Press Release

West Ham United confirms Crystal Palace has made a £2.5m bid for their midfielder Michael Carrick and a £1.5m bid for striker Marlon Harewood.

The bid for Marlon Harewood has categorically been rejected by the Club as he is very much part of Alan Pardew's plans for the new season.

West Ham United has also turned down the bid for Michael because it does not match the Club's valuation of this player.

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."

Commenting on the bid for Marlon Harewood, Paul Aldridge, said: "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 teamachieve promotion back to the Premiership this season."