West Ham continue Neill talks

Jim van Wijk,Pa
Monday 03 August 2009 15:45 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

West Ham are to continue talks this week with Lucas Neill in an attempt to keep him at Upton Park.

With the Hammers now back from their trip to the Far East, manager Gianfranco Zola will step up moves to finalise his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Zola's former Chelsea team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen has been linked with a switch to Upton Park, but the Hammers are also keen to obtain Neill's signature again.

The Australia international's contract expired at the end of last month and he did not fly to Beijing for the Barclays Asia Trophy as the 31-year-old considers his options, with Manchester City and Galatasaray reported possible other destinations.

West Ham also have Julien Faubert available following from a loan spell at Real Madrid, and the Frenchman has impressed when slotting into right-back.

Ghana international John Mensah has been attracting some interest from England, with the Hammers and Sunderland both said to be keen on the Lyon defender.

Zola's current players have enjoyed a productive pre-season, which included a training camp in Austria and will see them face Serie A side Napoli at Upton Park on Saturday.

Defender Danny Gabbidon is another back in the frame for the new campaign following a long injury lay-off.

The defender scored in the 2-0 win over Beijing Guoan.

Gabbidon said on the club's official website, www.whufc.com: "It was hectic in Austria and China and there wasn't a lot of time to do anything but train and play - but you won't hear us complaining.

"It is nice for us to get back to see our families though and start thinking about the new season."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in