Transfer speculation overshadows Hammers cup win

The Scotsman refused to confirm whether the Hammers had received bids for their key players, despite chief executive Scott Duxbury revealing last week the club would consider any reasonable offers

Upson, linked with a possible move to Tottenham or Arsenal, missed the Barnsley game, stoking speculation he might be sold to bring some much needed cash into the club.

But Clarke dismissed the rumours, citing illness as the reason for the 29-year-old defender's absence.

He said: "He hasn't trained all week. He's been ill in bed all week, so the first time I saw him was today.

"Since the last game he's been off with flu and he's not the only one who has had it, there has been a few."

Whether that turns out to be the same strain of flu that kept want-away Jermian Defoe out of Portsmouth's FA Cup tie on Saturday remains to be seen.

Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy are both thought to be targets for moneybags Manchester City, with Parker believed to have held preliminary talks with the Eastlands outfit.

There is little doubt the Hammers want to trim their squad, not least to simplify matters for the coaching staff, according to Clarke.

He said: "Ideally, you want 20 outfield players and three goalkeepers, but it is not always ideal.

"For me, 22 plus three goalkeepers would be the maximum, and at the moment we are operating with 26 and three goalkeepers, which is a little bit too much.

"You cant have 11 v 11 in training, it just doesn't work in terms of organising, so it is better to have smaller numbers. You can work better with your team that way, though maybe some coaches prefer to have more.

"It's not about keeping them happy, but the organisational structure means you are having to leave out 16 players each week and that is a lot."

Hammers' fans would certainly not want to see the likes of Bellamy or Upson depart, although getting the big wage earners off the books would certainly help the club's financial situation.

Players who could be heading out include Nigel Quashie, currently on loan to Birmingham, and Calum Davenport.

On the pitch things continue to improve for the Hammers.

They overcame a spirited Barnsley side, semi-finalists in the FA Cup last season, thanks to Herita Ilunga's first goal for the club, Mark Noble's penalty and a cushioned header from Carlton Cole.

And Kieron Dyer made his long-awaited return from a 16-month injury lay-off as a second half substitute, producing some lively contributions as the Irons cantered home.

Clarke was delighted with the 30-year-old midfielders performance.

He said: "You could see when he came on to the pitch that his is quality, there is not doubt about that.

"He could have got himself a couple of goals and he will be a big addition to our squad when he is fully fit.

"But you see also when he has made two or three runs that he is struggling to get back, so he is lacking condition, but that will come."

The fourth round draw gave the Hammers a trip to Hartlepool, conquerors of Premier League Stoke on Saturday, on January 24.

Exactly how many of the current squad will be around to make the journey to the north east remains to be seen.