Irons' star is not for sale

9:22am Thursday 16th October 2008

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WEST Ham United's technical director Gianluca Nani has angrily dismissed rumours linking midfielder Valon Behrami with a move to Serie A side AS Roma.

Nani personally recommended the £5million signing of the Switzerland international in the summer from, ironically, Roma's Stadio Olimpico-sharing rivals Lazio.

Behrami's agent Alessandro Beltrami confirmed that Roma were interested in taking Behrami back to Italy 'Roma have inquired after Valon,' said Beltrami.

'They have given me their word that they are keen on the lad and willing to close a deal.

But, despite West Ham's well-documented financial difficulties brought on by the worldwide financial crisis, former Brescia chief is adamant that his protege is going nowhere.

'I am tired of responding to questions on Behrami,' Nani said.

'I repeat - Behrami is not for sale and Roma have never asked for the player.

'Before you start any kind of transfer, Rome must speak with West Ham, which has not happened.

'Behrami is our player, we have high hopes for him so I see no reason to sell.

'Even if an offer arrived from Rome for 50million euro we would not sell. It is not a matter of numbers but of will on our part to keep the player.'

Behrami was the only senior player to move to Upton Park during a summer which saw Nobby Solano, Freddie Ljungberg, Bobby Zamora, John Pantsil, Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney all head through the exit door.

The Irons are expected to sign a new multi-million pound sponsorship deal this week following the collapse of tour operators XL last month.

Such a deal would give the club much-needed breathing space following the nationalisation of Icelandic bank Landsbanki, in which Hammers' chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson had a 41 per cent stake.