West Ham United are ready to step up their pursuit of Leeds United striker Ross McCormack in light of manager Brain McDermott’s departure from Elland Road, FootballDirectNews.com understands. A source close to Upton Park told FDN they are keen to capitalise on the upheaval at the Championship club in the knowledge that the Scotland international shared a close working relationship with the outgoing boss.

When McDermott was temporarily relieved of his position in January McCormack made no secret of his shock and disappointment, and told Sky Sports News he would consider a move away from Leeds as a result.
His public declaration of his dismay came on the final day of the January transfer window and, despite interest in his services, suitors could not put together a deal in time.
However, now McDermott has permanently left his position McCormack’s future is once again in serious doubt and the Hammers are weighing up a bid for the Leeds skipper, who scored 29 times last term. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has kept his job but directors have told him to improve his side’s attacking performances, and McCormack has been identified as the man to add goals to the equation next season.