West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson wants a period of fiscal prudence after losing £20 million last year.

The Guardian says Neill is not content with his breathtaking £55,000-a-week salary.

Although he is approaching 30 years old and has been far from being the club's outstanding performer this season, Neill believes he is owed at least parity with the former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg's £70,000 a week and has asked for a contract extension. His request was understandably dismissed.