West Ham are poised to launch a club record move for Italian forward Sergio Floccari

West Ham are poised to launch a club record move for Italian forward Sergio Floccari after Atalanta confirmed they will listen to offers for the talented playmaker at the end of the season.

The Hammers, who signed teenager Savio Nsereko for a potential �9m record fee in January, are desperate to add to their striking options with David Di Michele and Diego Tristan both set to leave Upton Park in the summer.

Now boss Gianfranco Zola is ready to break the transfer record for a second time after technical director Gianluca Nani identified Floccari as the club's No 1 target.

The 27-year-old forward has scored 12 goals in 27 games for Atalanta this season, attracting interest from across Europe.

But West Ham are confident they will be able to land Floccari at a knockdown price after opening negotiations in the hope of striking an early deal.

Atalanta appear resigned to losing their prize asset after sporting director Carlo Osti this week admitted: "Sergio has now reached his full potential as a footballer in this league.

"We have an agreement with the player that he will be sold at the end of the season.