Carrick Staying At Upton Park

Last updated : 25 January 2002 By Mike Reich
Carrick: Going nowhere
With Patrick Viera looking likely to leave Arsenal for a figure in the region of £40m in the summer, the Gunners are being linked with a swoop for Michael Carrick, a player whom Arsene Wenger is known to admire.

Liverpool and Newcastle have also been linked with the highly-rated England player, but it is clear that all the rumours surrounding the youngster are just that: rumours.

To make West Ham's position clear, MD Paul Aldridge told the official site: "I can absolutely and categorically deny that we have had any talks with Arsenal about Michael - nor do we intend to.

"Indeed we will not be talking to anyone about Michael, who is perfectly happy at West Ham and concentrating on tomorrow's game."

This is certainly music to supporter's ears, and no doubt everyone would be in agreement that he should be kept, but why didn't he say the same regarding Paolo di Canio? It would seem that the board sees some players as expendable, and others not.