Lomas poised to sign for West Ham for £2m

WEST Ham have had a £2 million beat the deadline bid for Manchester City's Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas accepted. Lomas is now on the verge of leaving Maine Road after six years at the club.

City boss Frank Clark has accepted an offer of more than £2 million for the 23 year old.

"We believe it's a good opportunity for the lad and we've allowed him to speak to West Ham. In my judgement the move would be right for Steve and Manchester City.

"But it's up to Steve to make the final decision. And if it doesn't go through we will welcome him back. He's been a very good servant for this club and has been a good player for me while - I've been here.

Clark insists though that if Lomas decides to go to London it would not weaken City's chances of reaching the first division playoffs.

"We are very well covered in midfield with Kevin Horlock and Jud Brannen who are very accomplished midfield players.

"Looking at our all round quality and numbers in our squad the move would be right for Manchester City at this particular time. You have to make these decisions as to whether it's right for the football club and I believe it is. But it's up to Steve now."

West Ham boss Harry Redknapp has already spent nearly £6 million in the last month on boosting his attack, buying John Hartson from Arsenal and Paul Kitson from Newcastle.

But now he has a midfield shortage with John Moncur suspended for the next two matches, Frank Lampard sidelined for six months with a broken leg and Danny Williamson probably out for the season with an ankle injury.

Redknapp said: "We have needed a player for some time who can win the ball for us in midfield. We've spoken to Steve and he's promised to let us know today of he wants to join us."

. Mitko Stojkovski, the Spanish based defender who didn't play in the first meeting of the countries at Lansdowne Road in October, is included in Macedonia's squad of 18 for next Wednesday's match against Ireland in Skopje. Stojkovski, who plays with Oviedo, has made 20 appearances for Macedonia, only one short of the record held by goalkeeper Danco Celevski.

Also included is Vanco Micevski who plays with the Belgian club Mehelen. Miceski, who has scored four times in just seven international games, captains the team.