Matthew Upson set to be named captain to keep him at West Ham
Published 00:00 19/07/09 By By James Masters
Gianfranco Zola is set to offer Matthew Upson the West Ham captaincy in a bid to keep the highly-rated defender at Upton Park.
The Hammers boss is desperate to hang on to the 30-year-old who has just two years left on his current deal.
Upson has spoken of his desire to play Champions League football and would jump at the chance to join a top four club.
Both Manchester City and Aston Villa are interested, while West Ham are hoping to open contract negotiations in the next few months.
Club chief executive Scott Duxbury has stated he hopes to agree a new deal with Upson, while the club are also looking to extend Robert Green's stay in east London.
Zola is now hoping Upson can take over as captain after the departure of Lucas Neill.
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