WEST HAM United have rejected an improved €10 million bid from Manchester City for the Welsh striker Craig Bellamy and continue to insist that he and Scott Parker, another City target, are not for sale.
The offer for Bellamy arrived yesterday morning with Eastlands officials confident it would be accepted, having had a package for both he and Parker, thought to be in the region of €16.5 million, turned down last week. However, West Ham were once again in belligerent mood and made it clear that any separate deal for Parker, who was outstanding in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday, would also be turned down.
Such a stance remains surprising considering the London club’s financial plight.
City are expected to come in again for Bellamy, who has scored four goals in his past four league matches for West Ham, and it is thought a bid closer to €17.5 million could persuade Upton Park officials to part with the 29-year-old.
Another player attracting attention from Eastlands, the Everton midfielder, Mikel Arteta, has insisted that he is content with life at Goodison Park and not considering severing his ties with the Merseyside club despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.
Arteta has been in outstanding form of late for David Moyes’ side and been linked with a €13 million move to Mark Hughes’ City or as a possible replacement for the injured Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal.
The 26-year-old, however, has claimed that he is prepared to fulfil the lucrative long-term contract he signed at Goodison last year.
“Arsenal might make a bid, City might make a bid. They are just rumours,” Arteta said.
“The squad at Everton is small and we have six players injured. It will never be easy for me to leave here, but it’s not something I’m thinking about. I have three years left on my contract and I have been treated well.
“English clubs respect their players. The speculation is a little tiring. I’ve always said I’m very proud to represent this club and am happy here.”
Guardian Service
