Roeder: Breen is the one I wanted

West Ham boss Glenn Roeder has revealed he turned down a string of big-name foreign stars to install Gary Breen at the heart of his defence.

Republic of Ireland World Cup star Breen, out of contract at Coventry, signed for his mentor Roeder on a Bosman free transfer yesterday.

But before snapping up the centre-back, who he managed as a raw 19-year-old at Gillingham a decade ago, Roeder snubbed a host of overseas players as he was worried about the time it would take them to adapt to life in England.

‘‘The names being put to me were from all over Europe and, with some South Americans, from leagues all over the world,’’ he said.

‘‘Some of the names being thrown at me from all directions were exciting names from the biggest clubs in the world.

‘‘But I might not have known the player and it might have taken them six months to settle in, learn the language and a new style of play - and of course adapt to the culture.

‘‘With Gary, he will settle easily into the squad as he knows the division and what is required. We know what we’re getting and there will be no problems with communication.’’

Highly-rated Breen, 28, has signed for an undisclosed period - believed to be a year with an extension option.

Roeder, who coached him at Gillingham in the 1992-93 season, added: ‘‘I’d had my eye on him for a while and discussions went on for seven to 10 days.

‘‘I have brought in a player who cost Coventry more than £3m (€4.8m), and who has played 200 games in the Premiership. He knows what it is all about.’’

Breen admitted the familiarity factor was crucial to his move, saying: ‘‘The main factor was certainly Glenn.

‘‘I’ve worked with Glenn, who played in my position, before - and hope to learn even more now I have signed for West Ham.

‘‘I know he’s a good coach and a couple of the lads here speak highly of him.

‘‘Without sounding too blasé, I had a lot of fantastic offers, but I’m not going to say who was in for me.

‘‘I had a lot of offers from abroad, but I thought it was best to stay in the Premiership to consolidate my position with Ireland.’’

Breen marked his arrival in east London by insisting he wants the lure of European football when he sits down for talks about a contract extension next summer.

‘‘Finishing seventh was no mean feat. It was a fantastic achievement.

‘‘But if I thought West Ham were happy finishing seventh this season I wouldn’t be interested in playing here. I want to be challenging for Europe.’’

On a busy day at Upton Park yesterday, West Ham also insisted Manchester United have not made another enquiry about Paolo Di Canio.

Sir Alex Ferguson failed to land the mercurial Italian in March - but speculation has grown over the weekend that the Old Trafford chief could reinvest around £1.2m (€1.9m) of the £2m (€3.2m) picked up from Dwight Yorke’s transfer to Blackburn in Di Canio.

The 34-year-old striker, out of contract next summer, has been touted as the man Ferguson wants to sign before the Champions League deadline.

But Hammers spokesman Peter Stewart told PA Sport: ‘‘It’s just speculation. We’ve had no approach from Manchester United.’’

Meanwhile, Gary Charles has become the second West Ham player in quick succession to announce his retirement.

Goalkeeper Craig Forrest’s battle with testicular cancer recently forced him to hang up his boots.

And now Charles, 32, a lifelong Hammers fan, has quit after three injury-plagued years which culminated in a serious knee problem.