West Ham will not have to sell any players to fund summer signings, reports The Sun. Hammers non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt said: "I can assure fans that Gianfranco (Zola) absolutely does not have to sell any players for financial reasons and new players will be arriving in the summer to augment what is already a strong playing staff."

The official, who arrived as part of the club's takeover by CB Holding, added: "I have been so impressed with what has been achieved here in the last 12 months with a proper strategy that everyone has bought into.

"Gianfranco has not even been at the club a year, yet he has put his indelible mark on a young, skilful, vibrant team.

"I have complete faith in how CEO Scott Duxbury and Gianfranco work together in improving the squad without external investment."

Bernhardt dismissed the suggestion that players such as Matthew Upson or Scott Parker will have to be sold to cover the club's debts.

He said: "That is absolutely untrue. No business likes to have debts, but with a £100million turnover, increased TV revenues and a focused commercial operation, the club is on sound financial footing.

"The wage bill has been reduced and the settlement agreed with Sheffield United is budgeted for."