Curbishley backed over Ljungberg

Curbishley was only able to start Ljungberg in 22 Premier League games

West Ham have rejected reports that manager Alan Curbishley was to blame for the expensive and unsuccessful signing of Freddie Ljungberg.

The Swede, 31, left the club on Wednesday after just one year of a lucrative four-year deal.

And the club insists that former chairman Eggert Magnusson negotiated Ljungberg's transfer from Arsenal.

"The financial discussions relating to the transfer had nothing to do with Alan Curbishley," said a statement.

606: DEBATE Gutted. I know he's obviously on high wages, but he showed glimpses at the end of the season of how good he can be... IronMart

"(He) has never been involved in player transfer and contract negotiations."

A report in The Sun newspaper on Friday claimed that the Swede took £6m to end his contract, and quoted West Ham co-owner, Asgeir Fridgeirsson, saying: "It's the manager and his management team who are responsible for paying out the player's salary."

Ljungberg joined the Hammers from Arsenal in July 2007 for a fee approaching £3m.

He only started 22 of West Ham's 38 Premier League matches last season after enduring injuries that included a cracked rib.