[ Last edited by 瑞比 on 2006-8-23 at 06:31 PM ]作者: 瑞比 時間: 2006-8-23 06:31 PM
West Ham could be ready to revive their interest in Fulham's outcast French midfield man Steed Malbranque.
Fulham boss Chris Coleman has told the 26-year-old French star he will not play for the club again after refusing to sign a new contract.
And BBC Sport understands the Hammers may now move again for Malbranque in a cut-price £2.5m deal before the transfer window closes.
Malbranque has already turned down a £4m move to Middlesbrough.
He wants to see out the remaining year of his contract and leave for free but Coleman wants to sell the player.
"We've agreed fees with other clubs but he doesn't want to move. He wants to see his contract out so he can move on for nothing next summer," said Coleman.
"I've told Steed to his face, he won't play for Fulham even if he's fit."
Coleman added: "We've been consistent with what we've said. We've done everything we can to keep Steed happy, offering him a long-term and short-term contract.
"He's turned down everything. It's Steed's way or no way. We said to him last season, don't go down this route because there will be no winners.
"We've had good service from a quality player, but he's had good service from us too, so it works both ways.
"Letting him walk away is bad business on our part and we have to set a precedent for other players. We can't let players who we have invested a lot of money in walk away for nothing."
Newcastle and Aston Villa have also shown interest in the Frenchman.
Coleman said that he wanted to sign another midfielder but that would depend on whether a buyer comes in for Malbranque.
"We're looking to bring in someone to play wide right. Maybe it will have to be a loan deal," he said.
"Looking at the budget we thought we'd lose one or two players that we've still got, so we don't have the money to bring in anyone else.
"I've been told we can't buy but I've been looking at the position since last season. Selling Steed would release cash for us, maybe enough for two players."
