West Ham United has emerged as a shock possible future destination for NBA basketball superstar LeBron James.
The Cleveland Cavaliers forward could become a free agent this summer, sparking a worldwide scramble for his services ahead of the new season.
The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat are all rumoured to be interested in the 25-year-old, but Washington Post reporter Norman Chad has suggested that the Hammers could also be in the running.
NORMAN CHAD'S WASHINGTON POST 'COUCH SLOUCH' COLUMN
"This would be the gutsy move for LeBron - head to England and the Premier League for a team that has never won a Premier League title," wrote Chad in his 'Couch Slouch' column.
"The team is without a manager, so LeBron could bring in his own guy. Granted, he's never played soccer, but, then again, David Beckham's a big deal and I don't think he ever plays soccer, either."
Akron, Ohio-born James, who has spent his entire professional career with the Cavaliers, is likely to command wages in the region of £200,000-a-week.
In the 2009/10 season, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player earned a salary of $14.41m - or £9.949m by today's exchange rate.
Having played alongside Shaquille O'Neal at Cleveland this season, James has proved he can partner a bigger forward able to hold the ball up when surrounded by defenders. He is also well-known for his deadly long-range shooting and his willingness to take control of the game when his side is under pressure.
However, it remains to be seen whether the club would be interested in a player as yet unproven in the Barclays Premier League.
Any move to West Ham is likely to leave US President Barack Obama with mixed feelings, seeing as the former Illinois Senator is rumoured to support both the Bulls and the Hammers.