Tuesday, January 25

Daily WHUFC News - II 25th January 2011

Avram on Tuesday
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant has spoken to the press ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg
25.01.2011

Avram Grant has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Birmingham City. The West Ham United manager discussed how much he is looking forward to the game and trying to steer the Hammers to Wembley for the first time in 30 years, as well as the club's perfect record in knockout competitions this term. Grant also spoke warmly about new signing Gary O'Neil and other possible transfer targets, as well as the potential move to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Avram on the Carling Cup semi-final second leg…

Except for Obinna and Piquionne, who are suspended, we will have a meeting after training and see who is available and who is not. We are in a semi-final, so whoever plays, our target is very clear. I think it is most important what it means to the club to be in Wembley again after such a long time. It is good for us and good for the players' confidence. Mo st importantly, it is good for the supporters to be there. If I may say, we deserve it because our way to this game was very good. The first game [against Oxford United] we won in the last minute and in the second we won away at Sunderland and played very good. Then, against Stoke we showed a lot of character and the game against Manchester United is the only game that they lost and we played brilliant.
If there is such a thing as deserve then we deserve it, but I know that nobody will give us presents. I know it is very important both to us and to Birmingham.

Avram on West Ham United's perfect cup record this season…

It is a good record [six wins out of six] and we've played some good football too. All the games were high-quality games and we scored a lot of goals and won. We want to continue with this and get to the final. By the football side, I cannot say there is a big difference [between the way we have played in the cups and the Barclays Premier League]. I don't know why but we have been more efficient in the cups. If you saw our last game against Everton we deserved to be 3-0 up at half-time. In the cup, we have used our chances better. I think that was the difference. I also think the players are more relaxed in this competition.

Avram on the atmosphere at St Andrews…

At the end of the day it's a game on the pitch. Our supporters helped us in the first leg because we were with ten players and they supported us, but we are used to playing away games. Avram on Frederic Piquionne being suspended for being sent-off at Everton after receiving a second yellow card for excessive celebation… I am very upset about this because I don't understand the logic of this rule. I am trying to understand it but unfortunately I don't. The most happy moment for any player is when he scores a goal - even more if you score a few minutes before the end. You go and celebrate with the supporters and the supporters are the team, not just any person. If you ask me, I would encourage you to celebrate with the supporters before any other people but this is the rule. I respect any rules, but I think they need to be a little bit more logical. I don't like it, but what can I do?

Avram on signing Gary O'Neil…

Valon Behrami needed to leave for other reasons so Gary O'Neil has come instead of him. He's a good player, experienced and played in the Premier League. He is very energetic and I'm sure he can be a good player for us. When you have January, you want to sign players on 1 January but we couldn't do it before and also other deals. Now it is the last week of the window, so it is not specially for the semi-final, even though I am happy that he can help us tomorrow. He is a player that I always thought about, but we had players in this position like Valon Behrami. When we knew that Behrami couldn't play, Gary was the best option and he will be good for us.

Avram on Demba Ba…

First, I liked his comments because I like it very much when players want to come and join our club. I think he is doing the right thing. We are a good club and he can help us. It's almost done, so I want to speak about him when everything is done. I will tell you what he can bring when everything is done. It's just paperwork. He is a player who has played 21 games this season and he could not have played if he had a medical problem.

Avram on Valon Behrami…

The deal is nearly done. I think he will join Fiorentina if everything is done. It is just formalities and, of course, money!

Avram on other possible targets…

I don't want to speak about other deals. We have many names linked to us and most of them are not true. We have one or two more targets that we want to do and we will talk about them when we do the deals. There is no use speaking about this now because then you will start to ask me about thousands of names.

I feel that we need to do it and I want to do it because it will be good for us, but I never have 100 per cent confidence that a deal will be done in football!
We started this a long time ago - not in January. We have a very good scouting system and good people there. All my staff are involved in this. If we think about any player, we watch him and see if he can be good for us and then we look at the financial issues and see if we can bring him in or not. I am not involved in the financial situation - only about the budget. It will be around two more players!

Avram on the Olympic Stadium…

I don't know so much about the situation. I just know that the stadium is in our area and that the people in our area deserve the stadium and it belongs to them. I don't see any other possibility in this situation because the situation is very clear and we are just waiting to see what will happen. I think it would be good. I'm not so involved about this but I always think a decision like this is better sooner rather than later because then there are other influences and other things. I think they know all the information now and can take the decision but I don't know what's happened there.

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West Ham sign Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have completed the signing of midfielder Gary O'Neil from Championship side Middlesbrough. The 27-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the ex-Portsmouth star. O'Neil, who joined the Teessiders from Portsmouth for £5m in 2007, will boost West Ham's battle against relegation. He will be available to play in the Carling Cup semi-final, second leg against Birmingham on Wednesday. O'Neil follows David Wheater out of the Riverside, with the defender joining Bolton last week. Middlesbrough, who are just above the Championship relegation zone, have been forced to sell players following their failure to return to the Premier League after being relegated in 2009. O'Neil could team up with Demba Ba at Upton Park after the Hoffenheim striker claimed he was joining the Londoners on loan until the end of the season.

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O'Neil jets in
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th January 2011
By: Staff Writer

Gary O'Neil has completed his move from Middlesbrough to West Ham United. The 27-year-old midfielder has joined the Hammers in a permanent move, the cost of which is thought to be around £1.5million. Talking on whufc.com after his move was confirmed this morning, the London-born former Portsmouth player said: "I am really pleased to sign; it all happened very quickly. I played at the weekend and didn't know anything was going to happen. There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn't cup-tied. "It is nice to be back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants to do. I am London born so it is good to come home. It is always a bit nerve-wracking going to a new club but I should settle in quickly. "I did my schoolboy stuff here for a couple of years when I was 13-14 and trained on a Tuesday and Thursday under Tony [Carr's] staff. It helped me a lot in my career before I went to Portsmouth."

As well as Tony Carr, O'Neil is familiar with a number of West Ham's current staff, some of whom he worked alongside at Portsmouth - the club who sold him to Middlesbrough for £5million in 2007. "I know Avram, Grovesy and Colesy," he continued. "It is a great side with top players but they just suffered from a tough start. I know we have enough quality to get out of it. I have been in a couple of relegation battles, including at Portsmouth, so hopefully that experience will help."

As we revealed exclusively here on KUMB yesterday, O'Neil is set to make his debut in the Carling Cup semi final at Birmingham tomorrow night.

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Duo set for Birmingham debut
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th January 2011
By: Staff Writer

Demba Ba and Gary O'Neil could make their West Ham debuts in Wednesday night's Carling Cup semi final, second leg clash with Birmingham. West Ham are hoping to push both signings through - Ba on loan, O'Neil on a permanent deal - in time to beat the registration deadline for Wednesday night's tie, into which the Hammers take a slender 2-1 lead.

Ba confirmed on his personal website earlier today that he had agreed to join West Ham on loan from Hoffenheim until the end of the season, whilst O'Neil is on his way to London after his current club, struggling Championship side Middlesbrough, agreed to part company with a player who cost them £5million three years ago.

Both players are eligible to feature for the Hammers against Birmingham as neither have played in a previous round of the ompetition. Although Middlesbrough played in two rounds of the Carling Cup this year - a 2-1 win at Chesterfield and a 2-1 defeat at Millwall in the following round - O'Neil featured in neither.

The former English under-21 captain is however ineligible for the FA Cup, having played in Middlesbrough's 2-1 shock third round defeat at Burton Albion.

The arrival of two attacking players will prove a huge boost to Avram Grant, who is without Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna (both suspended) for Wednesday night's game. With Carlton Cole also a serious doubt, Grant currently has only youngsters Zavon Hines, Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines at his disposal as attacking options.

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More legal wrangles threaten OS move
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th January 2011
By: Staff Writer

Yesterday it was Tessa Sanderson; today it's Leyton Orient supremo Barry Hearn who is threatening to destroy the Olympic Stadium bidding process.
Hearn, whose club are currently languishing in the lower half of League One has hit out at the process which he claims could signal the end of his 130-year-old club, whilst threatening to lobby for a judicial review. "We're only 750 yards from the edge of the Olympic Park, while West Ham are four miles away and Tottenham seven miles round the North Circular - yet nobody has bothered to ask little old Leyton Orient for their views," he said. "Never mind that we're the second oldest Football League club in London, with a mere 130 years of history - we've become the lost tribe of East London, the elephant in the room nobody dares to mention. "But we're not going to go away quietly. Leyton Orient may live in the shadow of two Premier League giants, but we've a right to be heard, especially when those giants could kill us off. "I can't believe the legacy of London's 2012 Olympic bid was supposed to include one of the country's oldest clubs being railroaded out of existence. We may be a little club, but we're flag-bearers for our community, proud of our reputation as London's second favourite club and deserve to be heard. "Nobody has come forward and said, 'This is how we are going to help Leyton Orient' once the Olympic circus has packed up its big top and the show has left town."

Just last week Hearn - who recently backed the Tottenham bid, having ruled out a move for Orient due to the post-games presence of the running track - called for the stadium to be demolished after the 2012 games. "The only way forward for this stadium is to knock it down, take away the athletics track and build a proper stadium," he said. " They've messed up big time; there's no room for an athletics track in this stadium, there is no demand for an athletics track with a 60,000 seater stadium, it's a total white elephant."

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O'Neil seals Hammers switch
Boro midfielder on the move
By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey Last updated: 25th January 2011
SSN

West Ham United have completed the signing of Middlesbrough's Gary O'Neil for an undisclosed fee. Boro agreed terms with The Hammers on Monday, and he has wasted little time in passing a medical and finalising his move. O'Neil has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Upton Park, and could be in line to make his debut in their Carling Cup semi-final second-leg at Birmingham City on Wednesday as he is not cup-tied. The fee is undisclosed, although it is understood to be up to £1.2million for the 27-year-old.

Pleased

"I am really pleased to sign. It all happened very quickly. I played for Middlesbrough at the weekend and didn't know anything was going to happen. It has all gathered pace since then," O'Neil told West Ham's official website. "There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn't cup-tied. "I enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, the fans and staff were really good but it has been a difficult time on the pitch. It is nice to be back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants to do. I am London born so it is good to come home. "It is great that the club have such a massive game to look forward to. I haven't trained yet with the team so it is up to the manager of course if he wants to use me. "I will take it one step at a time but it is a big game and it could be a case of straight in at the deep end if involved. "I've watched the team a lot this season. I know Avram, Grovesy and Colesy from Portsmouth. It is a great side with top players but they just suffered from a tough start. I know we have enough quality to get out of it. I have been in a couple of relegation battles, including at Portsmouth, so hopefully that experience will help. "It is always a bit nerve-wracking going to a new club but I should settle in quickly. I did my schoolboy stuff here for a couple of years when I was 13-14 and trained on a Tuesday and Thursday under Tony's staff. It was quite good and it helped me a lot in my career before I went to Portsmouth."

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Viola set to seal Behrami deal
Hammers midfielder flies to Italy to complete signing
Last updated: 25th January 2011
SSN

Fiorentina are set to complete the signing of midfielder Valon Behrami from West Ham. The Italian side have reportedly agreed to pay the Hammers around €5million (£4.3m) for the Switzerland international, who has flown to Italy with a view to signing with the Serie A club until 2014. The 25-year-old midfielder expressed his desire to leave West Ham this month and the Premier League strugglers were willing to let him go as they need to offload players given the 25-man squad rule. Fiorentina made an approach to sign Behrami before negotiations stalled, but the two parties reopened talks and are set to tie up a deal.
Behrami initially moved to Italy to join Genoa in 2003 and spent a season on loan at Verona before being signed by Lazio in 2005. West Ham made a £5million swoop for Behrami in 2008 on a five-year contract and the wide-man went on to score four goals in 54 Premier League starts for the Hammers.
The potential arrival of Behrami could see former Italy midfielder Cristiano Zanetti complete a move from Fiorentina to Brescia.

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Victorino to snub England
Uruguayan heading for Brazil
By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey Last updated: 25th January 2011
SSN

Uruguayan star Mauricio Victorino is ready to shun Premier League interest and move to Brazil. The Universidad de Chile stopper was recently the subject of a loan bid from Blackpool. Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham also showed an interest, but the central defender now looks bound for Brazil. Victorino admits the lure of a long-term deal has been the main factor and he has agreed a four-year deal with Cruzeiro. "For my part the decision is made," he told La Nacion. "I have to think with my head and it is going to be a four-year contract."

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Hammers swoop for O'Neill
The Sun
Published: Today

WEST HAM have completed the £1.5million signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil. The former Portsmouth star has penned a 2½-year contract with the Hammers. He said: "I am really pleased. It all happened very quickly. "It is nice to be back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants to do. "I am London-born so it is good to come home."

O'Neil could make his West Ham debut against Birmingham in the Carling Cup semi-final on Thursday. He added: "It is great that the club have such a massive game to look forward to. "I haven't trained yet with the team so it is up to the manager of course if he wants to use me. "I will take it one step at a time but it is a big game and it could be a case of straight in at the deep end if involved. "I've watched the team a lot this season. I know Avram, Grovesy and Colesy from Portsmouth."

West Ham sit bottom of the Premier League but O'Neil is confident they can escape relegation. He said: "It is a great side with top players but they just suffered from a tough start. I know we have enough quality to get out of it. "I have been in a couple of relegation battles, including at Portsmouth, so hopefully that experience will help."

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Hammers eager to add Diouf to double coup
Published 23:00 24/01/11 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

West Ham want to rush through a move for Blackburn Rovers bad boy El Hadji Diouf. The Senegalese star could be off to the Hammers in the next 24 hours – even in time for the Carling Cup semi – if a deal is struck at all ends. Diouf thought he could leave Rovers for nothing despite having 18 months left on his contract. He was an unused sub in their win over West Brom on Sunday. However Blackburn want a fee for Diouf, especially as boss Steve Kean is running into problems recruiting players for his thin squad. Kean may let Diouf leave sooner if he can land ­Sebastian Larsson from Birmingham now rather than wait to take him in the summer on a free transfer. The Rovers chief said: "We have put in an offer for Larsson, but now we are told he is not available."

Kean is set to snap up young Brazilian striker Roniele Gomes dos Santos from Sao Paolo, with the 19-year-old due to arrive at Ewood Park in the next few days. Hammers boss Avram Grant has also added Middlesbrough right winger Gary O'Neil to his squad for a bargain £1.5million. O'Neil was made available by hard-up Boro, who are trying to raise cash and lighten the load of their massive payroll. And to complete a busy day at Upton Park, the Hammers also tied up the loan signing of Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba.

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West Ham sign O'Neil, Ba snag
January 25, 2011
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By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN

West Ham's high profile signing of £7 million-rated striker Demba Ba from Hoffenheim has hit a snag after he failed two medicals - but Gary O'Neil has now completed his move from Middlesbrough. A row over Ba's insurance is holding up the deal, ESPNsoccernet can reveal, and it might prove to be a stumbling block for the transfer to go through. It is thought that no player has ever come to English football having failed two medicals, but the Hammers, bottom of the league, need to take a calculated risk to help boost their survival hopes.

The problem could leave the Hammers looking at alternative strikers with only days left before the window closes. A renewed bid for Tottenham's Robbie Keane and also a move for Stoke City striker Tuncay Sanli may be fast-tracked. Ba also failed a medical at Stoke and as a consequence his transfer fell through, and although Stoke wanted a loan deal the player travelled to Upton Park to agree terms.

Ba's fitness concerns also showed up when he had his tests with the Hammers, but the club considered it worth the "gamble" to take him on loan. Now the transfer is subject to a satisfactory agreement between the two clubs on his insurance policy and who covers the costs. Hoffenheim also want a £500,000 loan fee for the forward. An insider told ESPNsoccernet: "Ba has failed the medical, which means any club signing him is gambling. "The problem is that his club [Hoffenheim] want West Ham to insure him against permanent retirement, and no company will insure his bad knee for that."

Meanwhile, O'Neil's £1.5 million move from Middlesborough has gone through and he will make his debut in the Carling Cup semi-final at Birmingham on Wednesday night after the club gained clarification from the Football league that he is eligible.

O'Neil spent two years with West Ham as a youngster and admits it feels he has "come home''.

He told West Ham's official website: "I'm really pleased to sign. It all happened very quickly. I played for Middlesbrough at the weekend and didn't know anything was going to happen. It has all gathered pace since then.

"There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn't cup-tied. I enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, the fans and staff were really good but it has been a difficult time on the pitch.

"It is nice to be back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants to do. I am London born so it is good to come home. It is great that the club have such a massive game to look forward to.

"I haven't trained yet with the team so it is up to the manager of course if he wants to use me. I will take it one step at a time but it is a big game and it could be a case of straight in at the deep end if involved.''

O'Neil's arrival follows that of Wayne Bridge, who joined on loan from Manchester City earlier this month.

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Transfer Updates
Posted by Billy Blagg 1 hour, 59 minutes ago
ESPN

With a bit of movement in the transfer window involving West Ham, I thought I'd keep an update blog running as we watch the Hammers once more plot a Great Escape (TM Patent Pending). Rumours that Steve McQueen was seen parking his bike in the car park at the Boleyn, can almost certainly be discounted.

Gary O'Neill

From the official website, comes the news that the club have announced the signing of midfielder Gary O'Neil. The 27-year-old arrives on a two-and-a-half year contract from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee. The players describes his move as "coming home", having been brought up in London and having spent two years learning his trade with Tony Carr and his staff in the Hammers Academy in his early teens .

O'Neil is also well known to Avram Grant and coaches Paul Groves and David Coles from his time at Portsmouth and also played alongside Scott Parker and Carlton Cole in his England Under-21 days. After a late-night medical and signing his paperwork on Tuesday morning, the player will be eligible for Wednesday night's Carling Cup semi-final return at Birmingham City.

He said: "I am really pleased to sign. It all happened very quickly. I played for Middlesbrough at the weekend and didn't know anything was going to happen. It has all gathered pace since then. There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn't cup-tied."

I hate to get everyone paranoid but are we sure he's not cup-tied? I mean, don't forget....

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Sexual assault case against West Ham defender Manuel da Costa begins in London
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:12 PM on 25th January 2011
Daily Mail

West Ham defender Manuel da Costa arrived at court today for the start of his trial over sexual assault allegations. Da Costa was charged following an alleged incident in an east London nightclub. He appeared at Redbridge Magistrates' Court charged with sexual assault and common assault on a woman.
The 24-year-old, of Wards Wharf Approach, Newham, east London, was arrested in October and bailed by police pending further inquiries. Scotland Yard said allegations had been made by a woman in her early 20s at an east London police station in the early hours of October 17. The alleged incident had happened shortly before.

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O'Neil confident of survival
Midfielder relishing Hammers switch
Last updated: 25th January 2011
SSN

West Ham new boy Gary O'Neil is confident they are good enough to avoid relegation from the Premier League. O'Neil has joined West Ham on a two-and-a-half-year deal after leaving Middlesbrough to become the Hammers' third signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Wayne Bridge and Demba Ba. Former Portsmouth man O'Neil admits West Ham face a battle to stay up with the club currently bottom of the table, but he remains optimistic they can climb clear of trouble. "I think that is one of the first things you think of when you think you are coming here and I do think they have a good chance of staying in the Premier League, definitely," O'Neil told Sky Sports News. "They have got a fantastic squad and if you put teams down on paper they shouldn't be anywhere near where they are in the league. "We have got a lot of work to do in the next four months, but I am desperate to try and help repay the manager and staff for showing faith in bringing me in and hopefully we can climb the table."

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Cole returns to ease West Ham striker crisis
Published 15:39 25/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

Gary O'Neil will go straight into the West Ham squad for tomorrow's Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Birmingham after completing his move from Middlesbrough. Manager Avram Grant is without suspended strikers Victor Obinna and Frederic Piquionne, and West Ham were unable to complete the loan signing of Demba Ba from Hoffenheim in time. But Carlton Cole is expected to be fit to start up front after missing the draw at Everton. On-loan Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge is also available because he is not cup tied.

Team (from): Green, Boffin, Faubert, Jacobsen, Bridge, Tomkins, Reid, Gabbidon, Upson, Spector, Hines, Parker, Noble, Kovac, O'Neil, Boa Morte, Cole, McCarthy, Sears, Nouble.

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Agent: Hamburg can forget about keeping Van Nistelrooy
TalkSport
By Ian Cruise
Tuesday, January 25

Ruud van Nistelrooy will quit Hamburg this summer – and that could spark a Premier League bidding war. Real Madrid wanted to take the Dutchman back to the Bernabeu in the January transfer window, but the Bundesliga club refused to allow him to leave. The Spanish giants offered €2million for the Dutchman, plus the offer of a friendly between the two clubs, and the decision to reject the bid has angered the former Manchester United star and he now looks certain to leave Germany in the summer. His agent Rodger Linse insisted in a German newspaper interview: "You can rule out a contract extension with Hamburg, that is no longer an option. "We can't understand why they will not let him rejoin Real Madrid. It's very, very painful." Van Nistelrooy's insistence on leaving could lead to a return to England, with West Ham, Newcastle, Blackburn and Birmingham all likely to be keen to talk to him.

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BIRMINGHAM v West Ham: Ineligible Bentley ruled out of Carling Cup semi-final
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 3:13 PM on 25th January 2011
Daily Mail

Birmingham will be without on-loan winger David Bentley for Wednesday evening's Carling Cup semi-final second leg clash with West Ham at St. Andrew's.
Bentley is ineligible as he has already played in the competition for his parent club, Tottenham, this season. Sebastian Larsson is set to replace Bentley as City look to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit. Blues boss Alex McLeish has no fresh injury concerns with James McFadden (knee) and Scott Dann (hamstring) long-term casualties.

Team (from): Foster, Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Murphy, Larsson, Ferguson, Mutch, Fahey, Hleb, Derbyshire, Taylor, Jerome, Gardner, Bowyer, Zigic, Jiranek, Phillips, Parnaby, Beausejour.

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Sky suspend Andy Burton as shamed Andy Gray and Richard Keys face calls to be axed
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:39 PM on 25th January 2011
Daily Mail

Andy Burton is the latest casualty of the Sky Sports sexism scandal after the reporter was suspended for his role in the second batch of leaked footage.
The reporter now faces uncertainty over his future with the broadcasters along with Richard Keys and Andy Gray, whose positions look untenable as their own network made fresh revelations about their sexist conduct. Like Keys and Gray, who were pulled from Monday night's coverage of Chelsea win at Bolton, Burton has stood down from his broadcasting duties for Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg between Birmingham and West Ham.

SKY SPORTS STATEMENT
I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning. It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable. Those views are inexcusable, entirely inconsistent with our ethos as a business and employer, and will rightly offend many of our customers, our people, and the wider public. They are inexcusable from anyone at Sky, regardless of their role or seniority. We have dealt with this matter by taking immediate disciplinary action. As with any employee it would not be right to go into detail on those proceedings. However, they have been clearly warned about their behaviour and reminded of their responsibilities. In addition, Richard and Andy will not be involved in any way with tonight's live Monday Night Football.

Barney Francis,
Managing Director of Sky Sports


The new footage - recorded on Saturday before Wolves played Liverpool - shows Gray in conversation with Burton, who describes Massey as a 'bit of a looker' in reference to comments made by another member of the production team. Burton begins: 'He says she is all right. Now I don't know if I should trust his judgment on that. Gray replies: "Nah, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't."

A crew member then refers to her again and Gray is heard saying: 'I can see her from here. What do women know about the offside rule?'

A strongly worded statement from Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis had already shown how seriously the network were taking the initial fall-out from Gray and Key's off-air conversation, which was picked up by microphones and leaked to the Mail on Sunday. As well as making more disparaging remarks about Massey, Keys said: 'Did you hear charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism. Do me a favour, love.'

Beleaguered pair Keys and Gray were already fighting to keep their jobs following unacceptable comments about assistant referee Sian Massey and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady, which created a storm of protest even before sister channel Sky News provided more damning evidence. A Sky Sports spokesman said on Monday night: 'They have not been sacked. Sky News are entitled to broadcast what they want and we don't interfere. Their material is being treated as part of the same issue about which we have already made our position very clear.' Francis said: 'I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray. It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable. They are inexcusable from anyone at Sky, regardless of their role or seniority.'

Keys telephoned Massey yesterday to make a personal apology and she is understood to be more relaxed than anyone else caught up in the maelstrom.
The furore saw Sky having to disband their usual Isleworth-based studio operation for last night's show and a new team was sent at the last minute to Bolton, where the programme was presented by David Jones instead of Keys, while Jamie Redknapp and Eidur Gudjohnsen were brought in as pundits.
There was also heavy attention to ensure every microphone feed around the ground was monitored as Sky also did for the coverage of Blackburn v West Bromwich on Sunday.

The decision to take disciplinary action against Sky's leading football figures was discussed between Francis and the station's chief executive Jeremy Darroch. And the hugely negative publicity for the network will not impress overlord Rupert Murdoch, who is in London in the wake of the phone-tapping scandal enveloping his News of the World newspaper.

Gray is one of those suing over the alleged phone-tapping. Gray and Keys would not be due to appear on air again until Tuesday week at the earliest, when West Bromwich face Wigan. Massey will be back in action on Tuesday night, running the line in the League Two match between Crewe and Bradford. The widespread furore against the self-styled kings of Sky Sports football shows no sign of abating. Lord Ouseley, chair of football's equality and inclusion campaign Kick It Out, said: 'This indicates a lack of understanding by individuals who are at the forefront of sports broadcasting, who are revered and respected by many and hints at wider issues about sexism in society.'

Brady said the comments 'made her blood boil'. She added: 'What really upsets me is the fact only females in our industry are judged by their gender. And that is categorically wrong. 'I'm genuinely disappointed. It never would have occurred to me that they had those views, whether public or private. 'It almost makes it worse that they're speaking off air, because they would never have had the brass neck to say it publicly. I have heard it and I don't believe it is just banter.'

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish opened his press conference yesterday by asking the Sky Sports representative if he objected to the presence of a female journalist.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - New Signing

Hammers sign O'Neil
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of versatile midfielder Gary
O'Neil on a permanent contract
24.01.2011

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Gary
O'Neil. The 27-year-old arrives on a two-and-a-half year contract from
npower Championship side Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee. The
midfielder described his move as "coming home", having been brought up in
London and spent two years learning his trade in the Hammers Academy in his
early teens, working with Tony Carr and his staff. O'Neil was also well
known to Avram Grant and coaches Paul Groves and David Coles from his time
at Portsmouth and also played alongside Scott Parker and Carlton Cole in his
England Under-21 days. After a late-night medical and signing his paperwork
on Tuesday morning, he will be eligible for Wednesday night's Carling Cup
semi-final return at Birmingham City. He said: "I am really pleased to sign.
It all happened very quickly. I played for Middlesbrough at the weekend and
didn't know anything was going to happen. It has all gathered pace since
then. There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn't
cup-tied. "I enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, the fans and staff were
really good but it has been difficult time on the pitch. It is nice to be
back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants
to do. I am London born so it is good to come home. "It is great that the
club have such a massive game to look forward to. I haven't trained yet with
the team so it is up to the manager of course if he wants to use me. I will
take it one step at a time but it is a big game and it could be a case of
straight in at the deep end if involved. "I've watched the team a lot this
season. I know Avram, Grovesy and Colesy from Portsmouth. It is a great side
with top players but they just suffered from a tough start. I know we have
enough quality to get out of it. I have been in a couple of relegation
battles, including at Portsmouth, so hopefully that experience will help.
"It is always a bit nerve-wracking going to a new club but i should settle
in quickly. I did my schoolboy stuff here for a couple of years when I was
13-14 and trained on a Tuesday and Thursday under Tony's staff. It was quite
good and it helped me a lot in my career before I went to Portsmouth."

O'Neill, a versatile and whole-hearted performer capable of playing in the
centre of midfield or on either flank, represents the club's second capture
of the January transfer window following the arrival of Wayne Bridge. The
former Portsmouth trainee has made more than 300 senior appearances in all
competitions, having originally made his Pompey debut at the age of 16 in
January 2000. The 2006 Portsmouth Player of the Year played 192 times in
seven seasons for the south coast club, scoring 17 goals, before signing for
Middlesbrough in a reported £5m deal in August 2007. During his time at
Fratton Park, O'Neil captained the side during their memorable escape from
relegation from the Premier League in 2005/06. O'Neil continued to impress
at the Riverside Stadium, scoring nine goals in 120 appearances over the
past three-and-a-half seasons. At international level, the married
father-of-one was capped by England at every level up to U21, captaining
England at the 2003 FIFA U20 World Youth Championship and making nine
appearances for the U21s. O'Neil will further bolster a Hammers midfield
that contains Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Jonathan Spector, Luis Boa Morte and
is soon to be boosted by the return of Germany international Thomas
Hitzlsperger, who is now training fully with the club's reserve squad.

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O'Neil seals Hammers switch
Boro midfielder on the move
By Graeme Bailey - Follow me on Twitter @graemebailey Last updated: 25th
January 2011
SSN

West Ham United have completed the signing of Middlesbrough's Gary O'Neil
for an undisclosed fee. Boro agreed terms with The Hammers on Monday, and he
has wasted little time in passing a medical and finalising his move. O'Neil
has penned a two-and-a-half year deal at Upton Park, and could be in line to
make his debut in their Carling Cup semi-final second-leg at Birmingham City
on Wednesday as he is not cup-tied. The fee is undisclosed, although it is
understood to be up to £1.2million.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 25th January 2011

Cup decider excites Julien
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert admitted to being disappointed with collecting just a point from Everton on Saturday
24.01.2011

Julien Faubert is flying again and looking forward to Wednesday evening's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Birmingham City. West Ham go to St Andrew's holding a 2-1 advantage and the No20 is desperate to help the club return to Wembley after a 30-year absence. He believed attack would definitely be the best form of defence, stressing the need to take the game to the hosts. "It is a nice semi-final and we have the chance to go to Wembley," he said. "It will be a hard game away in Birmingham, but I think we can go there and do something. "If we go there to play football and try to score, I think we have a chance. If we try to defend, we can concede a goal, so I think we have to go there and work hard and then we'll have every chance to win and go through."

Faubert should keep his place at right-back, having more than impressed in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Everton. He admitted West Ham United had dropped two Barclays Premier League points by conceding a late equaliser at Everton on Saturday. "We're a little bit disappointed because I thought we controlled the game. We scored twice and we had to win but we conceded a goal in the last minute. We had to win, but we didn't do it. It's a nice point away, but I think we should have taken the three points. "We controlled the game and after one goal, I think we could have scored twice more and killed the game. We didn't do it and that's why we have drawn. It's a nice point and a nice game for us because we played good football, but to concede in the last minute is a bit hard to take."

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Birmingham v West Ham (agg 1 - 2)
BBC.co.uk
Carling Cup semi-final, second leg
Venue: St Andrew's Date: Wednesday, 26 January Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on The League Cup Show; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC
Sport website

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham's on-loan midfielder David Bentley is cup-tied having played for Tottenham in an earlier round. Striker Cameron Jerome could start at St Andrew's after recovering from a hamstring strain.

West Ham are without midfielder Victor Obinna, who completes a three-match ban after his red card in the first leg. Frederic Piquionne is also suspended following his controversial dismissal for celebrating with fans after scoring against Everton at the weekend.

MATCH PREVIEW
Bottom of the Premier League they may be, but West Ham are a different proposition in cup competitions this season. Their 2-1 win over Birmingham in the first leg at Upton Park was their sixth straight victory in cup competitions - two more than they have managed in the Premier League. West Ham manager Avram Grant took Portsmouth to the FA Cup final last season. If he books another Wembley trip on Wednesday it will provide welcome relief from the intense media speculation about his future. Alex McLeish's Birmingham stand in their way. Like the Hammers, they are struggling in the Premier League and Saturday's 5-0 drubbing by Manchester United left them only one place and one point above the relegation zone. Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, they must put their league form behind them and conjure up a win at St Andrews, something they have not managed since their quarter-final victory over Aston Villa on 1 December.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is the 91st competitive meeting of these clubs. Birmingham lead by 38 wins to 31, with 20 draws.
• West Ham have lost only one of their last nine games against Birmingham, winning five of those matches.

Birmingham
• Birmingham's 1963 League Cup triumph is the only major trophy in the club's history.
• The closest they have come to winning more silverware ended in disappointment when a Liverpool side managed by Gerard Houllier beat them on penalties in 2001.
• They are playing in the semi-finals for the fifth time, and their first in 10 years since finishing runners-up in 2001.
• Their two semi-final losses were in 1967 and 1996. Their overall semi-final record is W2, D1, L6.

West Ham
• The 1966 and 1981 runners-up are making an eighth appearance in the semi-finals, and their first since 1989/90.
• They have lost five of their previous seven semi-final ties.
• Their overall semi-final record is P17 W7 D2 L8 (including two replays in 1972).
• The Hammers have won six out of six matches in cup competitions this season.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Birmingham
Gardner: 5 goals (1 in League Cup);
Zigic: 4 goals (2 in League Cup);
Ridgewell: 4 goals (1 in League Cup),
Jerome: 4 goals (0 in League Cup)

West Ham
Piquionne: 8 goals (1 in League Cup);
Cole: 6 goals (3 in League Cup);
Parker: 6 goals (2 in League Cup)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Howard Webb
Assistant referees: Dave Bryan & Jake Collin
Fourth official: Lee Mason

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Middlesbrough accept West Ham's offer for Gary O'Neil
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have had an undisclosed offer for midfielder Gary O'Neil accepted by Championship side Middlesbrough. The Hammers have been given permission to discuss personal terms with O'Neil, 27, who joined the Teesiders from Portsmouth for £5 million in 2007. "Boro have accepted an undisclosed bid from Premier League club West Ham for Gary O'Neil," a statement read. O'Neil will follow David Wheater out of the Riverside, after the defender joined Bolton last week. Middlesbrough, who are just above the Championship relegation zone, have been forced to sell players following their failure to return to the Premier League after being relegated in 2009. O'Neil could be set to team up with Demba Ba at Upton Park after the Hoffenheim striker claimed he was joining the Londoners until the end of the season.

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O'Neil set for West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th January 2011
By: Staff Writer

Middlesbrough winger Gary O'Neil is on his way to West Ham, according to reports. The former England under-21 captain is said to be set to sign for the Hammers, with the Championship club having accepted an offer from United. O'Neil, 27, began his pro career at Portsmouth where he made his debut as a 16-year-old. After eight years with the south coast club he moved to Middlesbrough in August 2007 in a deal worth around £5million, where he has proved a success on the right side of midfield (occasionally playing centrally). According to reports, Neil has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Hammers.
In other news, Valon Behrami is thought to be on the verge of signing for Fiorentina in a €4.5million (or £3.8m) switch.

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Duo set for Birmingham debut
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th January 2011
By: Staff Writer

Demba Ba and Gary O'Neil could make their West Ham debuts in Wednesday night's Carling Cup semi final, second leg clash with Birmingham. West Ham are hoping to push both signings through - Ba on loan, O'Neil on a permanent deal - in time to beat the registration deadline for Wednesday night's tie, into which the Hammers take a slender 2-1 lead.

Ba confirmed on his personal website earlier today that he had agreed to join West Ham on loan from Hoffenheim until the end of the season, whilst O'Neil is on his way to London after his current club, struggling Championship side Middlesbrough, agreed to part company with a player who cost them £5million three years ago.

Both players are eligible to feature for the Hammers against Birmingham as neither have played in a previous round of the ompetition. Although Middlesbrough played in two rounds of the Carling Cup this year - a 2-1 win at Chesterfield and a 2-1 defeat at Millwall in the following round - O'Neil featured in neither.

The former English under-21 captain is however ineligible for the FA Cup, having played in Middlesbrough's 2-1 shock third round defeat at Burton Albion.

The arrival of two attacking players will prove a huge boost to Avram Grant, who is without Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna (both suspended) for Wednesday night's game. With Carlton Cole also a serious doubt, Grant currently has only youngsters Zavon Hines, Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines at his disposal as attacking options.

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Olympic decision on hold
OPLC delay decision until after original Friday deadline
By James Riach Last updated: 24th January 2011
SSN

The decision on the future of the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games has been put on hold. Premier League clubs West Ham and Tottenham are both vying to move into the ground and a decision on who wins the right to play their football at the venue was due to be made on Friday. However, the Olympic Park Legacy Committee now claim that they need more time to give further consideration to both bids. An athletics legacy was one of the key promises that London 2012 made to the International Olympic Committee when it won the right to stage the Games. However, Spurs, in a joint bid with sport and entertainment giants AEG, have pledged to create an athletics legacy elsewhere and plan to knock down the stadium in Stratford and instead concentrate on investing in the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, West Ham and Newham Council want to create a 60,000-capacity venue that can be used for athletics, concerts and community use as well as football - therefore keeping a running track in place.

There is also the possibility of neither club running the ground, instead converting it into a 25,000-seater mixed-use venue. An OPLC spokesman said: "Given the detailed nature of both bids received, we need more time to seek further clarification with both bidders in order to identify a preferred bidder. "The stadium is a significant public asset and we have a duty to run a robust process.

Solution

"Securing the most appropriate solution for the stadium is vital to our long-term aspirations for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the wider regeneration of the area. "In addition to the two shortlisted bids, the Legacy Company also has the option of the original plan to convert the Olympic Stadium to a 25,000 seats, mixed-use venue. "In going to market, the Legacy Company's aim was to consider options which would enhance and build on that plan."

The OPLC have not confirmed when they now expect the decision to be made, but it will now have to wait until after Friday. Certain figures have argued that awarding Tottenham the Olympic Stadium will put in jeopardy Britain's position on the world sporting stage, as Spurs intend to completely rebuild the ground and demolish the running track. London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: "This is about our ability to be taken seriously again in the corridors of world sport.
"There is a bid that delivers against the vision that we took to Singapore and we have a moral obligation to make it work. The West Ham bid meets those commitments. I would have to vote West Ham."

However, football luminary Pele has backed Tottenham's bid with the argument that a football ground should not contain an athletics track which would serve to dampen the atmosphere.

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Hammers move for O'Neil
Midfielder agrees Hammers switch
Last updated: 24th January 2011
SSN

West Ham are closing in on the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil after agreeing an undisclosed fee for the player. O'Neil's future at Middlesbrough has been the subject of conjecture for some time with the Teessiders thought to be willing to let the former Portsmouth man leave the Riverside. Boro are prepared to offload O'Neil during this month's transfer window as they look to reduce their wage bill with the player thought to be one of the highest earners at the club. The likes of Wolves, Stoke and Blackburn have all been credited with an interest in O'Neil, but it appears West Ham are in pole position to land the 27-year-old. Middlesbrough have confirmed they have given O'Neil permission to open talks with West Ham. "Boro have accepted an undisclosed bid from Premier League club West Ham for midfielder Gary O'Neil," read a club statement. "The Hammers have been given permission to discuss personal terms with the former Portsmouth man."

West Ham have been keen to bolster their midfield options and had tried to sign Steve Sidwell earlier this month before they missed out to Fulham for the former Aston Villa man. Hammers boss Avram Grant feels they need new faces this month if they are to avoid relegation and he has sanctioned a move for O'Neil. O'Neil, who can play in central midfield or wide on the right, is believed to have agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to move to Upton Park. The former England Under 21 international could become West Ham's third signing of the transfer window following the loan arrivals of Demba Ba and Wayne Bridge.

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Hearn joins Olympic war
The Sun
By VIKKI ORVICE
Published: Today

SPURS and West Ham were left in limbo as a decision on what happens to the Olympic Stadium was delayed. And Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn is threatening to mount legal action that could put the outcome back by five years. The two Premier League clubs have waged a bitter battle over who should move into the £537million Stadium in East London after the 2012 Games. West Ham want to keep the athletics track but Spurs plan to replace it with a purpose-built football arena. A spokesman for the Olympic Park Legacy Company said: "Had we got all the information we needed and been comfortable with that we would have announced our preferred bidder on Friday. "We need more time to seek further clarification with both bidders. "The stadium is a significant public asset and we have a duty to run a robust process." Orient are the closest club to the Stadium - and Hearn fears the League One outfit will be put out of business if either of the Premier big-boys moves in. He threatened: "If someone or something upsets me I have all I need to take this to Court."

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We'll halt the stadium for 5 years
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today

LEYTON ORIENT have joined the Olympic Stadium war — and threatened to halt the entire redevelopment for FIVE YEARS. Chairman Barry Hearn says League One O's are being shoved aside while West Ham and Spurs fight over who gets the stadium after the 2012 Games. Orient is the closest club to the 80,000-seater arena, currently under construction in East London. Football League and Premier League rules state that in considering whether to allow clubs to move ground it must 'not adversely affect clubs having their grounds in the immediate vicinity'. Hearn said: "The legacy of the Olympic Games is supposed to be lasting memories of a fabulous sporting event and a stadium to be proud of to enrich the lives of the taxpayers who paid for it. "It's scary the real legacy may be putting one of London's oldest clubs out of business. I've had discussions with the Football League, the Premier League, the Government and Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. "Yet I've heard nothing about how anyone is going to help Leyton Orient survive with a huge Premier League club on its doorstep. "We're about 700 yards from the Olympic Park. If West Ham move in and start giving away discounted or cheap tickets to attract people in, we're finished. "Orient is a community-based football club, not a multi-million pound Premier League 'brand'. "After 130 years in this neck of the woods we have earned our right to remain in East London. "I have all I need to take this to court. Even if we didn't win we could delay it by oh, four or five years. And I mean it." The Olympic Park Legacy Company were expected to announce their preferred bidder on Friday. But that decision has already been put back, possibly until March.

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Hammers do the double
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today

WEST HAM have made a double swoop to boost their depleted squad ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup crunch at Birmingham. Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil is set to join Demba Ba in a race to be registered by midday today, allowing them to make immediate debuts in the semi-final, second leg.
Ex-Portsmouth wideman O'Neil had a medical last night, after a fee of around £2.5 million was agreed for a 2½-year deal. He may go straight into the side, with Victor Obinna serving the last of a three-match ban. Senegalese striker Ba, 25, on a six-month loan from Hoffenheim, has passed his medical despite worries over a knee. But his deal has yet to be rubber-stamped. West Ham, minus banned Freddie Piquionne and injured Carlton Cole, have big problems up front as they bid to defend a 2-1 lead at St Andrew's and may need to call on Ba off the bench.

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Ba claims Hammers deal is done
Published 18:30 24/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba has claimed he is joining West Ham until the end of the season. The 25-year-old said the two clubs had agreed a six-month loan deal. "I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement," Ba said on www.demba-ba.eu. "I was eager to join the club and meet my new team-mates. I'd like to thank Hoffenheim for allowing me to join that team. I thank my family and all my fans for their support." The website reported that, after signing his contract in the morning, Ba was due to train with his new team-mates in the afternoon. The Senegal international had earlier this month appeared set for a move to Stoke only for the deal to fall through because of a failed medical.

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West Ham make moves for Gary O'Neil and Tuncay Sanli after frustration with Robbie Keane transfer
By Jason Burt 11:00PM GMT 24 Jan 2011
Jason's Twitter
Telegraph.co.uk

West Ham United are set to sign winger Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough for £1.5 million and are also considering a £4.5 million move for Stoke City striker Tuncay Sanli as they grow increasingly frustrated in their attempts to acquire Robbie Keane. O'Neil, 27, will replace Valon Behrami, who is desperate to move to Fiorentina. West Ham have been holding out for more than the €2 million offered by the Italian club for the Switzerland international, who has struggled to adapt to living in England, but are now resigned to losing the midfielder. The Premier League's bottom club on Monday completed the loan signing of Demba Ba from Hoffenheim and want to add another striker or an attacking midfielder to improve their goal threat. Although West Have have not given up hope of signing Keane, they have reached an impasse in their talks with Tottenham Hotspur with the two clubs far apart in their valuations.
West Ham are willing to pay a £1 million loan fee for the remainder of the season and will cover the 30 year-old's £65,000-a-week wages. However Spurs, it is believed, are insisting that West Ham must also guarantee to pay a £6 million fee to sign Keane permanently on a three-year deal should they avoid relegation.

Understandably, West Ham are unwilling to enter into such an arrangement for the striker who is desperate to leave Spurs but whose options have been limited by the demands being made to sign him. However, West Ham would like to acquire Keane, as they attempt to bolster their squad with just a week of the transfer window to go, but do not want to commit to £7 million in fees plus more than £10.5 million in wages. They argue it should be a loan or a permanent deal.

Spurs want to move Keane on to free up room in Harry Redknapp's squad although there also remains the possibility that they could sell Roman Pavlyuchenko, with Real Madrid the latest club linked with the Russian striker. The signing of Ba on loan is a gamble for West Ham given the Senegalese striker failed a medical at Stoke last week and has had a history of injury problems. It is understood he also failed his medical at West Ham but the club have reasoned that a £500,000 loan fee is worth paying for the powerful Hoffenheim striker with a deal understood to be "99 per cent complete".
West Ham know that Tuncay is hoping to leave Stoke City this month. The Turkey international has struggled to impress Stoke manager Tony Pulis since his move from Middlesbrough and was substituted after 58 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

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Valon Behrami on verge of leaving West Ham for Fiorentina
Valon Behrami's future at West Ham will become somewhat clearer this week after he landed in Italy on Monday to undergo a medical at Fiorentina.
Metro.co.uk

West Ham's Valon Behrami will know whether his move to Fiorentina is a done deal by this week (Getty Images) Sky Italia reported that Behrami had arrived in Florence and could sign for the club as early as Tuesday. Having missed out on Massimo Maccarone, who left Palermo for Sampdoria this week, Fiorentia have upped their attempts to secure Behram's signature. The 25-year-old has expressed an interest in returning to the Serie A for some time and is keen on a move to Fiorentina. He was left frustrated last week when his deal was in put limbo, telling Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentina: 'Will I come to Florence? Good question. At the moment my arrival is far from certain,' The Switzerland international also said the move wasn't due to a bad relationship with his under-fire manager Avram Grant. Valued at £7 million, the right winger's price-tag is the only obstacle holding back his departure, with the Hammers only prepared to sell him at the right price. Upton Park's new arrival of Demba Ba on-loan from Hoffenheim offers club owners David Sullivan and David Gold a new striking option up front, and if he impresses they'll look to sign the 25-year-old Senegalese international on a permanent deal. Behrami's sale could fund Ba's acquisition after Stoke City were reported to have had secured a £6 million deal until he failed a medical.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com