Michael Carrick has paved the way for his departure from West Ham by claiming that it will be difficult for him to sign a new deal with the club.
Whilst hardly comparing with Jermain Defoe's prompt transfer request the day after the Hammers were relegated from the Premiership last season, Carrick's comments, which came less than 48 hours after West Ham were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace in the first division play-off final will serve only to confirm what every Hammer knows - that he will off to a top flight club within the next few weeks.Already Charlton and Newcastle have been touted as potential suitors for the 23-year-old midfielder, who is likely to command a fee in the region of £3m.
Speaking earlier about the situation, Carrick - whose younger brother Graeme is also set to break through into the first team squad at Upton Park - revealed:
"The club have been great to me and I have been happy at West Ham. I have never said I wanted to leave.
"It is all about the money, I suppose, and what situation the club is in. I have been here seven years and have been happy here. Time will tell.
"It has been a hard season for everyone at the club. We really thought we could get back up into the Premiership - but it wasn't to be.
"I hope for the club's sake it can get back up there next year."
Hammers director Scott Duxbury is reported to have told a group of supporters in Cardiff last weekend that the club will be doing all they can to hold on to Carrick, before claiming somewhat laughably that were he to be sold a figure in the region of £8m would be expected.
However it remains the case that a new contract offer for the young Geordie - whose current deal expires in 12 months time - has been on the table for several months, and with the chance of an instant return to the Premiership now gone the chances of him signing it remain extremely unlikely.
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