Gianfranco Zola is hopeful of re-signing Lucas Neill

WEST HAM manager Gianfranco Zola is confident Lucas Neill will captain his side next season.The Australian centre-half is out of contract and looked destined to seek pastures new after negotiations between the player and the club appeared to break down.Neill, 31, has not travelled with the West Ham squad to China in preparation for the Barclays Asia Trophy, which kicks off on Wednesday.But Zola expects the former Blackburn defender to sign a new deal, in time for the new campaign. He said: "Lucas Neill is still talking to the club. There's obviously been some negotiations between the club and the player, but I am hoping he is going to join us as soon as possible."His name has been linked to other clubs. But the last time I spoke with the player he said he'd phone me if anything happens - he said he'd call me first."He hasn't called me, so I assume that he's not going anywhere. But as I have said before, he was an important player for us last year and I hope he begins with us in the new season."Striker Dean Ashton and midfielder Valon Behrami are also absent from the four-game Asian tournament which sees the Hammers take on Spurs on Wednesday."Valon Behrami is training and is doing very well," said Zola."The only reason why we have not brought him to Beijing for the FA Asia Trophy is because he would only do here what he is doing back at home."He's been working out on the beach, running and he's looking very well."Dean Ashton is not here for the same reason. He is working on his own with his physio and he's progressing. I am waiting for him to return to work with me," he added.

Source: London_Paper