West Ham United have completed the signing of Birmingham centreback Matthew Upson for a fee of 6 million pounds. The fee for the transfer, which took place on the last day of the window, could go upto 7 and a half million pounds depending on appearances.
Upson, who has been capped 7 times for England, was bought by Arsenal from Luton and had loan spells at Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Reading before moving to Birmingham City.
He missed most of the 2006 season due to a leg injury suffered while preparing for a game against bitter rivals Aston Villa in April.
Upson was the subject of two rejected transfer bids of 4 and 6 million in January- both from West Ham. Birmingham wished to keep him in their bid to return to the top flight, but Upson was keen on a move away from St.Andrews.
Upson becomes Alan Curbishley’s 6 winter signing and joins Lucas Neill and Calum Davenport as the new arrivals in defence at Upton Park. He is no stranger to relegation battles and Curbishley will hope that his arrival will help the Hammers avoid relegation from the Premiership.
Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea were also reportedly interested in securing’s the centreback’s signature.