Jordan says no to AJ bid

Last updated : 22 December 2005 By Nik Taylor

Palace supremo Simon Jordan has turned down a £5.5m bid from West Ham for England striker Andrew Johnson.

Hammers boss Alan Pardew put in the bid to take the player in the January transfer window, but it’s been given short shrift by Jordan.

"West Ham have been on but Andy Johnson is not for sale," Jordan told the Daily Mail.

"I turned down £9m in the summer so why would I sell him for £5.5m? Money is irrelevant no matter what they offer."

AJ is tied to Palace on a five year-deal signed at the start of this season, and the Eagles chairman sees him as the lynchpin in what he hopes will be a New Year charge up the table.

"Andrew is an integral part of the team and he is staying at my football club," said Jordan. "The reality is I need him to score the goals that will get us promoted."