West Ham have stunned Nigel Quashie by telling him to stay away from the training ground and see out his £20,000-a-week contract, reports the News of the World.

The midfielder approached the Hammers last week about a pay-off, after boss Gianfranco Zola ignored his claims for a recall.

Instead Quashie was told he no longer has to report for training.

Despite several first-team stars lobbying Zola to bring the player back in from the cold, the Italian does not want him in the picture.

The 31 year old is in the final year of his contract with the Londoners and does not want to jeopardise his claims to the remaining seven months of his contract.

The midfielder wanted 80 per cent of his deal paid up but the Hammers have refused to settle.

He is expected to take the advice of the PFA after being told to stay away and is currently continuing to report for training.