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Matthew Upson only has his eyes on Hammers
Ken Dyer14.08.09
Matthew Upson may be the subject of speculation linking him with Manchester City but the England defender's thoughts are on West Ham buying, not selling.
Joleon Lescott remains City's No1 target but if Everton continue to refuse to do business then the Eastlands club are likely to step up their efforts to sign Upson.
Unlike Lescott, Upson has not handed in a transfer request and he hopes that the Hammers can strengthen their squad.
"I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking," said Upson, who looks certain to be captain at Wolves tomorrow.
"I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement.
"At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing.
"The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season. At the moment, though, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems.
"Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers."
The 30-year-old, who hopes to play at next summer's World Cup, added: "For me, it's the biggest season of my life. I'm in good shape and I'm ready for it."
Reader views (6)
I don't quite know why, but the (Stu, Beckton) page - a sad mixture of irony and desperation - is gradually achieving cult status among Spurs fans. I reckon it all began when Martin Peters bailed out to you-know-where.
Anyway, look forward to seeing master Upson in Tottenham colours real soon.
- Ted, London
Well you'd know, Ted.
Your finger is RIGHT on the football pulse.
- Stu, Beckton
No, he's not "ok".
Every decent challenge Tomkins made last season was covered by Upson. He's intelligent and he's got the strength to back it up. Gabbidon won't be match fit for too long and is coming back after a horrific amount of time out. Collins, whilst decent, is not in Upson's league.
Until we played the scousers at the end of the season, under Zola and Clarke we had not lost one game by more than one goal.
Upson was right at the heart of that.
- Stu, Beckton
Whisper it softly but Spurs are in for this guy - if not in August, the word is ...
Sorry, Stu, but once a feeder club...
- Ted, London
He's ok. If he was sold West Ham would survive ok with Gabbidon, Tomkins and Collins and the money could be spent on 2 decent strikers.
- Paul R, London
Cracking player, one of the few decent things Curbishley did at West Ham (along with resigning). He would be too huge a loss right now - Tomkins' superb emergence is due in no small way to Upson's fantastic marshalling of our defence.
A certainty for the captaincy. A hell of a player.
- Stu, Beckton
