Fiorentina bid for Upson

Serie A club want West Ham defender

Last updated: 30th August 2009  

Fiorentina bid for Upson

Upson: Italian interest

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Sky Sports News understands Fiorentina have made a bid for West Ham defender Matthew Upson.

The Serie A club are believed to have tabled a formal offer for the former Manchester City and Everton target.  

West Ham have yet to confirm or deny the bid and Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson has been told, by sources in Italy, that the Italians believe they can persuade Upson to adapt to a new life in Serie A.  

Swanson says West Ham must now decide whether to take the money and use it to buy other players because Upson will no longer be a threat in the Premier League.

Gianfranco Zola has previously said that he would be happy for Upson to stay with the club and had hoped the England international would not leave.

However, Fiorentina can offer Upson the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League after the Viola were drawn in the same group as Liverpool.

If the Hammers decide to sell Upson, it could also impact on the future of his central defensive partner James Collins, who is a target for Aston Villa.

Zola has confirmed there has been interest from Villa, but the Hammers boss is unlikely to want to lose two defenders before the close of the transfer window.