Lastuvka leaves Hammers

26 May 2009 14:59
Jan Lastuvka has been forced to leave West Ham as a result of Shakhtar Donetsk's inflated demands. The Czech keeper joined the Hammers on a season-long loan deal last summer and was keen to turn that agreement into a permanent move. However, the Premier League outfit are unwilling to match the valuation placed on his head by his parent club. "We have discussed it with coach (Gianfranco) Zola," he told CTK. "He said that he would have liked to have me in his squad next season, but the club cannot afford to pay so much for me." Reports suggest Shakhtar are demanding around 3million euros (£2.6m), but Lastuvka is staying tight-lipped. "I will not comment on the fee, but it is very high if you consider the fact that I basically didn't play all year," he added. The 26-year-old, who failed to make a Premier League appearance for the Hammers, will now head back to Ukraine, where he is likely to be sidelined once again due to quota rules regarding foreign players. "I have a contract there, so I will return there and see what intentions they have with me," he said. "So far we have not discussed my future. It is up in the air regarding where I will be playing next season." Meanwhile, West Ham look like facing a similar situation regarding Lastuvka's Czech compatriot Radoslav Kovac. The Hammers have an option to buy the midfielder, following his arrival at Upton Park as a loan star in January, but feel Spartak Moscow are demanding too much for the 29-year-old.

Source: SKY_Sports