Stech and moving on

SSN

West Ham goalkeeper Marek Stech has revealed Championship rivals Burnley are
keen on acquiring his services. The 21-year-old Czech has been frozen out at
Upton Park, primarily due to the impressive form of No.1 Rob Green. Stech
had been on loan at Yeovil Town earlier this season, but was recalled by
manager Sam Allardyce as injury cover. When asked which clubs want him on
trial, he replied to isport.blesk.cz: "Ipswich Town, but more clubs have
called me.

Interest

"Anyway, Burnley are keen to sign me. I've already played a game in their
reserves. "Two weeks ago they played at West Ham and I discussed it with
their goalkeeper coach. He said there was interest. "In January it would
most likely be for a six-month loan. Then I would have one year left on my
West Ham deal and at such situation you usually open talks over a new
contract or move on." The shot-stopper's future seems away from Upton Park
with the club due to pay Sparta Prague a bonus if he makes five appearances.


Clause

Stech is unlikely to play for the Hammers again anytime soon and he is keen
to move on and secure regular first-team football. "I still can't play
because of that money. It is unpleasant and has been going for a year. I'm
trapped," he continued. "(West Ham) don't have a reason to keep me because
of the clause. Perhaps they might even be happier if I moved elsewhere. "I
don't want to mention the figure, but my feeling is it is not a big sum for
West Ham. "I think the fee is not too big and it makes me feel sorry because
I like West Ham. This is my fifth season here and I have always been happy
here."

The figure he is talking about is reported to be around £600,000. As I understand it we are willing to pay it (ie play him again) but only if Stech signs a new contract; something that he is refusing to do unless he is going to be the No.1 keeper at the club. That is not going to happen as long as Green is there is it? Not sure how it can be resolved under these circumstances

Tony P wrote:The figure he is talking about is reported to be around £600,000. As I understand it we are willing to pay it (ie play him again) but only if Stech signs a new contract; something that he is refusing to do unless he is going to be the No.1 keeper at the club. That is not going to happen as long as Green is there is it? Not sure how it can be resolved under these circumstances

I have also heard that Green is refusing to sign an extension / new deal and will be moving on in the summer, regardless.

Could be that he club are just waiting till May to get everything sorted out, dot the i's, cross the t's