West Ham reject Di Canio offer

West Ham United FC manager Glenn Roeder has revealed that the club have turned down an offer from Manchester United FC for striker Paolo di Canio.

Bid refused
Roeder insisted on Sunday that the ball is firmly in United's court if they want to pursue their interest in the Italian forward. "Very late on Friday afternoon we did receive a faxed offer from Manchester United for the services of Paolo di Canio but we turned it down," Roeder said. "We sent a fax back to say we couldn't accept their offer. It's now up to people to ask Manchester United what the next step will be."

Speculation
Di Canio played no part for West Ham in their 3-0 victory over Macclesfield Town FC in the English FA Cup third round on Sunday, but Roeder insisted that had nothing to do with the transfer speculation.

'Fans are concerned'
"Paolo wasn't with us because he has flu but, as far as I am concerned, he will be back in training this week and will be available for next Saturday [when West Ham meet Leicester City FC]," he added. "I understand that West Ham fans are concerned, and I want it laid to rest as soon as possible. When that happens, hopefully we will still have Paolo with us.''

Transfer list
United sold striker Andy Cole to Blackburn Rovers FC last week and also placed Trinidad and Tobago international Dwight Yorke on the transfer list, increasing speculation that room was being created for the arrival of another forward.