Thursday, August 18

Daily WHUFC News - II 18th August 2011

Cole chuffed
WHUFC.com
Having struck his first goal and played his part in an impressive win,
Carlton Cole is happy
18.08.2011

Carlton Cole believes confidence is high for the npower Championship visit
of Leeds United after the "statement" made by the midweek rout of Watford.
The England striker is up and running for the season with a goal on his
first start in the 4-0 win at Vicarage Road. Hopeful of keeping his place
for the Leeds match on Sunday afternoon, he praised the collective efforts
of the side last time out despite being singled out for special mention by
his manager once again. "It was a fantastic performance by my team-mates,"
he said. "The manager is very chuffed by the way we play, the style of
football we played. We weathered the storm in the hard parts of the game and
came out on top. We are really happy."

Cole's contribution was a telling one at both ends of the pitch, but he gave
plenty of credit to Herita Ilunga for the surging run that led to his
strike. ""I am pleased to get off the mark. It was really nice to have a
nice tap-in a few more of those wouldn't go amiss for me. "I would love to
big up Herita. I thought he had a fantastic game and for him to be up and in
around the box at that stage of the game is amazing for a left-back. He did
really well. He didn't have to pull it back for me but he did it nicely."

Cole's defensive duties saw him head away the danger several times when
Watford had set-pieces in and around the Hammers area, and he revealed the
importance of rearguard strength. "It helps breed confidence. It is two
clean sheets in a row, I can't remember the last time we had that it. "It is
brilliant. It bodes well for the goalkeeper, the defence, the whole team
really. The manager wanted this. We had to make a statement and I think it
really bodes well for the team. The fans need to see that we are serious in
this league and a steady performance."

Above all else, he was pleased the team were able to start repaying the
supporters for their backing. "The fans are important in the place we are at
the moment. Especially after the dire performances we had last season. We
are in this position for a reason, we weren't good enough. So it is good to
know they are there supporting us through thick and thin and that is what we
need throughout the rest of the season. "We have just got to stay strong,
the fans have to stray strong and keep the faith and hopefully we will get
out of it at the first shot."

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Tonks targets Leeds
WHUFC.com
Although substituted in midweek, James Tomkins is aiming to be involved this
Sunday afternoon
18.08.2011

James Tomkins is working hard to be fit for Sunday's showdown with Leeds
United at the Boleyn Ground. The homegrown Hammer revealed he came off
against Watford in midweek as a precaution, having put the team on their way
to a 4-0 win with a headed goal on three minutes. "I should be all right for
the weekend," he told West Ham TV. "[The hamstring] was a bit tight. I
couldn't really run. There was a lot of jumping and a lot of running but I
should be fit."

Like the rest of his team-mates, he was in the morning after the night
before for a warm-down and light fitness work. The players will get an extra
rest on Thursday before they go again with full training on Friday and
Saturday. Should he lineup for the Leeds game, Tomkins will be looking to
get on the scoresheet again, believing he should see the reward this season
for an extra focus in training on the attacking side of his game. "That is
what I have to keep working on and practising. I am just glad it went in. I
feel confident I can win a lot of headers in the air. Hopefully the goal
will give me the confidence that I can go on and score from corners and any
set-piece we have, and pose a threat."

He paid tribute to the "great left foot" of Matt Taylor, who has shown
tremendous delivery from all areas since his arrival, while said the two
back-to-back wins had demonstrated that "we are up for the fight". Tomkins
added: "It was good to get the victory and we really feel we can push on."

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Ticket latest for Leeds
WHUFC.com
The ticket office is ready to deal with a rush of supporters wanting to see
the next home game
18.08.2011

Fans should take note there will be no cash turnstiles in operation for
Sunday's big npower Championship match with Leeds United. With ticket prices
starting at just £19 for kids and £32 for adults, those yet to snap up their
seats are advised to move quickly to avoid disappointment. The Hammers are
riding high and looking to make it three wins in a row to aid the push for
promotion.

Tickets can still be ordered in advance or bought from the stadium ticket
offices on Sunday, but cash turnstiles will not be open on the day on police
advice. Tickets will also only be sold on the day to those with a previous
purchase history. The ticket office has reported brisk trade this week and
will be open on Friday and Saturday as well for personal and telephone
callers.

Back to back away wins have captured the imagination of supporters, and a
bumper Boleyn crowd is expected. As a result, a large walk-up is expected on
the day ahead of the kick-off, so fans wanting to pay on the day are advised
to get to the Boleyn Ground in good time. Sam Allardyce could keep faith
with the side that won 4-0 at Watford on Tuesday night but knows the likes
of George McCartney, Pablo Barrera, Junior Stanislas and John Carew are also
pushing hard for places.

With many neutrals expecting both the Hammers and Leeds to challenge for
promotion, it all promises to be a mouth-watering afternoon. The action gets
under way at 1.15pm, so make sure you are there to see Kevin Nolan and Co.
Why not buy your ticket right now?

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Warnock confirms Parker interest
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

QPR manager Neil Warnock has admitted that Scott Parker is high on his list
of potential signings. Warnock, speaking in a press conference to confirm
the arrival of new Rangers owner, West Ham fan Tony Fernandes, admitted that
he was serious about trying to land the current Football Writers' Player of
the Year. "Scott is one [we are looking at]," he said. "I think with Tony's
connections there he was always bound to get a mention. But I don't think we
should talk about players at other clubs at the moment. I think we should do
it in the right way. "He [Parker] is one of a number of options and we have
different positions, different options and we'll try and get our number one
targets in all those positions."

However Fernandes refused to be drawn on the question of whether he had
alreyad placed a bid for Parker. "We are looking at spending money on
quality players," he said, "but until a few minutes ago I wasn't owner of
the club, so I'm not sure what the last regime did."

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QPR have offer for Scott Parker rejected by West Ham as club is poised to
unveil Tony Fernandes as majority shareholder
By Telegraph staff9:33AM BST 18 Aug 2011Comment
Telegraph.co.uk

QPR have had a £4 million bid for Scott Parker rejected by West Ham that
same day the club are due to unveil Tony Fernandes as their controlling
shareholder.
Fernandes, the owner of the low-cost airline AirAsia, targeted Parker in a
bid to start his involvement with the London-based club with a marquee
signing as he looks to bolster Neil Warnock's squad before the transfer
window closes. But West Ham are understood to have turned down the initial
offer and will hold out for their valuation of £7m. The Malaysian
entrepreneur, who is also team principal of Formula One outfit Team Lotus,
is also set to bid £3 million for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. QPR
have confirmed there will be a press conference at 2pm to officially confirm
that Fernandes is buying a 51 per cent stake from F1 chief Bernie
Ecclestone. Ecclestone has been the majority owner of QPR for the past five
years. Questions over the ownership of the west London club, and the future
of manager Neil Warnock, have overshadowed their build-up to the new season,
their first in the top flight since 1996.

Rangers lost their opening game of the season 4-0 to Bolton at Loftus Road
on Saturday with some of the 15,000 home support venting their frustrations
at shareholder Flavio Briatore, watching from the directors' box.

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West Ham reject QPR bid for Scott Parker
London 24
Nathaniel John, West Ham correspondent
Thursday, August 18, 2011
11:16 AM

West Ham have apparently rejected a bid of £4 million for Scott Parker from
QPR, according to reports. The west London club, who are set to announce
self-confessed Hammers fan Tony Fernandes as their controlling shareholder
this afternoon, have had their initial offer turned down with West Ham
holding out for their valuation of around £7 million. Malaysian entrepreneur
Fernandes, who has often been linked with investing in the Hammers, is
understood to have bought a 51 per cent stake from previous QPR owner Bernie
Ecclestone and has targeted Parker as his first buy. It is expected that QPR
will return with an improved bid, but it remains to be seen as to whether
the Hammer of the Year will fancy a move to west London, if he will be
involved in another relegation battle. Parker is thought to favour a move to
a more lucrative Premier League side such as Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur,
with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp openly admitting his interest. "I like
Scott Parker, but it's not an easy deal," he said. "We'd have to pay £7
million or £8 million, then there is his wages and he's almost 31, so it's
not an easy deal for someone to do."

If a Premier League side were to meet West Ham's valuation for the Football
Writers' Player of the Year, then it is thought that a move would be
dependant on whether Parker actually wants to go to that particular club.
However, if the 30-year-old midfielder wants to play some part in Euro 2012
as well as play in the top-flight and maybe even Europe before he retires,
then it is expected that he will move before the end of the transfer window.

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QPR fail in Parker bid
by Setanta Staff , 18 August 2011
Setanta

QPR are eyeing a £3m move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha after
having had a £4m offer for West Ham's Scott Parker rejected. Boss Neil
Warnock is ready to splash the cash on the back of new owner Tony Fernandes'
takeover at Loftus Road and is anxious to improve his squad in all
departments. Onuoha has been told he is free to leave Manchester City this
summer after spending last season on loan at Sunderland where he made 31
appearances. It's rumoured that the 24-year-old would prefer to stay in the
north-west but Warnock is hoping to persuade him to move south, although the
R's face competition from Everton, Blackburn and Bolton for his signature.
Onuoha's representative Kia Joorabchian admitted to BBC Sport: "I'm not
surprised at this level of interest, because Nedum has proven that he's a
very good player. "

Warnock is also keen on Parker with the England star anxious for a move back
to the Premier League after West Ham's relegation but the Hammers value the
midfielder in the £7m bracket and are not prepared to shift over their
valuation.

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Cole: We've made a statement
Thursday 18th August 2011 12:18
TeamTalk

West Ham striker Carlton Cole admits confidence is high heading into
Sunday's Championship clash at home to Leeds. Cole marked his first start of
the season with his first goal since February as Sam Allardyce's side
demolished Watford 4-0 on Tuesday night. "The manager is chuffed by the way
we play and the style of football we played. We are really happy," he said.
"It helps breed confidence, two clean sheets in a row - I can't remember the
last time we had that. "It bodes well for the goalkeeper, the defence, the
whole team really. We had to make a statement and I think it really bodes
well for the team. "The fans need to see we are serious in this league."

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QPR bid for Parker
Fernandes wastes little time after taking over at Loftus Road
Last Updated: August 18, 2011 8:46am
SSN

Sky Sports News understands Tony Fernandes has completed his takeover of
Queens Park Rangers and has bid £4million for Scott Parker. The Premier
League club are set to make an announcement on Thursday morning to confirm
the news, but the Malaysian airline entrepreneur is wasting little time in
looking to improve the squad. Fernandes is understood to have acquired a 66
per cent stake in QPR from Bernie Ecclestone, while former vice-chairman
Amit Bhatia has returned to the same role with a holding of 33%. The pair
are said to be in full support of manager Neil Warnock and are prepared to
offer backing in the transfer market, with West Ham midfielder Parker
identified as a target. Whether the Hammers accept a fee of £4m for the
England international remains to be seen amid reports a valuation is set
closer to £8m. But Fernandes, who watched as QPR's Premier League campaign
started with a 4-0 defeat at home to Bolton, wants to bring quality to
Loftus Road in order to improve the playing squad. Skysports.com reported on
Tuesday QPR had made an enquiry regarding Liverpool outcast Philipp Degen.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 18th August 2011

Hendon happy with senior stars
WHUFC.com
John Carew, George McCartney and Pablo Barrera all impressed development
squad coach Ian Hendon
17.08.2011

John Carew, George McCartney and Pablo Barrera all drew praise from
development squad coach Ian Hendon for their contributions to Wednesday's
2-2 draw with Colchester United. An experienced West Ham United XI
containing the three full internationals - as well as Ruud Boffin, Julien
Faubert, Junior Stanislas, Freddie Sears and Frederic Piquionne - travelled
to Maldon & Tiptree FC for a keenly-contested fixture against the U's. While
the Hammers did not register a victory, there were plenty of positives to be
taken from a valuable workout by Hendon and his players. "I spoke to Richard
Hall, their manager, and he told me they would have quite a strong side out
with a lot of players who are in and around their first-team squad but that
have not had too many games," said the coach. "As it turned out, we were
strong too, so it was a good workout."

Carew and McCartney completed 60 and 75 minutes respectively, with both
showing the levels of ability and fitness that will make them assets to Sam
Allardyce in the npower Championship this season. "George sat in there at
left-back and did a good job with no thrills or spills. He's a sound
defender so he was good from that point of view. "Big John up top you could
see what he was all about. He either gets hold of it or helps it on and he's
a big presence up there. That's probably his first hour in the whole of
pre-season, so it was a good start for him."

Barrera, too, caught the eye by scoring both of West Ham's goals. The first
saw him control before slamming a low right-foot shot into the corner, while
the second was a smartly-taken left-foot strike from 12 yards. "I thought
Pablo was outstanding in spells. He gets the ball, moves it and moves
defenders and scored two good goals - one with each foot - and he's a
quality player."

For Hendon, whose promising youngsters have been busy during the pre-season,
there was also the welcome opportunity to take another look at the likes of
young professionals Callum McNaughton, Sergio Sanchez, George Moncur, Eoin
Wearen and Robert Hall. The Academy graduates all made their mark as West
Ham finished the game strongly, and the coach believes the experience of
playing alongside full internationals can only bode well for the future.
"This game was set up for the development squad, but if the first-team boys
need minutes then they take preference and they come in, which might be a
little bit unfair but that's football and that's the way it is. "My lads
themselves have to take it on the chin and get on with it and, when they get
the opportunity, come in and show what they're all about. "In the second
half, they came on and livened it up a bit. They went after the ball and did
OK, so on the whole it was a good workout, no injuries, a competitive game
and we got some minutes for the first-team boys and a good experience for my
lads mixing in with them."

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Former West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger joins Wolfsburg
Page last updated at 19:54 GMT, Wednesday, 17 August 2011 20:54 UK
BBC.co.uk

Wolfsburg have signed German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who was a free
agent following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League last season.
The 29-year-old, who made his name at Aston Villa, has signed a three-year
contract with the Bundesliga club. He had been linked with a host of
top-flight clubs in England.
"I am overjoyed this has gone through," he said. "This is the start of a
great partnership. The club has big ambitions and a coach who epitomises
this." After leaving Aston Villa in 2005, Hitzlsperger has a successful
spell at Stuttgart before a disappointing season with Italian club Lazio.
"Thomas is a player who will help us with his professional approach and his
international experience," said Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath after
confirming the signing on Wednesday. "I am pleased that he is now with us,
because he is a player who can lead the team." Wolfsburg - the German
champions in 2009 - have won one and lost one of their opening two games of
the league season.

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Queens Parker Rangers
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers have entered the race to sign
Scott Parker, say reports. The west London club, who have already signed
former Hammers Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon this summer are set to be
taken over by Malaysian entreprenuer Tony Fernandes. The 47-year-old owner
of Lotus and Air Asia is set to announce the purchase of a 51 per cent
controlling stake in the club imminently. And now Fernandes - a West Ham
fan, who tried to buy a majority share of United earlier this year having
lost out to Davids Sullivan and Gold in 2009 - is set to make Parker his
number one priority upon taking control of Rangers.
Reports suggest that QPR have already tested the waters with an opening bid
of £4million. With West Ham looking for around double that figure, a
compromise could be reached - although Parker is unlikely to accept a move
to another club likely to struggle in the Premier League whilst safer bets
like Chelsea and Tottenham are still monitoring his situation.

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Barrera boosted, Carew awaits call
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 17th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

John Carew was one of a number of players to get an added ninety minutes of
football under his belt this afternoon as a West Ham XI played out a 2-2
draw with Colchester United. The new striker - who could be included in the
first team squad to face Leeds at the Boleyn this weekend - was one of a
number of players in and around the fringe of the first team to get some
vital match minutes. Fellow new signing George McCartney played for all but
15 minutes of the game, played at Maldon & Tiptree's Wallace Binder Stadium,
whilst Pablo Barrera - yet to start a game in the Championship this season -
featured for an hour. The Mexican winger also scored both of West Ham's
goals; the first on 17 minutes cancelling out Craig Arnott's eighth minute
opener and the second to put the Hammers ahead on 57 minutes. The Us however
earned a draw courtesy of an equaliser from Ben Coker just three minutes
after Barrera had put Ian Hendon's side ahead. Other first team squad
members to feature included Julien Faubert - who is one of those who could
yet leave the club before the end of the transfer window , Junior Stanislas
and Freddies Sears and Piquionne.

West Ham Utd XI: Boffin (Cowler 75), Faubert (Driver 58), McCartney (unnamed
triallist 75), Sanchez (Wearen 58), McNaughton, Barrera (Hall 58),
Stanislas, Sears, Nouble, Piquionne (Moncur 58), Carew (Abdulla 58).

Goals: Barrera (17, 57).

Colchester Utd: Williams (Pentney 46), White, Baldwin, Eastman, Bender,
James (Olufemi 67), Hamilton, Bond, Duguid, Coker, Arnott.

Goals: Arnott (8), Coker (60).

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QPR bid for Parker
Fernandes wastes little time after taking over at Loftus Road
Last Updated: August 17, 2011 9:04pm
SSN

Sky Sports News understands Tony Fernandes has completed his takeover of
Queens Park Rangers and has bid £4million for Scott Parker. The Premier
League club are set to make an announcement on Thursday morning to confirm
the news, but the Malaysian airline entrepreneur is wasting little time in
looking to improve the squad. Fernandes is understood to have acquired a 66
per cent stake in QPR from Bernie Ecclestone, while former vice-chairman
Amit Bhatia has returned to the same role with a holding of 33%. The pair
are said to be in full support of manager Neil Warnock and are prepared to
offer backing in the transfer market, with West Ham midfielder Parker
identified as a target. Whether the Hammers accept a fee of £4m for the
England international remains to be seen amid reports a valuation is set
closer to £8m. But Fernandes, who watched as QPR's Premier League campaign
started with a 4-0 defeat at home to Bolton, wants to bring quality to
Loftus Road in order to improve the playing squad. Skysports.com reported on
Tuesday QPR had made an enquiry regarding Liverpool outcast Philipp Degen.

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West Ham star hit with load-of-rubbish fine
Published 22:29 17/08/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

West Ham star Frederic Piquionne had to pay £449 for dumping his rubbish in
a country lane. The France international striker drove three miles from his
home to fly-tip 10 black bin bags, two recycling bags and a box.
Investigators traced the trash back to the player's Essex home. At Harlow
magistrates court, Piquionne, 32, pleaded guilty to ­illegally dumping the
waste. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay
costs. The court heard the £40,000-a-week player may have been confused by
the system of waste disposal in the UK compared with France. Epping Council
said the case showed that "your waste is your responsibility".

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EXCLUSIVE: West Ham looking to sell big-money duo
Published 23:01 17/08/11 By James Nursey
The Mirror

Relegated West Ham are hoping to offload big-earning duo Scott Parker to QPR
and Carlton Cole to Fulham. Rangers made a £4million bid for Parker on
Wednesday night, but may need to double their offer to land the England
midfielder. The Premier League new boys have yet to splash much cash as they
waited for the club's takeover by Tony Fernandes to be completed . But the
Malaysian airline entrepreneur will finalise the deal on Thursday after
buying a 51 per cent stake from F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. Parker 30, has
already turned down Fenerbahce and Stoke as he does not want to leave the
capital. But a switch to Loftus Road would suit £70,000-a-week Parker, who
is also wanted by Aston Villa but is out of their price range. Fulham,
meanwhile, are chasing another centre-forward to provide cover for, and
compete with, Bobby Zamora. New Cottagers boss Martin Jol fancies Cole, who
also wants to stay in London and has, like Parker, said no to Stoke.

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JOHN CAREW IN FRAME FOR WEST HAM DEBUT AGAINST LEEDS
Daily Express
Thursday August 18,2011
By Daily Express Reporter

JOHN CAREW has put himself in the frame for his West Ham debut against Leeds
on Sunday after making his first appearance in a reserve game with
Colchester.
Norwegian striker Carew, a free transfer after leaving Aston Villa in the
summer, played an hour in the 2-2 draw.

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QPR TO ANNOUNCE NEW OWNERS AND WEST HAM'S SCOTT PARKER BID
Daily Express
Thursday August 18,2011
By Daily Express Reporter

QPR will today announce new owners – and that they have bid £4million for
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker. Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes,
also team principal of F1 team Lotus, has bought a 66 per cent stake in the
club from former co-owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone.
Vice-chairman Amit Bhatia will take a 33 per cent share. Fernandes will give
boss Neil Warnock his full backing and money to spend, with a bid understood
to have already been made for England international Parker.

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Fernandes closes in on QPR takeover as West Ham reject £4m bid for Parker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:41 AM on 18th August 2011
Daily Mail

The takeover of QPR by airline tycoon Tony Fernandes was close to completion
on Wednesday night but the club's £4million bid for West Ham's Scott Parker
is expected to be rejected. Rangers have also joined Paris Saint-Germain
have joined the race for Manchester City winger Shaun-Wright Phillips. The
big-spending French club have offered £2.5million for Wright-Phillips, who
is also wanted by Bolton, Stoke and Wigan. However, QPR have also followed
up their enquiry for City's Nedum Onuoha with a £3million offer for the
defender and have bid £4m for West Ham midfielder Scott Parker ahead of
expected new investment from Tony Fernandes. Blackburn and Everton remain
keen on Onuoha also. Wright-Phillips would prefer to stay in the north-west
but knows he would get better wages as PSG. Bolton - his preferred
destination - cannot afford his current £45,000 a week salary. However,
Bolton do plan to increase offers for Liverpool striker David Ngog and
Rangers winger Gregg Wylde.

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Hammers primed for Beckford bid after Everton striker rejects Forest
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:04 PM on 17th August 2011
Daily Mail

West Ham are the latest club to show interest in Everton striker Jermaine
Beckford but the 27-year-old wants to stay at Goodison. Everton have
rejected a bid from Leicester while the player does not want to go to
Nottingham Forest or Southampton. Ex-West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger
has signed for Wolfsburg.

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QPR's prospective new owner Tony Fernandes aims to secure £8 million deal
for Scott Parker
Telegraph.co.uk
Tony Fernandes will attempt to make Scott Parker his £8 million marquee
signing once he takes control of Queens Park Rangers.
By Jason Burt7:52PM BST 17 Aug 20111 Comment

The Malaysian entepreneur is also set to bid £3 million for Manchester City
defender Nedum Onuoha as he attempts to improve Neil Warnock's squad before
the transfer window closes. An announcement is set to made on Thursday to
confirm whether Fernandes has succeeded in taking a majority stake of the
west London club. Although there were claims of a press conference being
scheduled for Thursday, nothing had yet been formally agreed — however it
was said, by sources, to be "extremely close". Talks were continuing into
the night and there will be a statement on Thursday morning either way.
Fernandes, who owns the AirAsia airline and is also the principal at Formula
One team Lotus, was in London yesterday to close the deal to acquire 51 per
cent of QPR from Bernie Ecclestone. The balance of Ecclestone's 62 per cent
holding, it is hoped, will be picked up by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi
Mittal, who already holds 33 per cent and has considered mounting a full
takeover.

Fernandes, who tried to acquire West Ham United in January 2010, has been in
talks with QPR for some time and has already met with Warnock. There is an
acceptance that the club needs an injection of transfer funds and Warnock is
understood to be receptive to Fernandes's plan to bid for Parker. West Ham
are adamant that they will not sell the 30-year-old England international
for less than £8m and given he also earns £65,000-a-week then his signing
would eat up a large chunk of the funds Fernandes is prepared to commit. It
also remains to be seen whether Parker will want to join QPR, having hoped
that the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa were
set to bid for him. However Parker is desperate to keep his place in the
England squad and play in Euro 2012 and knows that this is less likely to
happen if he remains in the Championship. If he does sign for QPR he will
become the third former West Ham player to move to Loftus Road this summer —
after Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon — and there remains the possibility of
a fourth with Warnock having previously expressed an interest in striker
Carlton Cole.

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Former Liverpool defender and West Ham target joins Marseille
London 24
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
2:57 PM

Former West Ham target Djimi Traore has decided to join French side
Marseille. The former Liverpool defender was linked with a move to Upton
Park after boss Sam Allardyce allegedly went to France to see the left back
in action. Traore however won't be joining the Hammers and will elect to
stay in France. The 31-year-old was available on a free after leaving Monaco
at the end of last season and made Traore made 88 appearances for Liverpool
in seven years at Anfield.

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West Ham look to boost title credentials with Newcastle star
Sam Allardyce wants to bring Joey Barton to Upton Park to link up with Kevin
Nolan
News.ladbrokes.com

Despite being involved in Newcastle's opening day draw with Arsenal, Joey
Barton could still find himself leaving St. James Park as West Ham look set
to re-ignite their interest in the controversial midfielder.

The Championship side first looked at Barton earlier this month when
Newcastle made it clear they would allow him to leave on a free transfer,
and with the former Manchester City man yet to put pen to paper on a new
contract, the East Londoners are carefully monitoring the situation.

Barton is thought to be waiting to see if any of the top four Premier League
sides come in for him and if not, the option of being reunited with
Newcastle teammate Kevin Nolan and the man who took him to Newcastle, Sam
Allardyce, may prove an attractive option.

Following their impressive 4-0 victory away at Watford on Tuesday and their
1-0 win at Doncaster, West Ham have been made favourites for the
Championship title at 11/4 and Allardyce knows their chances will be greatly
enhanced if Barton were to put pen to paper with the Hammers.

The biggest difficulties, however, will be convincing the 28-year-old to
drop down a division to the Championship and to take a cut in wages,
currently said to be in the region of £80,000 a week.

Any move by the Hammers for Barton could also hinge on whether or not Scott
Parker remains a West Ham player.

A host of Premier League clubs including Stoke City, Aston Villa, Tottenham,
Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with last season's Football Writers'
Player of the Year, but no club has yet matched West Ham's £8million
valuation of the player.

Parker has three years remaining on his current deal, but would favour a
move back to the Premier League.

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