'I know how things work at West Ham' - Insider shares verdict on Jamie Vardy deal completion

West Ham have been warned against making a move to sign Jamie Vardy as a free agent after the transfer window closed.

The 39-year-old is eyeing a return to football after leaving Serie A outfit Cremonese upon the expiry of his contract in June, placing clubs across world football on alert.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are one of a number of English clubs linked with the striker, as he continues to weigh up a number of suitors.

However, former West Ham scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that signing Vardy would be a "huge gamble" for the Hammers at this stage of his career.

While there is an understanding that his name and reputation will have placed him on their radar, they have been urged to be realistic about his current abilities.

At 39, the Leicester City legend is now way past his best, and does not fit their ambitions of fighting for a return to Premier League football.

Could West Ham make a move for Jamie Vardy?

Football Insider reported on 26 August that West Ham are among the favourites to sign Vardy, but are not considered to be the front-runners as things stand.

Nuno has been determined to add to his squad throughout the summer, and with the transfer window now closed, could look to explore the free agent market.

However, the Hammers have been warned against any move for Vardy, and should now steer clear despite the ongoing speculation.

"There is no way West Ham should be making a move to sign Jamie Vardy," Brown told Football Insider.

"I don't doubt he's been on their radar, because he's available on a free transfer, he's a big name, and everybody thinks of the old Jamie Vardy from his time at Leicester.

"But he's not that player any more, he's nearly 40 years old, he's not going to give you the quality and consistency that you'd want from him.

"I know how things work at West Ham, and to be honest it wouldn't surprise me because they will be tempted to make a move, but it's not a move that would make sense.

"Obviously the manager has wanted to strengthen his squad, and when the window is closed it can be tempting to look at free transfers.

"But is Jamie Vardy going to be the man to fire West Ham to promotion? Maybe five years ago, but certainly not at this stage of his career. It would be a huge gamble."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Vardy?

Despite West Ham being warned off of a move for Vardy, the striker is attracting interest from other Football League clubs following the end of the transfer window.

The former Leicester man is believed to be considering his options, with the likes of Wrexham still being heavily linked with a move to bring him back to English football.

Meanwhile, Football Insider reported last month that Sheffield Wedesnday are among the contenders to land Vardy's signature in the coming weeks.

The stiker had been linked with a return to Hillsborough at the start of the summer, and while those rumours eventually seemed to cool, they remain a key contender.

If the Owls can secure the signing of Vardy this summer, it would be a massive statement of intent as they aim to achieve promotion back to the Championship.