West Ham almost took Seaman back to London

West Ham were offered David Seaman as part exchange in the David James deal before the veteran goalkeeper injured his shoulder and subsequently retired from the game.

West Ham, who were today looking for a replacement for James who has joined Manchester City, were considering the deal before the weekend but it is understood that Seaman did not want to carry on playing.

The Upton Park club were steeling themselves for more criticism following the sale of James but chairman Terry Brown and his directors believe the deal made sound financial sense.

Although the fee has not been disclosed it is thought to be around ?1.3million for James, who will be 34 in August. He was also on a substantial salary for a First Division club at ?1.7m-a-year and was liable to walk away for nothing when his contract expired at the end of next season.

James, to his credit, said at the end of last season, when West Ham were relegated, that he felt partly responsible for the club's demise and that he wanted to stay and help win a quick return to the Premiership.

He knew he was putting his international future in jeopardy by staying at Upton Park but England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson promised him that he would still be considered.

James stayed while other high profile players departed but he knew he could not remain languishing in the First Division indefinitely, especially with Euro 2004 approaching.

The deal with Manchester City would appear to suit all parties. City land a player who remains England's No1 goalkeeper, James has an opportunity to return to the Premiership and West Ham, whose promotion hopes are fading, have the chance to realise some money with which manager Alan Pardew can strengthen his squad.

Pardew said on Saturday, following his team's 2-1 home defeat by Preston, that he intended to make "significant changes" and James's departure is the first of those. Jermain Defoe could be another before the end of the month, although Pardew wants to keep the young striker, at least until the end of the season.

"I wasn't prepared to sit on my hands and do nothing," Pardew said today. "I was determined to be pro-active about things and, although David is a top keeper, I had to free up some money so that we could bring in more players."

Apart from a goalkeeper, Pardew's other top priorities include a left-back and a central defender.

James will be at Leicester tonight to watch his new teammates in an FA Cup third round replay. The winners will be at home to Tottenham.

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