West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola insists he will not be forced to sell any of his star players in the winter transfer window.
The Hammers are struggling just above the Premier League relegation zone and reinforcements appear to be needed to lift the Upton Park club.
Reports suggest that the Italian manager will only be able to spend in January if he raises the funds by parting company with one his key men.
But the former Chelsea striker is determined to retain the services of the likes of Craig Bellamy, Matthew Upson, Valon Behrami, Robert Green, Dean Ashton and Scott Parker.
Zola has been given assurances by the club's board that players will not be sold without his approval, and admits he would be distinctly unimpressed if the situation changed.
He said: "They are very good players and I'm not surprised that big teams want them.
"As far as I am concerned they are not for sale and I don't want to sell my best players. I want to try to improve the team if I can and that's the target for the January transfer window.
"As far as I'm concerned no, they won't be going. The club have told me I won't be selling those players.
"I would be very annoyed if we did. They have to give me a very good reason if they do that.
"The club have been very good to me and I don't think they want to make this team weaker."
Zola refused to elaborate on how he would react if the club decided to sell to bring in new players, and reiterated his faith in his employers.
"We can't really talk about what could be," he continued. "In football you never know.
"I won't be pleased because I want to improve the team.
"I have faith. The club remain positive and want to keep on with this project.
"If we can't make it with this team then we might make changes. Everyone wants to make this project work. We want to strengthen the squad."
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