Striking out?

The Guardian reports that Carlos Tévez wants to leave West Ham because he is at odds with manager Alan Curbishley. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all mentioned as possible suitors, although Tévez is sure to draw offers from the big clubs in Italy and Spain and elsewhere in Europe.

The story reports that Tévez is still angry about the way Curbishley treated him when Curbishley joined the club in December. Tévez also reportedly believes that Curbishley will not be able to help the Argentinian develop his game. Tévez, according to the article, would be willing to stay at West Ham if another manager were brought in. The club has not responded, but I imagine the that response from chairman Eggert Magnusson would be that Curbishley is the manager that the Icelander expects to lead the team to new heights, including a place in Europe, in the coming seasons. That is certainly the tone struck in a letter the club is sending out to season ticket holders.

The article cites its source for this information as "a West Ham insider." I don't think it's fair to say that there is any connection between this story and Nigel Reo-Coker's transfer request, but, at the same time, it would be naive not to mention that these stories emerged at the same time. Perhaps Reo-Coker's agent is relaying these thoughts to reporters? I don't know. It's possible, but we have nothing else to suggest it besides the common timing and the sense that Reo-Coker built up some sour feelings about the club and its fans during a trying season. Anyway, Reo-Coker's request is no surprise, as it's been rumored for months, but the story about Tévez's views is worrisome, if true. Then again, perhaps we shouldn't have been holding out even a little hope of his return in any case, what with the money available to his owners in the transfer market. West Ham may take the legal position that Tévez's economic owners have no say in his possible transfer, but West Ham also has to be aware of the money on offer and the ability to settle this entire business amicably without there being a lawsuit to fight.

Meanwhile, Liverpool reportedly will part with striker Craig Bellamy for the low, low transfer price of £12 million, and West Ham are among the interested teams. Bellamy could be seen, in part, as replacement for Tévez, although I haven't seen him play enough to know how he would fit in at Upton Park. Bobby Zamora and the recovering Dean Ashton look to be the only significant holdovers among the strikers, so Bellamy would have to be effective in partnership with them.