16.01.2014 13:33 h

London: West Ham douse Morrison speculation

Javier Hernandez und Manchester United im freien Fall
Javier Hernandez und Manchester United im freien Fall

West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison is not angling to leave the club despite open interest in him from Premier League rivals Fulham, according to assistant manager Neil McDonald.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen revealed on Wednesday that his side have had a bid for Morrison rejected, in remarks that prompted West Ham to make a formal complaint to the Premier League.

Some British media reports on Thursday claimed that Morrison was prepared to go on strike in a bid to force through a move, but McDonald said that the 20-year-old was happy at West Ham.

"It is all media reports and whatever has been said... I think the club and the Premier League are dealing with that so I'd prefer not to dwell on that any more," he said on Thursday.

"There seems to be a story about Rav every week. The lad comes in and trains. Sometimes he has had a little bit of a groin injury, but we've managed that.

"He trained on Wednesday with a huge, big smile on his face with the rest of the squad, so (reports he may go on strike) are news to me."

Morrison also appeared to pour scorn on the reports, writing on his Twitter account: "The lies people make up, its unreal."

Meulensteen worked with Morrison during his previous role as a coach at Manchester United, but McDonald believes that the midfielder is fully focused on Saturday's game with Newcastle United.

"We look forward to him being in the squad on Saturday," McDonald said.

"He should be fit. He's been training with the lads and he's brought a lot of joy, especially with winning against Cardiff (last weekend). He cheered everyone up when he came back as well."