West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola went striker crazy yesterday, brining in three forwards to boost his attacking options.
Zola completed a two-and-a-half-year deal for Blackburn's Benni McCarthy and, once the deadline had passed, confirmed short-term loans for Middlesbrough striker Mido, who has been on loan at Egyptian side Zamalek, and 29-year-old Brazilian Ilan.
"I am extremely happy to be here and I hope to play as soon as possible. I look forward to the challenge," said Ilan who joins on a free from St.Etienne.
"It was an easy decision to come here. It is one of the biggest leagues in the world. My aim is to the best I can and score goals. I want to start with a bang.
"I am delighted to be here and I am looking forward to enjoying a long-term relationship with West Ham."
After falling out of favour at Blackburn, McCarthy said: “Now I can just get back to playing and getting a place in the team. I am also looking forward to getting to know my new teammates and help get the club out of a tough situation."
The striker also admitted he was excited by manager Gianfranco Zola's vision for the future of the club. "He has been great and has put my mind at ease on the kind of football the team will play and what I can expect at the club."
Fellow new signing Mido also sees his move to West Ham as a chance to re-establish himself as a Premier League striker. "I had to sacrifice some things but I am here to play football. I am here to prove a point, definitely.
"I am very happy to be here. It is a great club and I am sure I will do well here, hopefully."
