Sullivan keen to keep Morrison
The West Ham board appear to be at odds with manager Sam Allardyce over the future of Ravel Morrison.
The former Manchester United youngster looked to have a bright future at Upton Park after breaking into the Hammers' first-team at the start of last season.
Morrison quickly became a fan favourite with his skilful, attacking displays in a West Ham side often accused of being negative in their approach.
But, after a slump in form and a number of niggling injuries, the 21-year-old fell out of favour and ended the season on loan at QPR - helping Harry Redknapp's side achieve promotion through the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.
With reported interest from the likes of Swansea and CSKA Moscow, Allardyce would likely listen to offers for the England Under-21 international but Hammers co-owner David Sullivan says the board are keen to keep Morrison at the club.
"Sam has said Ravel is not part of his plans .. but we do - as a board - see him as part of our plans,"
Sullivan told talkSPORT.
"I think he (Allardyce) said in a press conference, if I read it correctly, he's not part of his plans for this season.
I think he said that in New Zealand but we don't agree with that. We would like to sit down and give him a longer contract."
Discussions between manager and board will no doubt be required to iron out any difference of opinion regarding Morrison, with Sullivan aware that having the player sat on the bench on a long contract would not be beneficial.
"We do like him," Sullivan added.
"We do see him as part of the long-term future of the club but we have to agree it with the manager because there's no point signing a player he's not going to play."
Morrison was left at home as the remainder of the West Ham squad jetted off for a pre-season tour of New Zealand, with the club confirming he underwent successful groin surgery.
Having spent time at St George's Park since his operation, Morrison should be fit and ready to rejoin the first-team squad when they return from the long-haul trip but it remains to be seen if he will feature in the opening Barclays Premier League clash against Tottenham.
Bennys view ..
"This has to be a goodbye meeting for Sam Allardyce and the board ..The season hasn't yet begun and already it's coming apart at the seams for West Ham ..Carroll out for four months and now this nonsense all over again about Morrison ..The board and the fans know how good he can be, and with the right manager he could become an England player ..
..So before the season gets started, lets get this problem sorted out !!
What problem ? some might say ..The problem is Sam Allardyce
When he goes the team can get back to playing football again.. If he stays then we'll end up in another relegation battle and the same problem will be there ..
Cut your loses now Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan .. Get him away sooner rather than later"
