Media reports from England have suggested manager Alan Curbishley is preparing to brandish the ultimate insult to the Aussie defender by putting his captain on the transfer market.

Selling Neill would certainly ease the wage bill but as far as the Socceroo captain and his agent are concerned, they are not taking reports in the tabloid media at face value.

Neill’s Australian-based manager Paddy Dominguez spoke to the player yesterday and said a transfer was news to both him and the defender.
He told the Daily Telegraph: “We have not been approached by West Ham in regards to that, reviewing his contract or taking a pay cut.

“It doesn’t make sense that a manager who only 14 months ago brought Lucas to the club and has installed him as captain would look to sell him.

“It would be very strange. Lucas’ relationship with Alan is good and he is relishing the role of captain. Seeing that it's come from the British tabloids and no quote from Curbishley or West Ham, I wouldn't give it too much credibility.”