England international Ashton only recently committed his long-term future to the Upton Park club by signing a five-year deal.

And the Hammers have moved quickly to reject speculation that they are considering an £18million offer for the former Norwich forward.

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury told the News of the World: "Hell would have to freeze over for us to sell Dean to a major rival."


Meanwhile, injury-hit midfielder Kieron Dyer could be set for a further lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The News of the World claims that the former England international has suffered a new stress fracture to the right leg he badly broke in August last year.

Dyer could now be facing another spell on the sidelines, just days after speaking of his delight to be back in contention for Alan Curbishley's side.