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Grant gives Upson an ultimatum

Matthew Upson could be set to leave West Ham unless he signs a new deal © Getty Images

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New West Ham boss Avram Grant has issued Matthew Upson with a stark ultimatum - pen a new deal or be prepared to be sold.

The England defender has one year remaining on his contract at Upton Park, but the 31-year-old is understood to be a £7 million target of Sunderland.

Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are reportedly ready to offer Upson a three-year contract worth an estimated £60,000 a week.

However, after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the former Birmingham City centre back is thought to have grown increasingly frustrated with the club's plight.

And while Grant is keen for Upson to remain at the club, the Israeli will make it clear to the player when he returns for pre-season training on July 19 that he doesn't want anyone who isn't 100 per cent committed to the cause.

"I think any club, especially a club like West Ham, needs to do everything to keep a player like Upson," he said. "He is a good player and person and we will do everything to keep him.

"But also, the West Ham fans deserve players who want to play for the club. I only want players who want to play because I think we will have a great future. It will be good for us and good for the players. Of course, Matthew is one of them."

Meanwhile, Grant also revealed he has spoken with goalkeeper Robert Green following his disastrous World Cup campaign with England.

"I like it when I spoke to him. I spoke only about the future. He looks very strong and very intelligent. I don't think the mistake will have an effect on him," he added.

"I was at the World Cup in 2002 and I saw the goalkeeper (Oliver Kahn) who didn't stop a ball that my daughter could stop. They lost the World Cup and after this he was still the best goalkeeper in Germany.

"For me Robert is a great goalkeeper. I watched him in the last year and I'm looking forward to seeing him in training."

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