Friday, June 15

Daily WHUFC News - 15th June 2012

Rot-Weiß Erfurt tickets on sale now
WHUFC.com
Tickets for the pre-season meeting with German side FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt are now available to Hammers supporters
13.06.2012

West Ham United fans can purchase tickets for the pre-season match at German club FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt now. The Hammers will travel to the Steigerwaldstadion for what promises to be a mouth-watering fixture against the 3.Liga side on Wednesday 25 July, with kick-off at 7pm local time. West Ham supporters have been allocated the Stehplatz-Block 2 terrace, with standing tickets priced at €15 Adults and €13.50 for Concessions. Hammers fans have also been allocated seats in section F priced at €18 for Adults and €16 for Concessions.

The match is one of three taking place during West Ham's pre-season trip to Germany. Sam Allardyce and his squad head to mainland Europe on 23 July before taking on Rot-Weiß Erfurt (25 July), Dynamo Dresden (27 July) and FC Energie Cottbus (29 July).

Rot-Weiß Erfurt finished fifth in the 3.Liga table, just two points off the automatic promotion places, and lost just nine of their 38 league matches. The club twice won the East German Premier League title in 1954 and 1955 and were twice East German Cup runners-up in 1950 and 1980. Among the club's first-team squad is Englishman and former Reading full-back Rhys Tyler.

The Hammers have a number of links with Germany, having beaten TSV 1860 Munich 2-0 in the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup final at Wembley and been represented by German international Thomas Hitzlsperger.

While they have never met Rot-Weiß Erfurt or Energie Cottbus previously, the Hammers met Dresden in August 1986, when John Lyall's side defeated the then-East
German giants 2-1 at the FC Groningen Tournament in the Netherlands through goals from Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie. Twenty-six years later and the two sides will meet again.

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Barnet sign goalkeeper Sam Cowler from West Ham United
BBc.co.uk

Barnet have signed young goalkeeper Sam Cowler from West Ham United. The 19-year-old spent time playing in the League Two side's youth team while on loan last season. Bees head coach Mark Robson said: "He may be young, but he's a tall kid and what I like about him, along with his ability, is his attitude. "I can see that he will be pushing whoever is in front of him for a first team place. That's the kind of competition I want to see in my team." He added: "It's important we begin adding to the squad, and I'm pleased to see that's started with Sam."

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Transfer latest: 14 June
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th June 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are said to have had a £4million bid for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis rejected, according to reports. Sky Sports 'understand' that United saw an offer for the 26-year-old Middlesbrough born player rejected by the relegated club yesterday. Elsewhere this morning, several sources continue to suggest potential Italian-based targets after Sam Allardyce was apparently spotted meeting with representatives of Juventus and Milan on Tuesday. Both Dutch and Italian sources have linked West Ham with a possible move for Luc Castaignos in the past 24 hours, a name we first mentioned here on KUMB in our transfer round-up on Tuesday. 19-year-old Castaignos hit 15 goals in 37 starts for Feyenoord before landing a €6.5million switch to the Italian giants last summer, but made just six first team appearances in his first season at the San Siro. West Ham are said to want to take the Dutch teenager on a permanent basis although Inter are rumoured to prefer a loan move.

Meanwhile the Daily Mail, who told us on Tuesday that West Ham were willing to offer £4million for Norwich's Grant Holt - two weeks after they claimed a £4.5million bid had been rejected - have ressurected the Yakubu link. However another source, a Twitter-based football agent claimed last night that the Blackburn striker is instead on his way to Qatar. Momo Diame, who has been at the centre of much gossip in the last 48 hours is said to be jetting into England tomorrow in order to hold talks with West Ham - and possibly one or two other clubs. The Wigan midfielder, who becomes a free agent at the end of this month has also been linked with Liverpool and the now-managerless Tottenham in the past few days.

The Daily Star, not exactly renowned for their transfer exclusives suggest that West Ham are 'ready to make a £3million bid' for ex-Hammer James Collins, currently earning vast sums at Aston Villa. The Welsh international, despite being labelled by many as 'the one that got away' managed an average of just 16 appearances per season during his four years in east London from 2006 to 2010 before joining Villa in a £4million switch. We're really scraping the barrel this morning for outgoings, but gossip that appears to have begun somewhere on Twitter's vast network hints at interest in Freds Sears and Piquionne from Hull City. Now managed by Steve Bruce, who succeeded the departing Nick Barmby last week the Tigers are looking to boost their squad in preparation for an assault on next season's Championship. So why they're looking at Piquionne, God only knows... As for KUMB.com, we've heard absolutely nothing new on the transfer front in the past 24 hours so have nothing more than the above speculation to offer you today. Sorry.

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The Return of James Collins?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die

The Daily Star reports this morning that we have lodged a bid of £3 million for former Hammers defender James Collins, who is entering the last year of his contract. Collins impressed during his time at West Ham and has been an important player for Villa, but I wonder whether this would really be good business for us. On the face of it he is the right age - 28 - but he is very injury prone. In his career so far, he has only made 211 appearances. He does, however, chip in with the odd goal. Could he make a good partner for James Tomkins? I'm undecided, so I'll let you debate the merits!

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Big Sam's Gut feeling
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:21

SAM ALLARDYCE has made a bold move to make former Real Madrid star Guti his first signing of the summer. The West Ham manager will take the Spaniard on his club's pre-season tour of Austria. And if the 35-year-old can prove his fitness he will get a two-year deal at Upton Park. Guti is available on a free and has been without a club since Turkish side Besiktas released him in November last year. Barry O'Connor, who looks after Guti's affairs in England, said:: "West Ham will make a final decision before the next season starts. I cannot discuss what terms could be offered." Guti has made more than 500 appearances and is one of Spain's most decorated players. He won 15 trophies for Real, including three Champions League titles and five league wins. Allardyce wants to add another cool head to his squad as he builds his squad for the Premier League. The Hammers made an immediate return to the top flight last season doing it the hard way via the play-offs.

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WEST HAM PLAN RAID FOR YAKUBU
Thursday June 14,2012
By Daily Express reporter

WEST Ham manager Sam Allardyce is hoping to secure Blackburn striker Yakubu, according to reports. The 29-year-old striker will be able to leave Blackburn for as little as £1million due to a clause in his contract. Yakubu has been a key player for Blackburn putting 17 goals in the back of the net for the club this season. Meanwhile Blackburn boss Steven Kean wants to add club legend Colin Hendry to his coaching staff.

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West Ham United target Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu
by Jack Failsworth. Published Thu 14 Jun 2012 16:30, Last updated: 2012-06-1
Click Lancashire

According to reports West Ham United are interested in Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni. The Daily Mail claims Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is ready to raid his former club for the marksman. The Nigerian has a £1 million buy-out clause in his contract and wants to stay in the Premier League despite interest from China and the Middle East.

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Nine players linked with signing for West Ham United this week
by Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombs
Hereinthecity.com

Are West Ham about to go on a spending spree? The answer is yes if the papers are to be believed this week. Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed terms and will replace the outgoing Rob Green when his Bolton contract expires on July 1. Here are NINE players who the papers claim could be joining him at Upton Park next season.

Matt Jarvis

West Ham have reportedly had an a £4 million bid for Matt Jarvis turned down by Wolves. It is hardly surprising as Wolves will want to get double that if they can for one of their prized assets. Jarvis will be a key man in Wolves promotion push so they do not need to sell. On the other hand Jarvis was in the England squad 15 months ago, and his ambition will see him keen to move on and become part of the international set up for the upcoming World qualifiers. He is 26 and would be a good signing for West Ham. He scored eight goals last season and other clubs may too be interested, including Villa and West Brom, so the Hammers are right to try and get in there early, but will have to up their offer while avoid overpaying.

Eljero Elia

Sam Allardyce has been spotted in Italy and is reported to be talking business with Italian champions Juventus. One of the players he is keen on is Dutch winger Eljero Elia. Elia is a Holland international who was part of their World Cup squad, creating a goal in their win over Denmark two years ago. A £7 million move from Hamburg to Juventus last summer was meant to be the next big step in his career but success has failed to materialise. The 25-year-old played just four games for the club, and has had a transfer request accepted. He is a left-winger and is clearly talented. He'd be a bargain if Big Sam can do the deal.

Milos Krasic

Another Juventus outcast West Ham are linked with is Milos Krasic. The Serb is 27 and after a decent debut season at the Italian club which saw him score a hat-trick his second season saw him fall out of favour, making seven appearances scoring one goal. He is a right sided player so there is the possibility the Hammers could get wingers for either flank in a double deal with Elia. Krasic has previously been linked with Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool but moves have failed to materialise- but Rodgers is said to be keen to bring him to Liverpool. He will want to avoid another season sitting on the bench and he would be a quality addition to the Hammers.

Mohamed Diame

Free agent Momo Diame is said to be in negotiations with West Ham after leaving Wigan Athletic. Diame has been courted by a number of clubs and was even reported to be on the verge of a move to Liverpool before Kenny Dalglish left the club. Sunderland are another club said to be keen, while Spaniards Malaga have also expressed an interest. The 24-year-old scored three goals last season and played an important role in Wigan's late push to avoid relegation. He clearly wants a big move and his agent will be working overtime, it is up to Allardyce to make him an offer and convince him West Ham are the club to spend his future with.

Victor Wanyama

Victor Wanyama will hope to become the first Kenyan to ever play in the Premier League if he sealed a deal with the Hammers. The 20-year-old central midfielder is at Celtic and scored four goals last season. He can also play in central defence and has already earned 18 international caps. He cost Celtic £1 million last summer but the Glasgow giants value him at six times that now. He is also interesting QPR, Newcastle, Liverpool and Stoke. He is known for his physical approach which saw him sent off against Rangers and pick up two bans at his previous club in Belgium. He could be a shrewd investment but the Hammers won't want to pay over the odds.

Danny Simpson

West Ham have been added to a line of clubs chasing Newcastle right-back Danny Simpson by regional newspaper the Northern Echo. Simpson is also being targeted by QPR, Fulham, and Norwich City and is expected to leave St James Park this summer. He feels the club's £25,000 a week offer is not enough and has dug his heels into such an extent both parties are looking elsewhere, with Newcastle busy scouting new right-backs. If West Ham could tempt him he would be an excellent addition, but right now there are no concrete developments.

Modibo Maiga

Do West Ham want to sign Modibo Maiga? The Mail is one of the papers which claims yes, adding that they lead the chase for the £4 million rated striker. Maiga plays for French side Sochaux and is a Mali international. He is 25 and scored nine goals in 17 starts last season - including five in his last seven matches. West Ham have Cole, Maynard and Vaz Te forming their strikeforce but will need to sign a fourth man. Whether Maiga is that man, and the one they need to keep them in the Premier League is another matter, but £4 million is a relatively low gamble.

Yakubu

Yakubu was Blackburn's ace last year who almost helped them avoid relegation. He scored 17 goals last season and is Rovers biggest asset. The Lancashire Telegraph last night claimed that West Ham could sign him for a cut-price £1 million thanks to a relegation clause in his contract. After losing Demba Ba on a free in similar circumstances a year ago, it would be sweet for West Ham to turn the tables and back a bargain themselves.

Luc Castaignos

The Mirror is reporting that Inter Milan striker Luc Castaignos is the third Italian based transfer target for the Hammers. Castaignos is only 19 and was hailed a year ago as Europe's next big striker but has failed to settle so far in Italy. He has been linked with a move back to Holland with Feyenoord, but Allardyce would do well to enquire as reports suggest.

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