Viola bid for Hammers’ Upson

Fiorentina are said to have launched a surprise bid to land West Ham defender and captain Matthew Upson according to reports from The Press Association.

West Ham are reported to have recieved a bid from the Serie A club and have not yet confirmed whether they are to accept the bid or not.

Upson’s sale to Fiorentina could also effect the sale of fellow West Ham centre-back James Collins, with Zola unlikely to sell both players with the close of the transfer window so close.

Everton boss David Moyes and Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill are said to have watched Collins during the Hammers 1-1 draw with Blackburn and are likely to bid in the next few days.

Zola previously told press he hoped the England centre-back would stay at the club but the offer of UEFA Champions League football may be the deciding factor for Upson with Fiorentina set to face the likes of Liverpool and Lyon in Group E in the UEFA Champions League this year.

The sale of Upson would likely be used to bolster the East London sides attacking options, with a move for Marouane Chamakh still on Zola’s wish-list.

Source: The Press Association