WEST Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has rubbished rumours that Sweden international captain Freddie Ljungberg will leave Upton Park this season.

The 30-year-old has been in decent form in recent weeks, but recent reports suggested the former Arsenal star could be sold in order to lower the club's wage bill.

However, Duxbury has poo-pooed those suggestions, claiming both parties would be more than happy to see Ljungberg remain at the Boleyn Ground next season.

"Rumours that Freddie is leaving are nonsense," said Duxbury.

"Freddie with his international experience is an important player for West Ham in reaching our goal, to play in Europe.

"His pedigree stands for itself.

"He is an important part of this clubs future.

"And he has already shown how important he can be for West Ham when available.

"I mean, he's playing the Euros this summer for Sweden and is going to be one of the tournaments big stars.

"He still has his best years ahead of him."

Instead of selling Ljungberg, Duxbury suggested that fringe players - Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie among them - would instead be on their way out of the East End.

"Our squad is too big. But we only plan to sell players that are not close of getting into the team," added Duxbury.

"Freddie is very popular at West Ham.

"And I know that Freddie is very happy at the club.

"We have a very young talented team and experienced star players like Freddie, Craig Bellamy and Lucas Neill, are very important in helping those talents develop.

"They are role models."