Gianfranco Zola has warned any Premier League vultures circling Matthew Upson that the England centre-half is not for sale.
With West Ham in financial dire-straights and expected to sell in January, invariable speculation has surfaced with regards Upson's future.
In one Sunday newspaper Upson has been strongly linked with a return to former club Arsenal, who are expected to be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements when the transfer window re-opens.
Upson started and scored in England's impressive defeat of Germany in midweek and Zola has now moved to rule out a sale.
"Matty is not for sale either now or in January," he told the Sunday Express.
"I don't have to sell any of my best players. I have been promised that."
Hammers stopper James Collins, who is currently playing alongside Upson, has echoed his manager's thoughts.
"He's a top class player and hopefully we can build a partnership and keep a few more clean sheets.
"It would be a massive loss to lose any player of his quality."
confirm tis transfer wun happen.. y? wenger nv re-sign former gunners...