Neill resolution this week

Club captain Lucas Neill will make a decision on his future this week.

The Australian skipper is currently out of contract having rejected West Ham United's initial one-year extension on reduced terms. However he is expected to re-enter negotiations with the club after he revealed at the weekend that he is contemplating a return to London.

The Hammers are understood to be keeping a close watch on a number of potential replacements including South African full-back Bryce Moon - currently featuring in the Confederations Cup - and Dinamo Bucharest's Radiu Homei, both of whom were in talks with West Ham during the last transfer window.

However rumours concerning a move for Middlesbrough youngster Matthew Bates are thought to be wide of the mark with the Hammers preferring to look for a more experienced player to replace Neill, should the two parties fail to reach an agreement.