West Ham: David Sullivan prioritises signing another striker

West Ham record signing Andy Carroll

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan says signing another striker is his top transfer priority this summer.

The Hammers spent a club record £15m on Andy Carroll last month but still want to boost their attacking options.

Carlton Cole was released at the end of last season, while loanees Marouane Chamakh and Wellington Paulista returned to their parent clubs.

Sullivan said on Twitter: "We are happy with the rest of the team - all we need now is pace and goals."

Carroll, 24, completed a permanent move to Upton Park after spending last season on loan from Liverpool, but is recovering from a foot injury and could miss the start of the campaign.

Mali international Modibo Maiga, who has scored four goals in 23 appearances for the club, is the Hammers' only other recognised senior forward.

Sullivan recognises that further attacking resources are required if manager Sam Allardyce's squad are to improve on last season's 10th-place Premier League finish.

A move for Duvan Zapata from Argentine club Estudiantes failed because of work permit issues.

In a Q&A session organised through his teenage son Jack's Twitter account, Sullivan was asked whether Allardyce was looking to sign a new full-back.

"We need goalscorers not defenders," the 64-year-old said, before responding to the possibility of midfielder Scott Parker making a return to Upton Park on loan from Tottenham by saying: "We have to focus wages on strikers due to [a] wage cap but would love Scott back if there was room."

Sullivan also said loan moves for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Raheem Sterling of Liverpool were unlikely.

Jack Sullivan's Twitter account has become a key source of information about the Hammers of late, with the 13-year-old also exclusively revealing the signing of Carroll on a six-year deal.