Bellamy not for sale, insist West Ham

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury insists Craig Bellamy is not for sale after reports claimed Manchester City were set to bid for the Wales striker.

City are believed to be keen to land Bellamy before the transfer window closes next week but Duxbury is adamant there is no chance of the former Liverpool star being allowed to leave.

“West Ham United have absolutely no intention of selling Craig Bellamy,” he told the club's website. “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.”

Anton Ferdinand's imminent move to Sunderland and Freddie Ljungberg's recent release had led to suggestion the Hammers were trying to off-load their top earners.

But Duxbury said: “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.”