Zola Intends to Fight for Players

West Ham United's manager, Gianfranco Zola, intends to fight to keep his players from moving during the January transfer window. With Craig Bellamy and Robert Green leading the list of players leaving, Zola will attempt to keep as many as he can at Upton Park.

The cash generated from player sales would surely help owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. Bjorgolfur wants to sell the club ASAP as the worldwide economic crisis has found its way to the owner.

Who would be solid sells for The Hammers? Let's have a look.

1. Diego Tristán: The 32-year-old striker scored this weekend against Stoke City. Now is the best time to sell the Spaniard, preferably back to a second-tier Spanish side. He has rarely factored and as only made four league appearances.

2. Walter López: The 23-year-old Uruguayan defender/midfielder was signed under caretaker manager Kevin Keen's watch. He has not seen any Premiership action. Would a Championship or League One side be interested?

3. Josh Payne: The 18-year-old was on loan at Cheltenham Town until recently. He returned to West Ham on the 22nd of December. The midfielder should garner League One interest. He was named as 2008–09 captain of the West Ham Under-18 squad.

4. Luís Boa Morte: The 31-year-old winger is a talented veteran. He has played for three of the the four London Premiership clubs. Journeymen often are the first to go in a fire sale.

5. Joe Widdowson: The 19-year-old defender marked Becks at the 2008 MLS All-Star game. He could go out on loan again, but as noted, funds are needed.