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West Ham's attempts to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season appear to have stumbled on at least two fronts.

The Hammers have admitted defeat in their attempts to sign Germany's World Cup striking star Miroslav Klose.

In the meantime, their hopes of landing for Portsmouth loanee Frederic Piquionne from French club Lyon also hang in the balance.

Piquionne enjoyed a successful loan period with Portsmouth under Grant last season.

Newly promoted West Brom have since shown an interest in signing the striker but it is understood the player would rather team-up with Grant again at Upton Park.

A £1 million deal to land Piquionne appeared to have been completed but the move was thwarted by differing views within Lyon.

It is understood club president Jean-Michel Aulas is happy to cash-in on the striker but coach Claude Puel wants to hang on Piquionne, who helped Portsmouth reach the FA Cup final last season.

Meanwhile West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan has admitted that a deal to land Klose is unlikely to go through following the striker's star performances in South Africa.

Klose, 32, has scored four goals for Germany as they reached the semi-finals of the competition.

Klose's club Bayern Munich were all set to let the striker quit on a free transfer after he scored just six goals in 38 appearances for the Bundesliga side last term.

But Klose's form in South Africa has left him just one goal short of Brazilian Ronaldo in the all-time World Cup scoring charts and as a result of his form, he may now look to move elsewhere in Europe.

"We had a deal in place before the World Cup, after he had a bad season in Germany. However, as a result of what he has done at the World Cup, it's unlikely to happen," said Sullivan.

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Patrick Vieira has confirmed he is no longer interested in playing for France and will devote his time to Manchester City.

The former Inter Milan and Arsenal midfielder was devastated at being left out of the World Cup squad after moving to Eastlands in January.

Even though Laurent Blanc has replaced Raymond Domenech as France coach, Vieira has no plans to revive his international career.

The 34-year-old said: "My focus is on City, nothing else. I want to do my best for the club. I want to repay the trust of the manager (Roberto Mancini), Brian (Marwood, football administration officer) and Garry Cook (chief executive)."

France imploded in South Africa, falling at the first hurdle after the players boycotted a training session in protest at Nicolas Anelka being sent home.

The Chelsea striker headed back to London after a row with Domenech became public knowledge.

Vieira was saddened at the way events unfolded, adding: "I was there watching the games, hoping that France would do well. Obviously, they didn't.

"I'm disappointed like every French person who loves the national team. It was difficult not being with the team, but I didn't have the choice.

"It was a difficult moment. I think France are going through a tough period. We were expecting them to at least go through from the group to the first knockout round but they didn't do it."

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The agent of AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso has brushed aside rumours that the veteran midfielder will move to Dubai.

Gattuso is under contract with the Rossoneri for two more years but media speculation in Italy claims the 32-year-old could follow compatriot Fabio Cannavaro and play in Dubai next season.

However, Gattuso's agent Claudio Pasqualin said: "There are no offers from Dubai for Gattuso."

Cannavaro, the former Juventus, Inter Milan and Real Madrid defender, joined UAE side Al-Ahli this summer after 17 years in Serie A.

Gattuso made 22 league appearances for the Rossoneri last season and was a member of Italy's World Cup squad.

He retired from international duty after Italy's group stage elimination from the tournament in South Africa.