West Ham United believe Manchester United will come in for Matthew Upson in January.

The Times says Upson changed his agent a year ago in the hope of a move to a top-four club and is still agitating for a move. Liverpool remain keen on the player after showing interest in the summer, when they were unable to raise the funds.

They face the same problem now but West Ham may decide to try and create an auction for Upson in a bid to raise money to strengthen the squad.

They believe that Manchester United, who have had up to six defenders out injured recently, and Tottenham Hotspur could be interested. Harry Redknapp has four established centre backs but the Tottenham manager may be prepared to sell Michael Dawson. Alan Hutton, the Spurs right back, could also move to Upton Park on loan as part of the deal.