Blues boss backs Wright-Phillips

West Ham want to sign the 25-year-old, who scored his first goal for the club in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Levski Sofia.

"I want him to stay. We know the squad is good in quality but short on numbers," said Mourinho.

"We cannot lose players. We have 19 outfield players for the four competitions we are still involved in - we need every player."

He added: "If the answers from him are positive ones then that is good for me, the team and for the boy. His future does not depend on a goal he scored."

New West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has publicly stated he will discuss the possibility of signing Wright-Phillips with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon as the January transfer window looms.

The England international, who moved to Stamford Bridge for £21m in July 2005, could be sold for £10m.

But Wright-Phillips does not appear ready to leave after stating he is keen to continue to prove his worth and become more of a first-team regular for the Premiership champions.

He said: "I don't want to leave - so why should I want to go anywhere?"

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