Gianfranco Zola's new deal is worth double his current wages at West Ham United.

West Ham are expected to announce Zola has signed a new four-year contract some time this week.

And the People says the Hammers board believe they have fended off any possible summer interest from Chelsea by doubling Zola's salary to more than £1.5million.

The Italian was one of the lowest-paid bosses in the Premier League when he took over at Upton Park as a managerial rookie in September. But the Italian has been so impressive during his first seven months in charge that Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson rewarded him with a new deal.

The agreement kicks in from the start of next season and runs until 2013 and the Hammers hope to announce it this week , once Zola's No.2 Steve Clarke and other members of the backroom staff have also agreed renewed terms.