• David Gold hopes Beckham will help Olympic stadium bid
• Hammers also believe midfielder could see out playing career there

West Ham’s co-owner David Gold believes David Beckham could play a key role in the club’s bid to move into London’s Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games.

Gold hopes that the Leytonstone-born Beckham would be the ideal ambassador to help the club win the right to move into the new facility – and he also suggested the 35-year-old could end his playing days with West Ham.

“David Beckham could play a massive part, because of his roots, in helping West Ham win the Olympic Stadium,” Gold told the Sunday Express. “And maybe he can still play for us in the autumn of his career.

“For him to join a club like us and help us bring another dream to fruition would be perfect for everyone. “

Gold says that the club have spoken to Beckham’s representatives in an attempt to secure his help. “We’ve had conversations with his people and made it clear we want him aboard,” said Gold.

West Ham would like to move into the Olympic stadium for the 2013-14 season and would share the ground with Essex county cricket club, who hope to stage Twenty20 games there.

West Ham UnitedDavid BeckhamPremier LeagueOlympic games 2012guardian.co.uk

• French striker joins on three-year deal from Lyon
• Club say ‘further major additions’ due in next 72 hours

Avram Grant continued his rebuilding programme at West Ham United with the signing of the French striker Frédéric Piquionne and the Mexico winger Pablo Barrera.

Piquionne, 31, spent last season playing for the new Hammers manager while on loan at Portsmouth. He has joined for an undisclosed fee from Lyon on a three-year deal. Barrera arrives in a £4m deal from Pumas after the 23-year-old received his work permit yesterday.

Barrera made three appearances at the World Cup, all as a substitute, as Mexico made it to the last 16. “I am very fast and can use both feet. I like the one-on-one situations and to take on my opponent and beat my rivals,” Barrera said.

“People have said that I am the sort of player that the fans want to have the ball as often as possible because I can make things happen.”

Piquionne scored 11 goals in all competitions for relegated Pompey, with three of those coming in their run to the FA Cup final.

“I know Avram and I like working with him and I think he likes me,” the striker said. “I am coming to work hard for the squad and I hope we have a good season.”

The Israel international Tal Ben Haim also worked with Grant at Portsmouth and he is reported to be close to completing a switch to Upton Park. The club tonight reported “further major additions are expected within the next 72 hours”.

The German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has already joined the Hammers from Lazio on a free transfer.

West Ham UnitedTransfer windowAvram Grantguardian.co.uk