West Ham United issued a strong ‘hand’s off’ warning over the continued speculation linking skipper Lucas Neill with a move out of Upton Park.

 

Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear was reported to have spoken to the players agent about a possible move to St James’ Park but the alleged approach to a player who is out of contract at the end of the season has not gone down well in East London.

A formal statement said that West Ham “received no approach from any club, including Newcastle”. The 30 year-old Australian international was clearly a target for the Magpies but a reply from the north east indicated that the matter was now considered closed. "We respect West Ham's position and will therefore not be pursuing this matter" read the statement. Whether West Ham decide to leave it there remains to be seen.

In a transfer window that has seen Craig Bellamy leave for Manchester City and Lee Bowyer go out on loan to Birmingham City, Gianfranco Zola will want to hang on to the rest of his senior players to ensure that the Hammers do not get sidetracked into becoming involved in the Premiership relegation dogfight which see them currently in 8^th position but only 8 points off bottom.