WEST Ham are putting together an “improved deal” to sign Cherries striker Joshua King, according to The Sun.

The publication claims the Irons are stepping up their offer for the Norwegian with a bid of £16million to acquire his services.

The Daily Echo understands Cherries had previously rejected an offer of £13million from the Hammers for King, as well as also previously rejecting bids from Torino and Manchester United.

King has played 11 Championship games for Cherries this season and is yet to get off the mark in the division.

He did however score twice and register an assist in an FA Cup tie against Oldham earlier this month.

Asked about rumours surrounding King at the start of the window, manager Jason Tindall said: “Listen, I think we can’t control what speculation there is out there. We can’t control anything we are not in control of.

“All we can control is ourselves and what we do every day.

“As manager of the football club I need to judge Josh King from what I see on a daily basis – how he trains and how he acts around the lads and that’s it.

“So far, Josh has trained very well. He’s acting in the right way around the group. Until that point, we can’t do anything, it’s just speculation.”

Reports from Sky Sports and talkSPORT also claim Burnley have joined the race for King’s signature.