Carrick's exit key to spending spree

Michael Carrick today returned from West Ham's pre-season tour of Sweden with his future still in the balance.

West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge was still reporting no firm interest in Carrick today but several Premiership clubs, including Charlton and Tottenham, are reported to be interested in the former England midfielder.

The Upton Park club, facing a second season outside the Premiership, would be prepared to part with Carrick at the right price but bids of less than £3 million are unlikely to be successful.

The probable sale of Carrick, who celebrates his 23rd birthday next week, remains the key to further transfer activity at West Ham.

With Teddy Sheringham having already joined the club, manager Alan Pardew is considering signing another former Spurs striker, Sergei Rebrov.

The Ukrainian, who lives in Chigwell, Essex, has been training at the club for the last few days and Pardew said: "He wants to come. He has a feel for the club and it would be wrong not to look at someone of his ability."

The chances of Rebrov joining West Ham would be enhanced if David Connolly decides to move to Sunderland or Leicester in a £500,000 deal, while another London star who could end up at Upton Park is 37-year-old central defender Martin Keown.

West Ham have declared an interest in the former Arsenal veteran but face competition from Southampton, Wol ves and Reading.

Pardew's side ended their Swedish tour with a 3-1 win over Friska Viljor last night and he said: "We are very happy that we came through the game on a difficult pitch with a good victory.

"We played well during the first half but in the second half we looked tired. We have had a tough week and people were a bit lacklustre.

"Everyone has come through injury-free on this trip so we are very pleased with that. The players haven't had a moment's peace but they have all survived it - and will be better for it."

Meanwhile, former Hammers winger Stan Lazaridis has today agreed a new two-year deal with Birmingham, keeping him at the club until 2006. The 31-year-old Australian expects to formally sign the deal, which includes the option of an extra year, when he returns to Birmingham from the club's training camp in Germany next week.

Winger Lazaridis admitted he had attracted interest from other clubs but insisted staying with Blues was always his preferred option.

"I have verbally agreed a new contract but the deal will not be completed until we get back from Germany," he said.

"Of course I am really happy to be staying with the club.

"It is showing good loyalty from both sides and the way that things are moving here, it is a club that players are wanting to be at.

"There has been interest in me from a few clubs over the summer, which is very flattering from my point of view."