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Lucas Neill turns down pay cut
Ken Dyer01.06.09
Everton and Aston Villa could be interested in signing West Ham captain Lucas Neill after he rejected a new contract, which would have seen his wages drop by more than £15,000 a week, writes Ken Dyer.
The Australian international, whose contract has run out, wanted a oneyear deal to take him up to the World Cup but has turned down the offer understood to be worth up to £48,000 a week depending on appearances.
Neill was reputed to be earning £65,000 per week after signing for West Ham from Blackburn in 2007 and the 31-year-old defender will now consider other options.
West Ham are keen to keep Neill and will keep the new contract offer on the table.
Departures from Upton Park include Lee Bowyer, who is expected to sign a permanent deal with Birmingham after going on loan there last season plus full-back Walter Lopez and midfield player Kyel Reid.
Italian striker David Di Michele and Spanish front man Diego Tristan are also likely to depart West Ham as manager Gianfranco Zola looks to strengthen his squad in the summer.
Reader views (6)
Must be a struggle to get by on just 48000 a week .. perish the thought that these pampered poppets might have to get a real job once they've finished kicking a ball around.
- Paul, London
let him go, good riddance. Quick wingers expose him and make him look like he is running backwards anyway.
We can pick up someone better, Alan Hutton or Glen Johnson would do nicely....
- Nick, Singapore
gee what a suprise. just like all his footballing mates he thinks he really worth that amount of money. Funny i thought they played it for the love of the game. Please redirect all their excess wages into junior development, stuggling clubs, volunteers... oh no thats right, lets just give 95% of the money in the sport to 1% of those involved. You've really got to love capitalism, it rewards those who truly deserve it.
- William Bailey, wgtn
I know times are tough and we all have to tighten our belts but come on,pass the hat round for this poor man who cannot possibly feed himself,let alone live on those meagre wages.
- Michael Monaghan, london uk
Lucas Neil the man who turned down Liverpool and went to WHU, not for the money you understand, purely footballing reasons now cant accept a wage of only £50000 per week. What world does he live him?. Still I'm sure fat Sam will take him on, like all his other losers.
- Spider, essex uk
"Well, if you were to ask me the question if I'd be interested on signing Lucas then yeah for sure, for sure I would. The boy's a talent and could definitely do a job for us, and I'm down to the bare bones at the back. We haven't spoken to him, but someone's told me the boy just wants to come here and play football, for sure"
H Redknapp, 5 minutes ago
- Joe, Romford
