Source: SKY_Sports
Davis snubs Hammers offer
Kelvin Davis has rejected an approach from West Ham in favour of signing a new three-year deal with Southampton.
The out-of-contract goalkeeper was expected to sign for the Hammers after spending the last few days training with Gianfranco Zola's side.
However as soon as Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr completed his takeover of the South Coast club on Wednesday he made sure he offered Davis, who was Saints' player of the year last term, a new contract.
To the delight of everyone at Southampton, the 32-year-old opted for regular first-team football in League One over warming the bench as understudy to Robert Green at Upton Park.
"The decision for me was between the opportunity of first-team football at Southampton or the chance to play Premier League football and I have made my choice to stay at Southampton," he told the club's official website.
"After speaking to Gianfranco Zola and (goalkeeping coach) Ludek Miklosko at West Ham, they were both very understanding of my position and I hold them both with the utmost respect."
The former Wimbledon shot-stopper revealed that the new owners outlined their plans for the new season and that was enough to get him to extend his stay at St Mary's.
"I got the call yesterday and the new people at Southampton were quick to offer me a new contract and were very clear in what they want to achieve for the football club," he added.
"I always said from the end of last season that League One football does not scare me and I obviously feel as responsible as anyone for the club's position."
