Neill opens contract talks

West Ham skipper Lucas Neill has held preliminary talks about a new deal at Upton Park but admits there is interest from elsewhere.

The former Blackburn player is coming towards the end of a 30-month contract which is said to be worth £70,000 a week and with the Hammers looking to cut costs it is unlikely that this will be on offer again.

Manchester City and Galatasaray have been linked with defender and there would be no shortage of takers should Neill be available on a free transfer.

"Officially I'm on my last year of my contract. I've had preliminary talks (about extension) and there's been interest from elsewhere," the 30-year-old told Australia's Special Broadcasting Service.

"But, look, I am captain of West Ham and very proud of that and I don't see it being any different this season."