clinic for local youngsters gets underway today.

Boss Harry Redknapp has remained in England in a bid to clinch a crucial transfer deal leaving assistant Frank Lampard to take charge of the 60-plus footballers.

Lampard yesterday refused to be drawn on Redknapp's target, but did disclose it was not Chelsea's Mark Hughes.

The Hammers' manager has already expressed a strong interest in Hughes, who is likely to be squeezed out of the picture at Stamford Bridge by the arrival of Brian Laudrup from Rangers and Italian Pierluigi Casaraghi.

Lampard also dismissed links with Brazilian goalkeeper Claudi Taffarel, saying that Shaka Hislop, Newcastle's third choice, was on his way to Upton Park to replace Bernard Lama.

He expects to hear whether Redknapp is coming to Bermuda on Tuesday. However, another former team-mate, Bermuda soccer's technical director Clyde Best, is expected back on the Island to take part in the clinic on Wednesday. He was in Birmingham at the weekend to receive an award for his contribution in removing barriers for black footballers in England.

Meanwhile, Lampard expressed amazement at Paul Gascoigne's omission from the England squad, announced yesterday.

"I am surprised in as much as what a character he is,'' he said. "Even if he's not in the side he's able to get people going. But obviously Glenn (Hoddle) has got his own ideas about that and he's made his decision.'' However, he was delighted with the selection of his side's classy young defender Rio Ferdinand, who did enough in 45 minutes of the dour goalless draw against Belgium on Friday to earn his place.

By Friday a total of 56 children had registered for the camp to be held all this week at Berkeley Institute, starting daily at 4.15 p.m.

But organiser Alan Pailing said youngsters turning up on the day would still be accommodated.