Bellamy 'not for sale'

Club insist striker will stay amid City rumours

By James Dall   Last updated: 26th August 2008

Bellamy 'not for sale'

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West Ham United have 'absolutely no intention' of selling Craig Bellamy, according to chief executive officer Scott Duxbury.

Reports emerged on Tuesday suggesting that Premier League rivals Manchester City had opened talks with the Hammers over a deal for the Wales striker.

However, manager Alan Curbishley dismissed the speculation, labelling it as 'nonsense' while insisting Bellamy is part of his plans for the season.

And now West Ham have moved to issue a statement regarding Bellamy's future at the club, with Duxbury strongly indicating that the 29-year-old, who signed for the Hammers from Liverpool last year, will be remaining at Upton Park.

Duxbury said on the club's official website: "West Ham United have absolutely no intention of selling Craig Bellamy.

Committed

"He is under contract and is committed to the club. Craig remains a very important part of our plans for the future.

"The club is being run on sound football and business principles in order to develop a squad which can deliver success this season. No player would be bought or sold unless that helped to achieve that aim.

"We are not interested in selling players who are committed to the club and essential to our first-team squad.

"If a player refuses to sign a new contract or is not crucial to the manager's plans then we will look at offers on a case by case basis. It is the only sensible way to build for the future.

"We have invested in players this summer identified by the manager who add to the quality of the squad and we will continue to do so as and when appropriate."