West Ham's Lucas Neill could join Atletico Madrid due to low tax rates
By staff writers
September 03, 2009 .
West Ham United and Socceroos defender Lucas Neill is close to joining Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid due to tax benefits, according to reports in the English press.
The Lying Rag reported that Neill will have half his earnings taxed if he remains in the Barclays Premier League, where the Hammers have offered the Australia captain £1.82 million ($3.55 million) to re-sign.
Atletico Madrid have offered £1.56m a year - £5,000 a week less - but Neill will pocket £338,000 ($659,000) more in Spain as he will only be taxed at 20 per cent.
Britain's new tax rate of 50 per cent for high earners will be implemented next April.
As previously reported by foxsports.com.au, Neill has been at the centre of ongoing speculation over where he will sign his next contract for a number of months, being linked to English clubs Sunderland, Blackburn and Hull.
Neill was also linked to a possible move to Turkish club Galatasaray where he would have linked up with fellow Socceroo Harry Kewell.
The 31-year-old ruled himself out of Australia's friendly against Korea Republic on Saturday night as he is keen to finally settle on a new playing home.