A man nicknamed “El Matador” is being tracked by West Ham, who are understood to be one of several clubs watching the progress of Palermo striker Edinson Cavani ahead of the summer transfer window.

A man nicknamed “El Matador” is being tracked by West Ham, who are understood to be one of several clubs watching the progress of Palermo striker Edinson Cavani ahead of the summer transfer window. (Telegraph)

The 22-year-old Uruguayan international attracted interest from West Ham last summer and that has resurfaced as the Hammers, short of attacking options, plan for the 2009-2010 campaign, one that could include European football.

If West Ham reach the Europa League, they will need additional players and, as witnessed recently, their lack of players, with at least six first-team men absent last weekend at Spurs, proved costly.

Cavani is aware of the interest but played the speculation down, saying: “I know that several foreign teams, but also Italian ones, are following me.

“But honestly, I am not in a hurry to change clubs. I am in Palermo. We still have great things to do together. I'm under contract until June 2012.”

West Ham sold Craig Bellamy to Manchester City in January and though Savio was signed, he is one for the future and more of a midfielder than a striker.

Carlton Cole is out for most of the season while David Di Michele and Diego Tristan have yet to make their mark.