Birmingham City have rejected a £4million offer from West Ham
United for defender Matthew Upson.
The England international is fast emerging as one of the most
sought-after properties in the January transfer window, with West
Ham having firmed up initial interest with an official offer.
Alan Curbishley's bid has, though, fallen on deaf ears at St
Andrews - with the Championship table toppers valuing Upson, whose
contract expires in 18 months' time, at around the £6million
mark.
West Ham are desperate to add to their squad in a bid to quell an
alarming slump this season, which has seen them very much embedded
in the battle to beat the drop.
While they continue to struggle, Birmingham look strong bets for
promotion and having reiterated their Premiership credentials with
a 5-1 FA Cup win at Newcastle on Wednesday, they have no intention
of sanctioning the departure of top names cheaply.
Upson's former club Arsenal are entitled to a 25 per cent cut of
any transfer fee above the £2.5million Birmingham paid for him in
2003, further increasing the necessity for them to demand a top
price.