• Premier League

West Ham bid for AWOL Blackburn striker McCarthy

ESPN Soccernet staff
January 25, 2010
Benni McCarthy looks set to leave Blackburn after missing two training sessions © Getty Images
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Blackburn have received a written offer from West Ham for striker Benni McCarthy, while boss Sam Allardyce also revealed that the South Africa international has missed Rovers' last two training sessions.

The Hammers had been linked with the South Africa international after Allardyce said earlier this month he could leave. But he will not be departing the club on good terms after the Blackburn boss admitted he was unhappy with McCarthy's double training no-show.

"We are very disappointed with Benni's non-appearance for training and will deal with it separately should he remain here after the transfer window has closed,'' the Rovers boss said.

"We have said all along that we will listen to offers, but only agree to sell if both the commercial and football reasons satisfy Blackburn Rovers. That situation remains unchanged.''

Although Allardyce will have no qualms about off-loading McCarthy he will not do so unless he can find an adequate replacement. However, the player's refusal to attend training means his chances of having a future at Ewood Park are slim.

West Ham are in the market for a big-name striker having gone public with their interest in former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. New co-owner David Sullivan said the debt-ridden club were prepared to pay the Real Madrid forward £100,000-a-week but the Dutchman snubbed them for German side Hamburg.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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