West Ham United have confirmed that Craig Bellamy has agreed personal terms on a £7.5million move from Liverpool.
The Welsh striker - who cost Liverpool £6million when they took him from Blackburn just over a year ago - had been pursued by a number of Premier League clubs, but opted for United's purportedly lucrative offer.The Welsh international captain successfully passed a medical yesterday after agreeing terms, which followed weeks of negotiations between the two parties.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez - prematurely, as it transpired - had announced earlier in the day that Bellamy was indeed on his way to West Ham United.
Confirming the news tonight, United's statement read:
"Following comments attributed to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez today, West Ham United would like to make it clear that Craig Bellamy has not yet completed a move to Upton Park.
"After a fee of £7.5million was agreed between the two clubs, we can confirm that the Welsh international captain has successfully passed a medical and agreed personal terms.
"However, the deal has been delayed due to a private contractual issue between Craig Bellamy and Liverpool, which must be resolved before any transfer can be completed.
The player is due to meet with Liverpool on Monday morning, and we expect to complete the transfer soon after."
Bellamy - whilst an undoubtedly talented player - brings heavy luggage with him given his past disciplinary problems; the most notorious incident being when he attacked team-mate John Arne Risse with a golf club whilst at a training camp in Portugal.
Alan Curbishley will need to keep a tight reign on the 27-year-old striker - but there is no doubt that if he manages to do so, the club will have landed a very capable player and made yet another very astute signing.
Craig Bellamy - fact file
Born: 13th July 1979 (Cardiff)
International caps: 33
International goals: 9
Previous clubs: Norwich (1996-2000); Coventry (£6.5m, 2000-2001); Newcastle (£6m, 2001-2005); Celtic (loan, 2005-2005); Blackburn (£5m, 2005-2006); Liverpool (£6m, 2006-)
Career games: 277 league (93 goals); 12 FA Cup (5 goals); 20 league cup (9 goals); 38 Europe/other (13 goals)
Average goals per game: 0.38
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