Zola ready to leave West Ham

The Italian businessman and former owner of Cagliari has been linked with a take-over bid for the Hammers.

A source close to Zola told News of the World: “If Cellino’s bid is successful, Zola will go.

“There is history. When Zola left Chelsea he went back to play for his home town club Cagliari then owned by Cellino.

“Zola is a man of honour and agreed a verbal two-year deal.

“He helped win the club promotion to Serie A. As soon as that happened, Cellino felt Zola had done enough for the club and didn’t want to continue the deal.

“Zola was furious. So were the fans. It was only their outcry which saw Zola stay. Zola is a Sardinian. He has his principles. He wants to do well for West Ham. But he will not work for Cellino.”