West Ham reject Craig Bellamy bids from Spurs and Manchester City

15 January 2009 09:09
The Independent[LNB] claims Spurs offered Darren Bent in a straight swap deal for Bellamy, an approach which was rejected by Upton Park chiefs. [LNB]City then increased their bid for the Wales captain to £9.5 million, which was also turned down. [LNB]West Ham have always maintained they are unwilling to sell their best players this month, despite their perilous financial situation. [LNB]Like Tottenham and City, West Ham are fighting for survival this season, and believe the departure of players like Bellamy, Scott Parker, Matthew Upson and Robert Green would make them too vulnerable. [LNB]City are now likely to pursue other targets, with Roque Santa Cruz, the Blackburn striker, still firmly in their sights. [LNB]The Paraguayan believes Blackburn Rovers are demanding £25 million for his signature, but a deal remains likely before the end of the month. [LNB]Meanwhile, one player likely to leave West Ham this month is Julian Faubert, who has hit out at a lack of opportunities under Gianfranco Zola. [LNB]Faubert said: "Zola has said he relies on me, but I don't see any opportunities coming. [LNB] "I didn't play against Newcastle and I don't know what he is up to. Right now my agent is discussing with clubs. Playing for a club such as Lyon is my priority to relaunch my international career. [LNB] "But the problem is that my selling price is very high." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph