Aston Villa have had a bid rejected for Matthew
Upson, skysports.com understands.
The England international is being tracked by a host of clubs
including Manchester City, Tottenham, former club Arsenal and
Villa.
Now boss Martin O'Neill, who is looking to bolster his options
in January, has lodged a bid to try and prise Upson away from Upton
Park.
It is believed Villa offered West Ham around £11million for the
former Arsenal stopper - but the East London club rejected the
bid.
West Ham do not want to lose Upson - currently rated as one of
the best defenders in England.
Villa do look set to come back for the 29-year-old, but it may
take a deal nearer £16million to persuade The Hammers to sell.
Despite their off-field issues, West Ham have insisted they do
not want to lose their best players and have already fended off
interest in Craig Bellamy and Scott Paker, as well as Upson.