Greed to prevent Ben-Haim exit?

A 'West Ham source' has told Soccernet that Tal Ben-Haim, commonly 'thought' to have all but completed a free transfer move to Upton Park, WILL NOT go anywhere unless the wages that he is on at Fratton are matched?

These wages, even though we have been told the highest earners at the club are on no more than 'a mere' £30,000 per week, are 'said' to be £45,000 per week!

That cannot be right...

This so-called 'source' is 'claiming' that his agent is also looking for a £1m signing on fee and unless the wages are matched the guy has no intention of leaving: 'yes, we would love to sign the player, but not at the moment as his wages are £45,000-a-week and his agent wants a £1 million fee - both too high.

'The problem is he has two years left on his Portsmouth contract, though he can leave for nothing as they were relegated.

'Why should he leave unless he gets the same wage? But a club like West Ham can no longer afford to pay every player £40-45,000-a-week. Clubs like West Ham have to draw the line somewhere or every club will go broke.'

I think we need to be careful not to 'believe too much that we read', especially the ludicrously high wages that are 'claimed' - surely he cannot be on that much!

Although I must say that it would not surprise me in the least that a modern day footballer would prefer to 'bleed a club dry' by refusing to move due to the money not being enough, or an agent looking to do the same.

So, whilst I have little doubt that plenty of 'haggling' is ongoing, taking the '£45,000 per week' talk with a pinch of salt 'might' be advised as other 'reports' elsewhere have been reporting that a deal would be signed and agreed by Monday...

PLAY UP POMPEY!



For more information about the Vital England predictions league game - click here.

For more information about the Vital England fantasy football game - click here.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.