West Ham’s long term sick note Dean Ashton looks set to leave the club before the start of the Premier League season. The striker made just 5 appearances for the Hammers last season, with injures keeping him on the treatment table.

Rare Appearance

The rest of the squad left for a pre-season tour of Austria earlier this week, leaving Ashton in London. Other players returning from long-term injures such as Scott Parker and Valon Behrami were present with the travelling squad.

Ashton who has never played in front of Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola, now looks set for more speculation over his future in the Premier League, as the 25 year old has already been linked with a £5m move to Stoke.

Zola is keen to secure the services of Inter Milan forward Mancini, with Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani currently trying to broker a deal with Milan.
West Ham are trying to secure a loan term loan deal with the 28 year old Brazilian, and reports suggest that it is now down to the ex-Roma star to agree personal terms.

The East London club have already secured Mancini’s team mate Luis Jimenez, who is already with the squad in Austria and has already caught the eye with some quality performances.
The Chile forward joined his new squad for the first time on Monday and then flew to Austria for their 10 day training.