Zola hopes Hammers stars stay put

Zola hopes Hammers stars stay put

Published Jan. 8, 2010 8:10 a.m. ET

Striker Cole, midfielder Parker, defender Upson and goalkeeper Green have all been linked with big-money moves away. But Zola revealed the Hammers have not received any firm offers - and he remains confident of persuading the quartet to stay at Upton Park. "I know I have good players in my team and it is normal that teams are looking for them. I am confident we can keep our best players," said the West Ham boss. "I don't think we have had an enquiries so far. I haven't been told so. I am confident I can keep them here. "I don't deal with these things (transfers). I am just dealing with the players we have and I try to make them happy to stay here." West Ham's financial situation remains uncertain as their Icelandic owners remain in negotiations over a potential sale of the club. Zola has plans to strengthen his injury-depleted front line and has been linked with a move for former West Ham striker Marlon Harewood along with James Beattie and Eidur Gudjohnsen. "We are looking into something. That doesn't mean we need to talk about it. I don't think it would be a wise thing to do," Zola said. "In two days' time I have a very big match coming up against Wolves and for me to talk about the players that might come in or that may go out certainly won't help the situation. "What matters to me is that we win the game on Sunday which is vital for us." West Ham are expected to welcome Mark Noble and Scott Parker back into the side for the basement battle after both missed last weekend's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal. Guillermo Franco and Jonathan Spector are also available again as West Ham chase a victory on Sunday that would lift them above Wolves. "I said it once and it brought good fortune to us, so I repeat it. Yes it is a six-point game!" said Zola. "Wolves didn't start very well, losing the first game to us, but they've been different since then. "It's a tough game because they work very hard and they are committed so they will come here and make it very difficult for us." Zola insisted the manner of West Ham's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, having been the better side for most of the game, has only served to improve the squad's belief. "The players realised they played a very good game," he said. "They were unfortunate not to get anything out of it. They know if they can maintain that standard they will get points. "Some of the games coming up are very important. It is vital we play the same way we have recently."

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