Zola optimistic over Neill

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has not given up hope of convincing Lucas Neill to sign a new deal at Upton Park. The Australian's contract at the club expired last month and the defender has since held talks over a new contract despite being free to speak to other clubs. Neill has previously rejected an offer from the club but as talks are on-going, Zola is hopeful the influential defender can come to an agreement on a new deal in the near future. "Lucas Neill is talking with the club," said Zola. "We need obviously to have some negotiations but I am hoping that he is going to join us as soon as possible. "I know his name has been linked to other clubs. Last time I spoke to the player he told me that if anything could happen he would call me first. So far he has not called me so I assume he is not yet going anywhere. "He was an important player last year and our aim this year is to work to improve how we did last season and we hope that he will make his decision." Turkish giants Galatasaray are thought to be keen admirers and an offer could tempt Neill away from English football with Manchester City also thought to be monitoring his situation.

Source: SKY_Sports