Neill Spotted At Ac Milan - In Dubai

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday January 5, 2009

Sebastian Hassett With AP

SPECULATION that West Ham captain Lucas Neill is ready to leave his English club is certain to intensify after the Socceroo star was photographed in Dubai at the winter training camp of Italian giants AC Milan.

The shot, which shows the defender dressed casually and chatting with friends in the stands during the session, was taken on Saturday - the same day West Ham beat Barnsley 3-0 at Upton Park in the FA Cup.

Neill has been linked with a host of suitors during the January transfer window and, with the Hammers seeking to slash their heavy wage budget, the 30-year-old, who earns an estimated #70,000 ($143,000) a week, seems on the verge of finding a new home.

His former club, Blackburn Rovers, is speculated to have offered a three-year deal worth #50,000 per week, while Harry Kewell's Turkish club, Galatasaray, are also said to be well in the mix.

But the sight of Neill watching on as the likes of Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko, Ronaldinho and new loan-signing David Beckham went through their paces will undoubtedly bring about talk that the seven-time Champions' League winners are interested in his services.

If a move to the San Siro did eventuate, he would link with fellow 2006 World Cup squad member Zeljko Kalac, the club's deputy goalkeeper.

Neill has not featured for West Ham since their emphatic 4-1 win over Portsmouth on Boxing Day, where he was substituted at half-time after receiving an injury and replaced by Julien Faubert who is said to be eyeing his own move back to his native France.

With Neill's contract due to expire in June, he became free to begin talking with clubs about a Bosman transfer at the end of the current season. However, there has been talk that should a new club be willing to take on the final six months of Neill's hefty contract, West Ham would consider letting him leave on a free transfer.

Neill's management team did not return calls from the Herald yesterday.

Meanwhile, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said Beckham will make his debut for the Italian giants in next week's friendly with German side Hamburg and possibly against AS Roma in the Serie A clash on January 11.

Beckham is on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy until March but there has been some scepticism about whether the 33-year-old will contribute to his new team, but Ancelotti said Beckham will play on Tuesday against Hamburg in Dubai.

"He lacks a bit of strength, but even this is normal, given a long break. He will play in the friendly against Hamburg," Ancelotti was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Will he also play in Rome? He's ready to do it, why shouldn't he be there?"

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has previously said playing for Milan satisfies his dream of playing with a top Italian team and helping him keep fit in the American off-season in a bid to maintain a spot in England team.

© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald

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