Hammers join Wanderers in Zog chase

Alan Curbishley is fighting it out with Bolton Wanderers' rookie boss Sammy Lee for the signature of impressive Newcastle United starlet Charles N'Zogbia.

The French utility player, who played all along the left side for the Magpies last season, is unsettled at St James' Park after the club stalled on offering him a new deal and Curbishley is keen to sign him.

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Meanwhile Craig Bellamy joined his new team-mates in training today and links up with Wales international team-mates James Collins and Danny Gabbidon plus former Blackburn colleague Lucas Neill.

The Australian turned down the chance of a move to Liverpool to sign for West Ham in January and Bellamy understands why.

"I supported Liverpool as a boy and would have had the chance to play Champions League football again next season but I needed to look beyond that, in the same way that Lucas Neill did when he came here," said Bellamy.

"I understood Lucas's position. If he'd joined Liverpool, he would have been a squad player, like I was. Some people don't understand it, but the opportunity to be a senior figure at an ambitious club like West Ham is very attractive.

"I've signed a five-year contract here, and I will be here for the long term. I've moved around a bit in recent years, and now I want to settle.

"I'm 28 later this week and hopefully approaching the prime years of my career. I believe West Ham are going to see the best of me."

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES: Dagenham & Redbridge (a) 14 July; Sigma Olmutz (in Austria) 17 July; Lazio (in Austria) 22 July; Leyton Orient (a) 24 July; MK Dons (a) 25 July; Southend (a) 28 July; Norwich (a) 31 July; AS Roma (h) 4 Aug.