After sacking their Italian boss Gianfranco Zola, the Upton Park club have decided to rebuild their squad from scratch and have indicated that everyone barring club captain Scott Parker is available for sale.
The Hammers’ most prized asset is striker Carlton Cole who arrived for just £1 million in the summer of 2006 from Chelsea. West Ham evaluation of Cole stands at £15 million – a value that has yet not been matched by any team. A host of Premier League teams including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Fulham, Birmingham and Stoke are vying for the signature of the 26-year-old but West Ham will not sell unless their asking price is met. After transferring to West Ham from Chelsea, Cole became a full England international impressing everyone with his work-rate, but failed to secure a spot in the 30-member provisional squad for the 2010 World Cup.
Star defender Matthew Upson too, has reportedly asked for a move away from Upton Park and West Ham are willing to listen to offers for the England international. Goalkeeper Robert Green is also understood to be looking for a stint in a foreign country.
Alessandro Diamanti has been told to find a new club while Franco is a free agent after West Ham refused to extend his contract. The club have decided not to offer permanent contracts to either Ilan or Mido, both of whom joined the club on loan in January.
West Ham themselves are interested in Tottenham’s Jamie O’Hara, Pompey’s Kevin Prince Boateng and Lyon striker Sidnei Govou. But the decision on the incoming players will be made once the new manager is in place. Barring any last moment glitches, Avram Grant looks firm favourite to take over from Zola at Upton Park.
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