Kompany for City

Manchester City face West Ham on Sunday and could have Belgian defender Vincent Kompany in their ranks for the clash at Eastlands.

Hamburg yesterday claimed to have accepted a bid from City.

Details of the agreement regarding a possible move for the 22–year–old Belgium international were not disclosed in a statement posted on Hamburg's official website, www.hsv.de

"We wish Vincent all the best for his future," said Hamburg's director of football Dietmar Beiersdorfer.

Hamburg president Bernd Hoffmann later claimed the transfer of Kompany hinged only on the player passing a medical at City.

Hoffmann said: "We received an enquiry from Manchester asking whether Vince could imagine moving immediately and, depending on the medical examination, we quickly agreed to this transfer."

According to reports, Kompany is set to sign a four–year contract at the City of Manchester Stadium.

West Ham captain Lucas Neill has had "preliminary" talks with the club about a new deal.
The 30–year–old admits there is "interest from elsewhere" but he insists he is proud to be captain of the Hammers and intends to remain so.

A pre–season move to Manchester City, where he would have been reunited with his former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, appeared to be a possibility after suggestions Hammers manager Alan Curbishley was under instruction to cut the club's wage bill.

However, the Australia international revealed he is in talks over his status at Upton Park.