Gianfranco Zola has blanked questions about claims he is being forced out at West Ham United.

The Daily Mail says Zola was asked if he thought David Sullivan's comments this week were designed to provoke him into resigning - and therefore save the club the £3.5million it would cost to sack him and Steve Clarke.

The Italian, who signed a new three-year contract worth £1.9m a year at the end of last season, admitted he wasn't sure.

"I don't know," Zola said. "Obviously I understand the chairman, Mr Sullivan, is very much concerned about the situation. We are not in a very good position and he is concerned - and I am concerned as much as him. But I have faith in the players."