SWISS star Valon Behrami is slowly recovering from the knee injury that forced him to miss the final three months of last season - but he will not be back for the start of the new campaign. The 24-year-old midfielder, who cost West Ham �5million when he s

SWISS star Valon Behrami is slowly recovering from the knee injury that forced him to miss the final three months of last season - but he will not be back for the start of the new campaign.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who cost West Ham �5million when he signed from Lazio last summer, was one of the success stories of the season, until his untimely injury against Manchester City after 27 appearances and two goals.

Behrami, like Scott Parker and striker Terry Dixon had West Ham physios visit them whilst they were abroad on holiday, as manager Gianfranco Zola attempts to get his entire squad fit as soon as possible.

However, though Parker and Dixon are hoping to figure in pre-season, Behrami is still a little way off.

He will definitely miss the start of the season, with the possibility of a return for the trips to either Blackburn at the end of August or Wigan at the beginning of September the targets for the international.

* MEANWHILE, Freddie Sears has completed his loan move to Championship outfit Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old had been expected to join Sheffield Wednesday, but the young striker preferred to stay in London, and Neil Warnock's side fitted the bill.

* WEST HAM have not been approached by a Middle East consortium with a view to investing in the club.

Rumours suggested that the Dubai-based business group were looking at the east London club, but that has been dismissed by West Ham.

* DIEGO MARADONA may be a spectator when his former club Napoli come to Upton Park for the Bobby Moore Trophy on August 8.

Tickets are now available from the club for the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season at West Ham.