Chief executive Scott Duxbury says West Ham are unlikely to spend lavishly in the summer.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley spent in the region of £25million after they narrowly avoided relegation last season.

They had been expected to push for a European place this time around, but a string of injuries have disrupted their season.

And Duxbury says the club, who appointed Gianluca Nani as their new technical director on Monday, plan to develop their existing talent rather than restrict the youngsters' opportunities by making high-profile signings.

He told The Times: "I think when all our players are fit and we can play Dean Ashton up front with Craig Bellamy or Freddie Sears, when Julien Faubert gets a chance, when we can play Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer in midfield, then we are capable of making the top six, and that is our aim.

"I think there will be money for signings, but I am not sure we want to use it.

"If we bring in big-money signings, then we are not going to see the players who we have already get a chance to show what they can do.

"What sort of message are we sending out to Sears if we buy another big-money striker?

"Obviously, we will look to bring in players where we need a bit of cover, but perhaps we will bring in a younger striker and let him learn from the more experienced players."

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