Former England Under-21 international Ferdinand, currently sidelined by a hamstring problem, has been strongly linked with a £7million switch to Sunderland - which would certainly help bolster the Upton Park coffers.

However, with fellow centre-back James Collins on the recovery trail following a serious knee injury, Jonathan Spector, youngster James Tomkins and Daniel Gabbidon also unavailable, the Hammers manager is not about to further deplete his options.

"There is lots of speculation but Anton is part of my plans - he is in here trying to get fit," Curbishley said.

"Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport are playing at the moment, Tompkins and Collins are still out, Daniel Gabbidon has been since November.

"The nearest one to go back in is Anton and that is where we are at at the moment."

Curbishley continued: "I spoke to him in the summer and we will see how it develops, but as far as I am concerned, he is in here every day trying to get fit.

"My players are being linked with other clubs and it shows we have got some decent players.

"All I want to do is to get some of the others available so we can pick from a squad. Once I can pick from a squad, we think we have got a decent side."

Former Charlton boss Curbishley - appointed in December 2006 - accepts much of the transfer dealing in the modern game is done at boardroom level.

However, he insists, despite the financial pressures involved, nothing can be done without the approval of the manager.

"Ten years ago managers were the first point of call on transfers," Curbishley explained.

"Now the contact is between the chief executive or the chairman before it even gets to the manager. They are the ones who do the sounding out and talk about the finances of the transfer.

"The managers are probably at the end of the chain now.

"What is happening in football, so many people involved, transfers can become a bit messy and a bit protracted, but that is the way it has evolved. Football is changing."

However, Curbishley insisted: "The manager has the final say but a lot of the background work goes on before the managers have any contact.

"There is a call to be made at some stage - but the manager is obviously completely involved with that.

"I have heard stories of things being done without the manager finding out. Well it doesn't happen here."

West Ham travel to Manchester City on Sunday, where striker Dean Ashton is expected to feature having come off towards the end of the opening-day win over Wigan.

The calf strain probably cost the former Crewe trainee the chance of an England call-up, but he has recovered well, along with midfielder Scott Parker, who had a thigh problem.

"We could not take any chances with Deano," Curbishley added.

"But we have had it treated and he should be fine for Sunday."