WEST Ham are according to reports plotting to raid Championship side Colchester for keeper Dean Gerken in a £500,000 pound deal writes James Randall.

The Hammer's look set to exploit the soon to be relegated side, with a large cash offer although it remains unclear as to whether the Layer Road outfit will be willing to let the star keeper depart from the club.

The U's stopper is still only 22 and was named as the club's Young Player of the Year award last season. He has appeared 55 times for Colchester and would be seen as a long time replacement for Robert Green.