West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is understood to be keen on signing Sampdoria's flawed genuis Antonio Cassano in a bid to help the Hammers out of their Premier League relegation battle.

The enigmatic Italy international is on Zola's New Year shopping list as he looks to improve his side's fortunes infront of goal this season - with the Upton Park outfit netting just 11 goals in nine matches.

The Hammers boss will have to meet Cassano's £14.5million buy-out clause at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris if he is serious about luring him to East London as Samp would otherwise be unwilling to sell.

The 27-year-old is enjoying his time back in Serie A, where he is enjoying a renaissance following a troubled spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Cassano 'disappeared' on several occasions during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu and had numerous rows with then boss Fabio Capello after having failed to settle in the Spanish capital.

The former Bari starlet is a passionate character, who has often been seen in tears during games when things aren't going too well for him or his side.

Cassano is also well known for his volatile temperament, as the following video clip shows.

After receiving a red card against Torino, Cassano throws his shirt in the direction of the referee and tells him to, 'F**k off! I'll see you here after the game!' obviously offering to buy him a drink to say sorry... or maybe not! Enjoy!