EPL - Franco confirms West Ham departure

Striker Guillermo Franco has confirmed that he will be leaving West Ham United this summer after not being offered a new contract by the club.

Franco, 33, joined the Hammers on a free transfer from Villarreal last summer and made 23 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

But after scoring in Mexico's friendly defeat to England on Monday night, Franco has confirmed he will be leaving Upton Park.

EPL - Zola sacked

Gianfrance Zola is said to have been left "shocked" after being sacked by West Ham despite guiding the club to Premier League survival.

Zola's contract was terminated following a meeting with Hammers managing director Karren Brady on Tuesday morning, and the club will now be looking to make a quick appointment, according to co-owner David Sullivan.

Mark Hughes, Avram Grant and Slaven Bilic are the favourites to replace him in the Upton Park hotseat, while highly-rated Real Mallorca manager Gregorio Manzano is also in contention after guiding the unfancied club to the brink of Champions League qualification,and Martin Jol is also being considered.