Source: London_Paper
Gianfranco Zola is hopeful of re-signing Lucas Neill
WEST HAM manager Gianfranco Zola is confident Lucas Neill will captain his side next season.[LNB]The Australian centre-half is out of contract and looked destined to seek pastures new after negotiations between the player and the club appeared to break down.[LNB]Neill, 31, has not travelled with the West Ham squad to China in preparation for the Barclays Asia Trophy, which kicks off on Wednesday.[LNB]But Zola expects the former Blackburn defender to sign a new deal, in time for the new campaign.[LNB] He said: "Lucas Neill is still talking to the club. There's obviously been some negotiations between the club and the player, but I am hoping he is going to join us as soon as possible.[LNB]"His name has been linked to other clubs. But the last time I spoke with the player he said he'd phone me if anything happens - he said he'd call me first.[LNB]"He hasn't called me, so I assume that he's not going anywhere. But as I have said before, he was an important player for us last year and I hope he begins with us in the new season."[LNB]Striker Dean Ashton and midfielder Valon Behrami are also absent from the four-game Asian tournament which sees the Hammers take on Spurs on Wednesday.[LNB]"Valon Behrami is training and is doing very well," said Zola.[LNB]"The only reason why we have not brought him to Beijing for the FA Asia Trophy is because he would only do here what he is doing back at home.[LNB]"He's been working out on the beach, running and he's looking very well.[LNB]"Dean Ashton is not here for the same reason. He is working on his own with his physio and he's progressing. I am waiting for him to return to work with me," he added.[LNB]
