West Ham United almost sold rising star Jack Collison earlier this season, it has been revealed.

The Mirror says West Ham almost sold Collison to League One Peterborough for just £300,000.

The clubs agreed a fee back in August when Alan Curbishley was still Hammers manager.

But Posh boss Darren Ferguson was frustrated when the Upton Park board changed their minds.

Now Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola says: "Jack has been a real surprise for me - not just because of his qualities but also his personality.

"He will be a very important player in this country and for West Ham for a long time."