nigel Pierre.
The Hammers are set to give the 21-year-old hitman a three-week trial with a view to a permanent transfer.
The £1m-rated striker is being tracked by a host of top-flight clubs from England and Scotland, including Manchester United.
But West Ham have emerged as favourites to land Pierre after he impressed boss Harry Redknapp during Trinidad's recent tour of England which included a match againt the London side.
It's not one of these trials where it might happen or it might not. This is a strong commitment West Ham want to take him
Pierre's agent
"We've a lot of other clubs expressing a very firm interest, but we've had a special relationship with West Ham all along," Pierre's agent said.
"They've now said to us, 'All things being equal he is someone we want to sign'. Harry (Redknapp) just wants to have a much closer final look at him.
"West Ham have said to him if they were to sign him he would be on their bench.
"He wouldn't be a reserve team player, he would be in the first-team squad."
Pierre will play in three reserve matches for the Hammers, who will then decide whether to take advantage of their first option on the powerful young marksman.
His agent added: "It's not one of these trials where he is going 'cold call', and where it might happen or it might not. This is a strong commitment they want to take him."
The player is due to arrive at Upton Park after Trinidad's World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on 28 February.
