anton ferdinand worth 50,000 a week - i think not

West Ham accuse Ferdinand of forcing their hand - Premier League, Soccer - Independent.ie

West Ham United came out fighting yesterday by accusing Anton Ferdinand of forcing his £7m sale to Sunderland by demanding more than £50,000 a week in wages.

The deal was due to be completed last night after the central defender underwent a medical and agreed personal terms,

Contract talks at Upton Park with the 23-year-old defender broke down irretrievably earlier this month, with sources at West Ham citing his excessive wage demands -- more than double his present deal -- as the primary reason for the collapse.

It was pointed out to Ferdinand that he was not a first-team regular, given his injury record and the competition at the club, and was not in a position to make such demands.

Nevertheless, West Ham had offered Ferdinand around £35,000 a week which, in itself, represented a significant hike in his present wages.

Ferdinand's arrival in the north-east is a reward for Roy Keane's protracted pursuit as he attempts to complete his ninth summer signing.

The manager said: ''I met him last week and it went well. He will be a good addition to our squad and it will keep people on their toes.''

edit>>>The over petulant Ferdinand is now equal wages with Micah richards and some notable centre backs which CAN ALSO SCORE GOALS....lets see if he lives up to his wage!