• Premier League

Hammers consider fresh Neymar bid

Harry Harris, Soccernet correspondent
July 2, 2010
Matthew Upson has been linked with a move to Sunderland © Getty Images
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West Ham have confirmed to Soccernet that they have not given up hope of signing Brazilian wonderkid Neymar but Upton Park insiders described the move as "complicated' because of third-party owners.

Santos forward Neymar, 18, is 40% owned by an investment group, with a €28.4 million release clause and, in the wake of the Carlos Tevez affair, West Ham would need to buy the player outright to comply with the stricter third-party rules.

West Ham denied that the plan is to allow Chelsea to sign him and loan him for one season to acclimatise to Premier League football, but it is possible that the Hammers will increase their £12m bid as they believe he could be sold on to one of the league's biggest clubs if he succeeds in England.

One player who will not be sold on is the club's player of the year, Scott Parker. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, but co-owner David Sullivan told Soccernet: "Scott Parker really is not for sale."

Parker has two years to run on his contract and the club would only consider an exceptional bid.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are "just one" of the clubs chasing Matthew Upson. The England defender has just 12 months left on his contract has asked for time to consider the transfer. He has been offered a new three-year deal at West Ham.

Carlton Cole is also attracting interest from Premier League clubs but, while Fulham continue to show interest in the striker, their £9m valuation falls some way short of West Ham's expectation of at least £12m.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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