West Ham are not worried about Matthew Upson
West Ham owner David Gold will not rush Matthew Upson into signing a new deal at Upton Park.
Upson received an offer of a new contract, and the player and his agent are mulling over the details before the defender puts pen to paper. The player has yet to sign the deal or indicate whether he wishes to remain at the club.
The West Ham defender’s contract expires next summer, but the England international may decide to reject the deal and become a free agent.
West Ham will be keen for Upson to sign a deal as they risk losing one of their most valuable players for free if he decides to leave the club.
However, Gold said, "I don't think there is any rush for Matthew to sign his new deal. He is now into the last year of his contract and doing it now or at the end of the season doesn't really matter to either side.”
The West Ham owner added, "Matthew is always welcome to come to me and talk about it. The fact that we're bottom of the league makes it a bit difficult but there is no rush for him or us."
West Manager Avram Grant is also eager for Upson to stay. The player is a crucial member of the defence and could be the difference between the Hammers being relegated or staying in the Premier League.
A number of clubs would be interested in the England defender if he becomes available, especially as there will be no transfer fee.
However, Gold is certain that Upson will not leave and said, "Our stance is that we do not sell our best players. That's what we said when we joined the football club."
Gold has stressed that none of his top players will leave, but if West Ham struggles this season Upson may call time on his West Ham career.
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