Ljungberg agent denies Hammers exit offer

2:02pm Friday 9th May 2008

FREDDIE Ljungberg's agent has rubbished claims that West Ham are set to offer the player a £3 million pay-off to leave the club.

Claes Elefalk denied reports which surfaced earlier this week, that suggested that the Irons are eager to pay up the remaining three years of the Swedish star's £75,000 a week contract to get him off the books.

But Elefalk told skysports.com: "This story is complete nonsense, there is no truth in it.

"Freddie is not thinking of leaving West Ham.

"Scott Duxbury Hammers chief executive called myself yesterday and said he was sorry such nonsense appeared in the paper."

Ljungberg has struggled to make an impact at Upton Park following his £3 million move from Arsenal last summer.

A series of injuries - the latest a broken rib suffered in the 2-2 with Newcastle a fortnight ago and has ruled him out of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa - has restricted the player to 25 league appearances this season. He has scored just two goals.

But Elefalk insisted the 31-year-old (pictured) is happy to stay at West Ham and is looking forward to assisting the east Londoners on a European charge next season.

"Contrary to what has been said Freddie is enjoying his football as much as he has ever done," said Elefalk.

"He feels at home at Upton Park, with the team and with the fans.

"Freddie is already thinking of next season and helping to bring West Ham to Europe."