Gianfranco Zola remains hopeful of convincing Lucas Neill to stay at West Ham.

The Australia defender's contract expired at the end of last month and he did not fly to Beijing with the Hammers for this week's Barclays Asia Trophy, fuelling speculation his future lies elsewhere.

He had previously rejected a fresh offer from West Ham when they are believed to have offered the 31-year-old reduced terms.

Mark Hughes, who worked with Neill at Blackburn, has been linked with a bid to take the player to Manchester City, while reports also claim Galatasaray want him.

But Zola sees Neill as a key player for West Ham and insists talks remain ongoing.

"Lucas Neill is talking with the club," said the Italian. "We need obviously to have some negotiations but I am hoping he is going to join us as soon as possible.

"I know his name has been linked to other clubs. Last time I spoke to the player he told me that if anything could happen he would call me first. So far he has not called me so I assume he is not yet going anywhere.

"He was an important player last year and our aim this year is to work to improve how we did last season when we finished ninth."

Zola thinks the club's participation in the Asia Trophy, which sees them face Tottenham tomorrow, will benefit the players. He said: "My team will give 100 per cent because if we want to be in good shape for the season we need to be playing competitive games."