Manchester City lead chase for Craig Bellamy

18 January 2009 21:52
Bellamy could be fined for his response to West Ham's initial determination to keep him – he was offered a new deal last week but turned it down.[LNB]West Ham manager Zola wants the situation to be resolved so he can prepare for the remainder of the season.[LNB]Bellamy refused to train at the club's Chadwell Heath ground. The Wales captain is keen to leave, his determination buoyed by approaches from Tottenham and Manchester City.[LNB]It is understood that West Ham are reluctant to sell to London rivals Spurs – Tottenham fans crammed chat-rooms at the weekend urging the club not to sign him – so he is expected to move to Eastlands.[LNB]West Ham have received six firm bids for Bellamy but all fall short of their £15 million valuation. Spurs and City have offered £10 million, with an additional £2 million in add-ons.[LNB]Zola said: "I didn't put him in the squad because I don't think he was in the right frame of mind. I have sought assurances from the board that if he is sold I will get the money to spend on players and I will.[LNB]Asked if he felt Bellamy had played his last game for West Ham, Zola said: "Honestly, I don't know. My respect for him and for the way he played is great. But if a player doesn't want to stay we can't do anything about this." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph