West Ham

West Ham United Hoping To Keep Matthew Upson And Dean Ashton

Zola is convinced that he will not be forced to sell his better players in January.

Dec 7, 2008 5:22:00 PM

EPL: Gianfranco Zola, West Bromwich Albion - West Ham United (PA)

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EPL: Gianfranco Zola, West Bromwich Albion - West Ham United (PA)

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West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has stated categorically that he will not be forced to sell two of his best players in the January transfer window in order to raise funds for the club following recent speculation.

The Hammers' financial future is at the moment far from certain and it was thought that the Italian boss would have to make allowances and sell some of the club's best assets - namely Dean Ashton and Fabio Capello's new favourite, Matthew Upson - but Zola has confirmed that he will not be forced to sell.

The Italian is reported by Fansfc.com as saying, "We will consider selling some of them but we are not going to sell the best players. They (Ashton and Upson) are among the best players we have.

"This club wants to progress so we are not going to sell our best players. This is what I am told by the club and I trust the club 100%. Right now we don't need to bring anyone in.

“When everyone is back there will be many, so maybe some players will go away to play."

Upson, 29, has been at Upton Park for the last year, making his £7.5 million move from Birmingham City in January of last year. The central defender has been unlucky with injury throughout his career, but has managed to make 44 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring once.

Ashton has been as unlucky with injury as Upson, andhas only made 46 league appearances for the club in the two years he has been there, scoring a total of 15 times.

Nick Turner, Goal.com