West Ham should sign Ibrahimovic – Ashton

He has been linked with the likes of Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal but Champions League hopefuls West Ham should make a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to former striker Dean Ashton.

Ibrahimovic is out of contract at the end of the season and the 34-year-old is reportedly weighing up a move to England, while MLS and Qatar are other possible destinations for the Sweden captain.

But as West Ham – three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City – fight to qualify for the Champions League ahead of their big move to the Olympic Stadium in London, Ashton believes Slaven Bilic and Co. should attempt to lure Ibrahimovic if they finish in the top four.

“Any team that makes the Champions League suddenly has doors opened and the chance to attract big names, and the attraction of playing in a new stadium as well would pull players in,” Ashton, who spent three seasons at West Ham, told 888sport.

“I’m pretty sure every West Ham fan would love to see Ibrahimovic come to the Olympic Stadium.

“I know there have been rumours, and what a signing he would be. He brings experience and flair, and he’s the type of player West Ham fans love who can produce something from nothing. He would be incredible.

“Of course money is a factor with his age but it’s not as if you buy Ibrahimovic and he’s going to flop. He’s just not that type of player. He has already shown he doesn’t need lightning pace, he can just drop back and lead the play and he still scores so many goals.”

Ibrahimovic scored in PSG’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The Swede has now scored five goals in the competition, while he has a league-high 30 goals in Ligue 1 this term – 14 more than Alexandre Lacazette after 32 matches.