Hammers fear January sale

2nd December 2008

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes he is at last getting his side fit for purpose - while two of his stars are desperate to avoid a break up of the squad in January.

After the outstanding 0-0 draw at new league leaders Liverpool last night, Zola claimed that a major improvement in fitness levels was the key to a run of three unbeaten games in which the Hammers have not conceded a goal.

But such is West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's financial turmoil, there is still a fear that key players could be sold in the next transfer window. Now goalkeeper Robert Green, star of the draw at Anfield, is urging the club's Icelandic owner not to break up the squad.

Green, linked with Tottenham, said: "It is not down to us what happens in the future but from the players' point of view, every time we go out there, we are all showing we want to play for the club and we want to do well.

Defender Matthew Upson, who has forced his way back into the England side, joined the call for a long-term view at Upton Park.

He said: "In the current climate there have not been any assurances and I would not expect any, but if I am to stay at West Ham and we sell key players in January, then that would really frustrate me."