Source: Telegraph
Hands off Craig Bellamy says West Ham's Gianfranco Zola
West Ham sold Matthew Etherington to Stoke on Thursday, while Lee Bowyer and Calum Davenport are close to leaving Upton Park for Birmingham and Bolton, respectively. [LNB]West Ham have already rejected a joint bid, from Manchester City, for Bellamy and Scott Parker. Tottenham have also been knocked back over Welshman Bellamy.[LNB]"Of course, I have some players I consider very important for the club and the club knows," warned Zola. "That's why we are here, we want to keep those players and Bellamy is one of them.[LNB]"I don't want to go and make a list right now. The only players who are leaving the club are those who, unfortunately, cannot get enough games. That's the only reason why I want them to go."[LNB]Zola, who is also determined to keep Parker, Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Herita Ilunga, admitted he had built a close relationship with the enigmatic Bellamy. [LNB]The West Ham manager said: "I like him because he speaks and he tells you the truth all of the time. [LNB]"I know that he's got good teams around him that are tempting him, but we want him to stay with us and I hope we can give him something to improve our relationship.[LNB]"But, professionally, he's been perfect and it will be a very good thing for the club and for me if he stays. I think there is a lot of respect for each other. I respect him because he is a very good professional and I like it when somebody is determined to improve. He has shown that attitude since I came here. [LNB]"There are not many players like him around. It would be difficult to replace him, even if he left in June," added Zola. "That is why I say that this January transfer window is a mess, really. It shouldn't be there."[LNB]
