The Times in London today claims Neill demanded even more money to sign a contract extension despite already being on a reported £70,000 a week.

The club threw out the demand and instead offered him £30,000 a week when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

That figure is £10,000 a week less than Liverpool were offering when Neill chose West Ham over the Merseyside outfit when he left Blackburn Rovers in 2006.

Neill could now be on his way out of the club if the two sides don't agree a deal soon.

The Hammers have already flagged the exit of several players as they desperately try to cut their costs after the credit crunch hit the Icelandic owners badly on top of an already fragile financial situation.

Neill may even be sold off when the transfer window re-opens in January to try to recoup some of the club;s cash istead of allowing to walk out on a free transfer later in the year.

Neill, 30, is expected to play out one more contract in the EPL before returning home for a stint in the A-League, possibly in the West Sydney club he is hoping to create.