Bellamy set for talks

by Danny Pugsley on Jan 19, 2009 1:40 PM GMT

Sky Sports sources understands West Ham have given Craig Bellamy permission to speak to Manchester City.

Bellamy's future at Upton Park has been the subject of intense speculation over the last few days after West Ham rejected bids from City and Tottenham for the Welsh striker.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle star had asked the club to allow him to talk to City and Spurs after turning down the offer of a new deal at Upton Park.

>>Sky Sports.

Credit to Sky Sports, who have generally been ahead of the game in breaking transfer news so far this January.

The possibility of us signing Bellamy was firmly back on the agenda this morning after plenty of false dawns over the past couple of weeks.

It is safe to say his West Ham career is over following his refusal to play this weekend (and he got a rough ride from fans during todays victory over Fulham), and although it appeared initially that he would be headed for Tottenham it would be a big surprise if he was not unveiled over the next couple of days, particularly given Harry Redknapp's pessimistic comments after todays draw against Portsmouth.

UPDATE: A couple of stories today firming up last nights Sky Sports story.

BBC Sport report a fee of £12 million (with £10 million up front) agreed, with Mark Bowen speaking highly of our impending signing:

"Of course we're interested in Craig Bellamy, he is a player we very much admire and we are hopeful we can bring him to Manchester City.
"We've known Craig for many years, and had him at Blackburn Rovers, and we know what he brings to any team he plays for.
"It does make me smile as I think he is one of those players who you either love or hate. But fans of teams that he has played for love him and know what he gave for their team."

Whilst The Mail has a report (and picture) from Bellamy's meeting with Paul Aldridge.

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