Ravel Morrison included in West Ham squad for match against Newcastle

West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald has confirmed that Ravel Morrison will be in the squad to play Newcastle, despite speculation about his future.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen revealed on Tuesday his club had made an unsuccessful bid to sign Morrison and his comments prompted a complaint from West Ham to the Premier League.

Some reports had suggested that Morrison could go on strike in a bid to force a move through, but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has still included him for Saturday's Premier League visit of the Magpies.

And McDonald played down the claims, insisting that Morrison is happy at Upton Park.

Player Profile

15. Ravel Morrison

• Appearances16 (4)
• Goals5
• Assists2
• Yellows6
• Reds0
• Current Season

"It's all media reports and whatever has been said, has been said, and I think the club and the Premier League are dealing with that. I prefer not to dwell on that," he said.

"There seems to be a story about Rav every week. The lad comes in, trains, sometimes he's had a little bit of a groin injury, but we've managed that.

"He trained yesterday with a huge big smile on his face with the rest of the squad. That's news to me."

When asked if the club want to keep Morrison, McDonald said: "Well why not? He needs to get into the team and he needs to be consistent.

"He had a great run of three or four games where he was outstanding, but he's a young kid. He's still learning the game and he goes through inconsistency to a certain extent.

"He had a great run of three or four games where he was outstanding, but he's a young kid. He's still learning the game and he goes through inconsistency to a certain extent."

Neil McDonald

"He's had a little bit of a groin injury as well, so that's stop and start. We look forward to him being in the squad on Saturday. He should be fit."

McDonald did not completely rule out a move for Morrison as he admitted: "I imagine everybody's got a price."

Morrison also appeared to deny suggestions he wants to leave by tweeting: "The lies people make up its unreal."

There has been speculation that West Ham will make a renewed bid to sign Southampton striker Rickie Lambert this month.

McDonald is hopeful the club will bring in some new players as they attempt to pull clear of the relegation zone, but refused to shed any light on a possible offer for Lambert.

"I think there is lots of speculation on players that we are trying to bring to the club," he said. "They are obviously fantastic players and of course he is and he's in good form, but it's all speculation at the minute.

Asked about a fruitful strike partnership between Lambert and Andy Carroll, he said: "It would be, we need as many good players as we can to try and push us further up the league.

"Whoever the manager decides to bring in, I'm sure it will be a good addition to the squad."