Skysports.com understands Shaun Wright-Phillips has held talks
with West Ham.
A host of clubs are looking to land the England winger but The
Hammers - fresh from their recent takeover - are flush with cash
and are ready to match Chelsea's demands - which are in excess of
£10million.
Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Portsmouth are all very
keen - but they would all be loan deals initially and Chelsea are
more inclined to take the cash.
It is believed a deal between West Ham and Chelsea is very close,
which is why Wright-Phillips has been given permission to talk
terms.
At this point it is not known how keen Wright-Phillips is on a move
to East London - but the relegation-threatened Hammers will be
hoping to convince the 25-year-old to make the switch.
Since appointing Alan Curbishley as manager, West Ham have been
quick to bolster their squad - having already snapped up Luis Boa
Morte from Fulham.
As well as Wright-Phillips, it is understood the club are also
closing on West Brom's Nigel Quashie.
Quashie is believed to be holding talks with The Hammers and could
represent a double midfield capture with Russian star Alexei
Smertin set to be confirmed as a West Ham player this week.
