The knives are out for Hammers boss Alan Curbishley today, especially after such a dismal showing at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday. Ironically, the team that beat them now look like they could heap further misery on West Ham by snapping up one of their best players, albeit someone who gets injured rather a lot.

It might just be paper talk, especially as journalists like to link footballers with their former managers, but the Daily Telegraph claim that Craig Bellamy could be signing for Manchester City over the next few days. The Welsh firebrand has played under Mark Hughes for club and country, although surely Sparky would be wary of how often the former Liverpool striker gets injured?

The Upton Park board are determined to reduce the club’s wage bill, and have already paid off Freddie Ljungberg’s contract this summer. With Bellamy among West Ham’s top earners, it now appears they are open to offers for the Wales international.

City manager Mark Hughes is searching for another forward after long-term target Roque Santa Cruz decided to sign a new contract and remain at Blackburn.

Hughes worked with Bellamy during his time in charge of the Welsh national team, and is looking for a strike partner for Brazilian Jo, who moved to Eastlands this summer.

Bellamy’s departure would be another blow to West Ham manager Alan Curbishley, whose position has come under repeated speculation since chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and chief executive Scott Duxbury took charge of the club after former chairman Eggert Magnusson was relieved of his duties.

Would this be the nail in the coffin for Curbs, whose position seems to be undermined as a result of Ferdinand being offloaded behind his back? Or are the fourth estate just making mischief, having tired of writing about Dimitar Berbatov, Gareth Barry and Cristiano Ronaldo over the past few months?