July 23 2004

Crystal Palace

Palace have tabled bids for West Ham's Marlon Harewood and Michael Carrick in a combined fee of £3.5 million.

Palace's attempts at signing Carrick (£2.5m) and Harewood (£1m) though have been refused by the Hammers.

West Ham's managing director Paul Aldridge said: "As we have previously stated Michael has indicated that he is not prepared to sign a new contract with West Ham United.

"As he has only one year left to run on his contract, the club is reluctantly prepared to consider offers for Michael provided such offers match the club's valuation of the player.

"Palace's bid of £2.5 million does not represent an acceptable transfer fee for Michael."

Aldridge added: "I am particularly disappointed at Crystal Palace's conduct regarding this matter.

"On two separate occasions I have rejected their bid for Marlon and informed them that he is not for sale.

"Despite this they chose to announce their failed bid on their website in what can only be an attempt to unsettle Marlon and try to facilitate a transfer.

"This conduct is unacceptable especially as Marlon has repeatedly said he is happy at West Ham United and wants to play a part in helping the team achieve promotion back to the Premiership this season."

Iain Dowie also wants to bring Southampton defender Fitz Hall to Selhurst Park, and has made the Saints an opening offer of £1.5million for the player he discovered while at Oldham.