Daily WHUFC News - 25th June 2015

Burke looks to make most of early return
WHUFC.com

Reece Burke is glad the Hammers have returned to action so early ahead of the 2015/16 season as it gives him the ideal opportunity to continue his positive momentum from last term.
The 18-year-old defender made his Barclays Premier League breakthrough in the closing weeks of 2014/15, filling in with both James Tomkins and James Collins injured. A UEFA Europa League tie against Andorra's FC Lusitans is now just over a week away, so Burke has his sights set firmly on that Boleyn Ground clash. "It's really good to be back on the training pitch," he confirmed. "The boys got back together on Monday, then we flew out to Ireland on Tuesday and are here for the next six days. "The legs were a little tired after that first session, but I felt fresh on Tuesday and am feeling good [for pre-season]. "We've only had a little break but I think that's good for us. Being back now rather than having a long period of time not getting the football in, it just feels the same. "It doesn't feel like you've missed out on anything, so it's good to be back early. "I finished last season so quite well, so obviously I'm looking to crack on and pick up from where I left off. "This European campaign gives everyone a good opportunity. Especially myself, I'm looking forward to it, having not played in the competition before. "I've played against different countries with the England age groups, so I'm used to teams from different countries playing in different ways. I think we'll be alright."

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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com

As the Club prepare to embark on their European adventure with the first qualifying round of the Europa League taking place next week I can reveal that West Ham supporters could have even more reason to be excited heading into the start of the season. There have been numerous reports suggesting the Club are ready to make a multi-million pound offer for one of the star performers in Europe. My understanding is that the Club are now confident of finalising a deal in the next 72 hours and that it will be the first eight figure signing of the summer. The Club are certainly showing their intent for next season and are determined to bring the best players to the Boleyn Ground as new manager Slaven Bilic prepares for a busy schedule in both domestic and European competition. West Ham have also been linked with a move for Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic who has also attracted interest from other Premier League clubs. But my sources have told me that the east London club were never in the market to sign the Serbia international. There have also been reports linking Roma striker Mattia Destro with a move to the Boleyn Ground but I believe that is just speculation and the Club will continue to work hard in their attempts to strengthen the squad. Stay tuned to whufc.com for any further developments.

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Sakho wants to be top goalscorer
WHUFC.com

West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho wants to make a big impression under new manager Slaven Bilic next season and hopes to get among the goals straight away in the Europa League next week. Sakho enjoyed a memorable first season in the Premier League scoring 12 goals but was forced to miss the final part of the campaign after he suffered a thigh injury during the 1-1 draw with Stoke back on 11 April. The Senegal forward has been working hard throughout the summer to regain full fitness and was able to join up with the squad for the first day of pre-season training this week, before flying out to Ireland for a training camp. With West Ham back in action on July 2 when they face FC Lusitans in the first qualifying round of the Europa League at the Boleyn Ground, Sakho says he cannot wait to get back playing again and hopes to be among the top scorers next season. Sakho said: "I am fit for the start of the season. I was given a programme to follow over the summer and I will be ready for the first game. "I enjoyed my first season in England and next season I would like to score 20 goals. "I am happy to be back at the club and see all the players and the new arrivals. I know we are coming back earlier than normal but I am pleased to be back in action. "I am really looking forward to playing under Slaven Bilic and excited to see what he will bring to the team. "It is great for the club to be back in Europe and it is one of our objectives. The players are excited to be playing in the Europa League."

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The hard work continues in Cork
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's training camp in Ireland continued on Wednesday with a full day of training. The squad were put through their paces in an intense session on the pitches in the morning, which included sharp ball work and 11v11 drills. After lunch, the players then moved onto the gym, where they could work on their strength and conditioning in the run-up to the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie against FC Lusitans. Hammers defender Doneil Henry takes us through the day… "For me, today was a day when I was on the field less and more about getting into my stride, and getting back into my sprinting form," he explained. "Then we went into the gym and I worked on strengthening my hamstring and getting back into regular form before slowly integrating myself into full training on a daily basis.
It's what pre-season's all about. Coming together as a team and getting the fitness in. We work with the coaches, find out their system of play and do the dirty stuff – digging in, getting deep and trying to win matches when the season starts."

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Labour calls for Olympic Stadium deal to be published
BBC.co.uk

Labour has called on the government to publish the full details of West Ham's deal to move into the Olympic Stadium "as a matter of urgency". In a debate about the Olympic legacy, shadow culture secretary Chris Bryant highlighted the cost of the conversion and called it a "fiasco". The cost of transforming the venue into a stadium ready for football has reached £272m. Conservative MP and London Mayor Boris Johnson pointed the finger at Labour. Of the £272m total transformation costs, £15m is being provided by West Ham United football club, who are occupying it from next season, with £1m coming from UK Athletics. Mr Bryant told MPs the total spend on the venue would reach £700m, more per spectator than Wembley stadium, and more over budget than the total cost of converting the 2002 Commonwealth Games venue for use by Manchester City. "This has the feel of a fiasco cooked up somewhere between the Mayor's Office, DCMS (Departure for Culture, Media and Sport) and the Treasury," he said. "Which is why, in the interests of transparency, I urge the government to publish the full details of West Ham's secret deal as a matter of urgency." Mr Johnson said "it was indeed" a mess that had been "cooked up", but said the former Labour mayor and then Labour government had been responsible. "It was the Treasury under Alistair Darling and Gordon Brown who decided to go ahead with a stadium that was completely unsuitable for the purpose," he added. Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said there were "good reasons" why full details of the arrangement with West Ham could not be published, saying things such as the terms of the rent should be confidential, as to publicise them could jeopardise future negotiations with possible tenants. The parties also clashed over the sporting legacy left by the 2012 games, with Labour claiming participation had dropped in the following years in many parts of the country. Mr Bryant accused the government of "an own goal, a dropped baton, a belly flop". Mr Whittingdale criticised his "synthetic outrage" and said the London games had left an "amazing legacy". "We were always clear that legacy was at the heart of our preparation" he said, saying strong progress had been made in terms of the regeneration of east London and increased sporting participation.

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Deal close but not complete - Payet agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

Marseille forward Dimitri Payet is on the verge of sealing an £11million move to West Ham, according to the player's agent. Jacques-Olivier Auguste revealed tonight that a deal that would take his client to the Premier League was close to being completed - although the 28-year-old is yet to sign on the dotted line. "It's almost done, but not 100 per cent," Auguste told Eurosport, before adding: "We are still a little hopeful that Marseille can make something happen on their end." That final comment tends to indicate that Payet and his team are hoping for L'OM to make the 15 times-capped French international a fresh offer which would keep him at the Stade Vélodrome.
However West Ham are understood to have already agreed a deal worth a shade under £11million for Payet, who has been offered a four-year contract worth £60,000 per week (David Hytner, Guardian). Payet, who has spent the last two seasons at Marseille is expected to arrive in London tomorrow morning (via Mauritius) for a medical.

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Shadow minister urges Government to reveal West Ham deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Chris Bryant has expressed his concerns regarding the agreement allowing West Ham United to become tenants of the Olympic Stadium.
Former Orient Chairman Barry Hearn, a long-term opponent of West Ham's tenancy insisted yesterday that the full details of the deal - which have never been disclosed - should be released into the public domain. And now Bryant, who was appointed following Labour's General Election defeat last month has echoed Hearn's calls - whilst claiming the Olympic Stadium regeneration project is "over budget" with "the feel of a fiasco". "The Coalition said it would ensure the development of the Olympic Park after the Games," read a speech Bryant is due to give in the House of Commons this afternoon. "Here there are further legacy worries. "So far the cost of transforming the venue into a stadium ready for football has reached £272m, with £15m from West Ham, £1m from UK Athletics, £40m from Newham and £25 m from the Government. "That means the overall spend on the venue will now top £700m for the 54,000-seater arena - a lot more expensive per spectator than the £798m lavished on the 90,000-capacity Wembley."
Bryant then went on to question the "transparency" of the deal - and the costs, which far exceed those required to convert Manchester's Commonwealth Games stadium for the use of Manchester City. "The project is now over-budget by around £35m, which comes close to the total cost of converting the City of Manchester stadium after the 2002 Commonwealth Games," he added. "This has the feel of a fiasco cooked up somewhere between the Mayor London's Office, DCMS and the Treasury. Which is why, in the interests of transparency, I urge the government to publish the full details of West Ham's secret deal as a matter of urgency."

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David Gold fires back in latest OS row
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

David Gold has told former Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn to "get over it" following the latest row regarding the tenancy of the Olympic Stadium. Gold - speaking via Twitter this morning - also told Hearn to "move on", 24 hours after the former Orient supremo yet again questioned the validity of the agreement allowing West Ham to take occupancy of the Olympic Stadium.

David Gold ?@davidgold
Barry 'she's left you for a younger, richer man' get over it. Move on. dg
9:56 AM - 24 Jun 2015

The latest row began when Dagenham-born Hearn, whose long-running legal battle to prevent West Ham occupying the arena ended last summer when he sold the club to Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, insisted that details of West Ham's occupation of the stadium should be made public. "The actual deal West Ham has got is still confidential and our current mayor of London is refusing to reveal details," he said. "As a taxpayer, I find that quite confusing. "When people spend my money, I rather like to know what it's been spent on. In the absence of that information we can only speculate that it is a deal so beneficial to West Ham that it becomes questionable in its own right."

West Ham's contribution to the £272million costs required to make the stadium fit for Premier League football is reported to be just £15million. However the club's annual ground rent - estimated to be in the region of £2million per year - has never been confirmed.

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Arsenal youngster on trial
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have taken Arsenal's teenage defender George Dobson on trial. The web was awash with rumour and speculation yesterday afternoon when 17-year-old Dobson was pictured at Chadwell Heath training in West Ham's colours. And KUMB can reveal that the Hammers are hoping to tie up a deal for the central defender, who is set to leave the Emirates having decided that he is unlikely to make the first team squad in the near future. Dobson, who hails from Harold Wood made his debut for Arsenal's youth team in the 2012/13 season and has also featured sporadically at Under 21 level since. A central defender by trade, he has also featured as a defensive midfielder. Should he complete a move to West Ham, Dobson will become the second youngster to move from Arsenal in recent seasons, following the capture of 18-year-old Jordan Brown in summer 2013.

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West ham bid £14m for Marseille's Dimitri Payet
Last Updated: 22/06/15 12:26pm
SSN

West Ham have made a £14m bid for Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet, according to Sky sources. The Londoners are leading the race to sign Payet, an attacking midfielder who has been capped by France and can also play out wide. West Ham have already signed Spain U21 midfielder Pedro Obiang and former Manchester City trainee Martin Samuelsen since appointing Slaven Bilic as manager.

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Payet arrives at 8.30am
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 24, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Fresh reports say Dimitri Payet has boarded a British Airways flight bound for London Gatwick which is due to arrive tomorrow morning at 8.30am. Flight BA2062 is expected to touch down at Gatwick North terminal just before 8.30am on Thursday. His flight took off at 11.30pm local time in Mauritius around 8.30pm UK time on his 6050 mile journey to London. Canal Plus journalist Pierre Menes claims he spoke to Payet before boarding his flight claiming: "Dimitri called me from the airport of Mauritius. He arrives in London tomorrow morning for the medical visit. Then the denials…" Menes claims he will sign a four year deal for 15 million Euros.

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Players haven't met Slaven Bilic yet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 24, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Hammer Matty Jarvis spoke to TalkSport radio today from the training camp in Cork, Ireland as the West Ham squad prepare for the start of their Europa League campaign against Andorran minnows FC Lusitans in eight days time. He admitted the squad have yet to meet the new gaffer. "I haven't met [Slaven Bilic] yet," Jarvis told Talk Sport "He's coming out [to Ireland] on Friday." "It'll be good to meet him and see what his way of doing things is." Asked about his own targets Jarvis told the Drivetime programme: " A new manger's coming in, hopefully I'll get a chance to prove what I can do and then try to get in the team, stay in the team and play as many games as I possibly can, and for the club we need to progress on what we did last year after such a great start"

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Payet deal expected "in 48 hours"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 24, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are expecting to tie up the 15 million Euro transfer of Dimitri Payet from Marseilles within the next 48 hours. As speculation intensifies on the social networks that the deal could be done as soon as this evening, top sources told Claret and Hugh: "Progress is being made and it should be done in 48 hours. " It's been a torturous journey for the Irons with the same source telling us earlier today that "it's like pulling teeth out." However, our understanding is that after Payet rejected a new deal with the French club, Marseilles came to an agreement on the fee with the Irons negotiaters and the player will now fly to London to agree personal terms.
However, we also understand that tough agent Willie Mackay (above) is looking after the player's interests and some fierce negotiating still needs to take place before the brilliant play maker is presented as the latest Irons signing. Mackay, however, has a track record of delivering French players to Premier League clubs and recently represented Andre Ayew in the talks that saw the player join Swansea.

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Report: Payet's Irons wage offer 'revealed'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 24, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

French paper L'Équipe have suggested the wage deal on offer to Dimitri Payet is a base salary of 2.5 million Euros per or around 48,000 Euros per week after tax. At today's exchange rate that works out around £35,000 per week although when tax is factored in, the gross wage could be as high as £67,000 per week allowing for £1.6m in income tax and £73,000 in National insurance payments. West Ham would also liable for £482,000 of Employers National Insurance on top of that per year. The French paper claim West Ham have offered Dimitri Payet a five year contract with the option to extend by another year. They further report he can bump up his salary to 3m Euros per season with appearance fees of 14,000 Euros or £10,000 per match. The 28 year old playmaker is due to lose £12,000 per week at Marseille after their failure to qualify for champions league. Payet is claimed to be on 4.2m Euros last season at Marseille dropping to around 3m Euros this coming season. L'Équipe claim Marseille must sell a player before Tuesday 30th June.

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Burke: "We'll be alright"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 24, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Reece Burke is delighted to be back in traininReeceburkeg after the short summer break and looking ahead to the Europa Cup. The teenage central defender told the official site: "We've only had a little break but I think that's good for us. Being back now rather than having a long period of time not getting the football in, it just feels the same. It doesn't feel like you've missed out on anything, so it's good to be back early. "I finished last season so quite well, so obviously I'm looking to crack on and pick up from where I left off. "This European campaign gives everyone a good opportunity. Especially myself, I'm looking forward to it, having not played in the competition before. "I've played against different countries with the England age groups, so I'm used to teams from different countries playing in different ways. I think we'll be alright."

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West Ham turning a corner in Marseille negotiations for Dimitri Payet
getfootballnewsfrance.com

According to this morning's edition of L'Équipe, West Ham United appear to be turning a corner in the positive direction in their pursuit of Ligue 1's 2014/15 season top assist maker and Marseille attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet.

West Ham have offered the player a five year contract with the option to extend for a 6th year. The player would earn €2.5m a net as a base salary and is guaranteed €15m net over the period of five years. He would earn an appearance fee worth €14,000 per appearance.

West Ham's offer of €15m stands on Marseille's table at the time of writing, with OM needing to sell a player before the 30th June in order to comply with the deal agreed with the French football financial watchdog the DNCG which requires Marseille to balance their books or face punishments including docked points or even an automatic relegation.

They had hoped to have tied up a deal to sell Giannelli Imbula by now, but Valencia pulled out of the race after signing Rodrigo Caio and Inter Milan are getting cold feet despite agreeing a €20m deal for the player in principle. While it was understood that their deal with Monaco for Geoffrey Kondogbia would not affect their pursuit of Giannelli Imbula, it would appear that they might be trying to get a reduced price for Imbula as they know of Marseille's financial situation. Southampton in recent hours have been in contact with the player, but no bid has been made. Arsenal have indirectly sounded out the player's entourage through another agent, while Tottenham have a keen interest in the player but have yet to lodge a formal bid.

As for Florian Thauvin, Newcastle United made a €12m offer for the player in May and an unnamed side has now made an offer worth around €20m for the player in recent days. Thauvin has confirmed to Marseille that he has no interest in leaving the club this summer and rejected Newcastle's advances in May.

Marseille President Vincent Labrune's problem is that the sale of Florian Thauvin instead of Dimitri Payet would please Marcelo Bielsa more, the manager who has of course yet to sign a contract extension, with his current Marseille deal expiring in 6 days. A Payet departure might affect Bielsa's future in a way which would see the Marseille project implode.

Dimitri Payet and Marcelo Bielsa have an extremely close bond, the latter seeing the player as a crucial part of the team for next season and Payet very interested in remaining at Marseille for another season to work with Bielsa again, provided that he is offered a reasonable contract extension. A meeting took place yesterday regarding an extension and while there was no immediate agreement made, Payet's intentions were clear, he wishes to remain with Marseille.

If anything, Marseille's approach to the contract extension negotiations were less exuberant than Payet's camp would have liked, which might suggest that Marseille are seriously considering selling the player. Marseille is a jigsaw puzzle, but who will go first?

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Danny Murphy explains why West Ham need to take Europa League seriously
HITC
Lewis Doe

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has explained why he feels the Europa League is an important competition for West Ham. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy explained why he hopes West Ham take the Europa League seriously, when he appeared as a co-host on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show for talkSPORT. The draw for the Europa League qualifying round has been made and the Hammers have been drawn against FC Lusitans, with the first leg taking place on July 2 which means a very early start to the club's season. Murphy explained on talkSPORT how he feels the Europa League could be beneficial for West Ham as they look to progress under manager Slaven Bilic over the next ten months. "I hope West Ham take it seriously because if you have a decent run in that competition, it gets everyone excited and it gets the fans on board and they've got a decent squad so they can cope with it," he said.

Careful approach to qualifying

A careful approach to qualifying from Bilic is important considering the importance of the Europa League for West Ham this season. The competition creates obvious benefits for the club such as extra revenue, a higher level of competition and the ability to boast qualification as an asset when the club goes after players in the transfer market. Slipping up in qualifying would also be a terrible way for Bilic to begin his career at the club, instantly testing his popularity with fans.

Momentum could be useful

The opposite effect is that if West Ham can really put FC Lusitans under some pressure and play well, it gives the team positive momentum moving forward. That's going to be useful heading into the start of the Premier League season because first up is a very difficult game against Arsenal, where Bilic will need all of his players to be on top of their games.

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West Ham transfer news: Slaven Bilic closing in on £12m Dimitri Payet signing
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 24 June 2015 Updated: 11:57, 24 June 2015

West Ham remain confident they will sign winger Dimitri Payet from Marseille for £12 million by the end of the week. Jack Sullivan, son of co-chairman David Sullivan, yesterday tweeted: "We hope to announce a very large eight-figure deal within five days." Although some reports suggested today that the deal had been agreed for the 28-year-old, a club source said: "We're getting close but nothing has been done yet." Payet, who has 14 senior caps for France, had been offered an improved deal to remain at Marseille but it is understood he and his family are keen to move. Midfielder Pedro Obiang has already signed for £4.5m from Italian Serie A club Sampdoria. Meanwhile, Stewart Downing looks like staying despite reported interest from Sunderland.

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IRONS IN ADVANCED TALKS FOR RIGHT-BACK
West Ham are said to be in advances talks with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for the signing of Luis Advincula.
The right-back is a Peruvian international.
Michael Oliver
theironscircle.com

West Ham are said to be in advanced talks with Hoffenheim for the signing of right-back Luis Advincula, who spent last season on loan at Vitoria Setubal. Portuguese news outlet Record says that the Hammers, impressed by the player's performances at the Copa America this summer with Peru, have opened talks with the Bundesliga side over a possible transfer. The 25-year-old is made 27 appearances in all competitions on loan in Portugal last season, and the report claims that Advincula is set to leave as 'the chances of Advíncula return [to Vitoria Setubal] are practically nil'. Vitoria Setubal narrowly avoided relegation from the Primeira Liga last season, and Advincula is said to want to take the next step as a player and not return for a second loan spell despite their interest. Advincula has one more year left on his contract with Hoffenheim, who are eager to sell. With depth at fullback wearing thin for the Hammers, it's likely we'll see two new additions to the squad at that position, as Carl Jenkinson is set to re-join the club on another loan spell from Arsenal.

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Harry Redknapp: I had a bust up with Slaven Bilic at West Ham when Tottenham wanted him but I think he's a class act
Evening Standard
JOHN DILLON
Published: 24 June 2015 Updated: 11:12, 24 June 2015

Slaven Bilic has been given a head start in his new role as West Ham's manager because of the depth of the squad left to him by his predecessor, Sam Allardyce. That is the view of Harry Redknapp, who kick-started Croatian Bilic's special relationship with Upton Park by signing the elegant defender from Karlsruhe of Germany in 1996. Redknapp said: "I really like Slaven. He's really got something about him. He's confident and he's been on the big stage with Croatia – winning at Wembley in 2007. Those Croatian lads really are top drawer. They have real class about them. "It is a big job Slaven's got now and Sam has left him a decent squad. When they had Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia going well last season, West Ham were flying.
"There is a real nucleus there . If they can get Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal as well, they will be strong. I like the left-back, Aaron Cresswell. Winston Reid recently signed a new contract. And a lot of people were very impressed by Cheikhou Kouyate last season, too."

West Ham start the season early with a Europa League tie against Andorran minnows FC Lusitans on July 2. They have already signed 23-year-old midfielder Pedro Ibiang from Sampdoria this summer. Redknapp recalls that centre-back Bilic "smoked like a trooper," even in his playing days – and the habit hasn't changed. He also recalls a bust-up when he prevented a move to Tottenham, although Bilic moved on to Everton in 1997 after making 48 appearances in claret-and blue. The stay was brief but Bilic has returned to Upton Park with his cult hero status among the supporters undimmed. Redknapp added: "He fell out with his club in Germany so he came to train with us. After one session, we'd seen enough. He looked great. Straight away, he was organising, talking and bossing people about. Class. "After a year Tottenham came in. He had a get out at £3m. But it said we had to want to sell as well. So we we had a bust up over it for a while. He ended up signing a new deal and then Everton came in with a £4.5m offer. "I've heard it said that he might bring back former players like John Hartson and Julian Dicks along with his own Croatian staff. "Its good to get former players back and around the place. I did it with Tim Sherwood and Les Ferdinand at Spurs. "And I know one thing - with a bench featuring, Slaven, John Hartson and Dicksy, there will only be one lot of winners if it comes to a bit of aggro."

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Report: West Brom will make Demba Ba their highest paid player ever
HITC
Che Thomas

The Senegalese forward is also reportedly being chased by former club West Ham. Former Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham striker Demba Ba is being heavily linked with a switch back to the Premier League this summer, and West Brom are eager to steal in front of his other suitors by offering the 30-year-old the highest wages in their history, according to the Express and Star.
On top of that, they may well be prepared to break their transfer record in order to match the £10 million bid Shanghai Shenhua have already made for the Besiktas striker. The Mirror reported last week that the Hammers are also interested in Ba, with his Besiktas boss Slaven Bilic now in charge at Upton Park. It remains to be seen whether Bilic would agree to impact his transfer budget and wage budget for the player, but it is clear a forward is on their list of priorities considering Charlie Austin is also being pursued. Well, the forward had a fairly nomadic career in England, taking in three different clubs in five seasons, but he managed to find the net regularly, even scoring key goals when occupying a bit part role at Stamford Bridge. 43 league goals in 93 league matches is a very good ratio for any side looking to stregthen their attacking areas, and Ba followed that up with an outstanding season in Turkey where he scored 27 goals for Besiktas - his highest ever total in a single campaign and proof that he can be formidable if he is given the right service and regular playtime.
With the Baggies having to rely on Saido Berahino for large portions of last season, Ba would certainly be another quality addition up top, as doubts remain over the future of Victor Anichebe and Brown Ideye.

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Stewart Downing: Sunderland's £5m bid 'rejected by West Ham'
09:53, 24 JUNE 2015
BY DOMINIC SHAW
GazetteLive.co.uk

West Ham United have rebuffed a £5m offer from Sunderland for Stewart Downing, according to reports. New Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat identified the Boro-born flanker as a priority target this summer as he looks to strengthen his squad. The Dutchman, who extended his stay at the Stadium of Light after keeping the Black Cats in the Premier League last season, is believed to be ready to test West Ham's resolve further with an improved bid for the 31-year-old. Downing has two years left on his contract with the Hammers and is believed to earn in the region of £70,000 a week. The flanker impressed on loan at Sunderland early in his career, making seven appearances before heading back down the A19 to Boro and bursting into the first-team fold as a teenager. Despite an excellent season last time out, particularly in the first half of the campaign when he was employed in the hole behind the striker, new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is believed to be ready to cash in on the gifted midfielder, who has been capped 35 times for England. The Hammers are reportedly closing in on a £17m move for Marseille wideman Dimitri Payet.
Reports that Boro were ready to go head-to-head with Sunderland in a battle for Downing's signature sparked excitement earlier this week. But, as the Gazette reported yesterday, it would take a bank busting package to bring him back to the Riverside. Downing is believed to be keen on a move back to his native North-East after spells at Aston Villa and Liverpool before he joined the Hammers.

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Can £10.5 million West Ham flop Matt Jarvis reignite his stuttering career under Slaven Bilic?
HITC

Expensive flop Matt Jarvis could get a new lease of life under the more attack-minded Slaven Bilic and rescue his West Ham United career. When Matt Jarvis was signed for £10.5 million from Wolverhapton Wanderers in 2012 to provide the ammunition for fellow new signing Andy Carroll, many saw it as a match made in heaven. But so far the ex-Gillingham man has been a major disappointment at Upton Park scoring just four times in 75 appearances over three years and rarely setting up Carroll or his fellow strikers for goals. Things started pretty well for the pacy winger under Sam Allardyce and the team initially utilised his speed to keep opposition defences on the back foot. But his form dipped along with his confidence and he has never recovered since, being marginalised to a bit-part role last season when he made just 11 appearances for the East Londoners, mostly as a sub. Whether it is the big price tag, the fact he is right footed and was being played on the left by Allardyce or just that he needed a run of games to rediscover his form, Jarvis has struggled badly at the Boleyn Ground. According to teammate Mark Noble it had nothing to do with a lack of effort, the midfielder revealing at the end of last season that 'no player works harder than Matt Jarvis at West Ham'. Jarvis was linked with moves to the likes of West Bromich Albion, Cardiff and Queens Park Rangers in January - as per the Daily Mail. He even had a late loan switch to Loftus Road scuppered by Premier League rules when Harry Redknapp tried to send Mauro Zarate back to West Ham. At 29-years-old, it is unlikely West Ham will be able to recoup anything like the money they paid for the one-time England international, given that he still has two years to run on his Hammers deal. So could that pave the way for him to reignite his career in East London where Bilic, known for his use of wingers and attacking style, will be needing a big squad given the extra games they will play as a result of their Europa League qualification? Speaking to West Ham's official website, Jarvis insists he is feeling positive after returning to pre-season training with his teammates this week ahead of the club's first Europa League match next Thursday.
"I am looking forward to playing under the new manager," he told whufc.com. "We will get to meet him this week and hopefully it will be very exciting. "I am looking to have a big season. I was a bit disappointed last year but hopefully I will be able to kick-start (my career) this season.

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Hammers speak out on 'Payet's signed' report
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 24, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Reports that West Ham have agreed a deal with Marseilles for Dimitri Payet have been knocked back by Boleyn sources this morning. The Daily Mail reported we had got our man at a fee of around £12 million but ClaretandHugh has been told by a top Irons source the deal is still in the balance although "we are getting closer. Our source said: "We are probably about 70 per cent towards concluding the deal but there's no way the deal's been done at this stage. "We are getting closer but to be perfectly honest with you, it's a bit like pulling teeth."

The Mail's story had claimed: West Ham have agreed a £12 million deal with Marseille for midfielder Dimitri Payet but have rejected a £5 million offer from Sunderland for Stewart Dowing ( reported here two days ago). It added: 'Payet was offered new terms by Marseille over the weekend in a bid to keep him at the club, but his family are keen on a move to London. The 28-year-old was due to take a big drop in wages owing to Marseille being out of the Champions League and the club's offer was an attempt to redress that.'

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Report: West Ham could join Newcastle in race to sign Georginio Wijnaldum
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham are reportedly considering a move for PSV Eindhoven star Georginio Wijnaldum. According to the Daily Mail, West Ham United could join Newcastle in the race to sign PSV Eindhoven playmaker Georginio Wijnaldum. Wijnaldum, 24, racked up 18 goals and five assists last season as PSV ended Ajax's dominance at the top of the Eredivisie, winning the title by a whopping 17 points. PSV have already felt the force of their success by losing winger Memphis Depay to Manchester United, and could now lose Wijnaldum too. The Daily Mail believe that Sunderland are set to lodge an £11m bid to land the Dutch international - but face stern competition from a host of Premier League rivals. The report states that Newcastle are ready to rival their North East counterparts, whilst the likes of Southampton, Sunderland and West Ham could also join the race to sign him, with the player reportedly keen to make the move to the Premier League - despite PSV qualifying for the Champions League.

Is Wijnaldum aiming too low?

Wijnaldum has proven himself as one of the top players in the Netherlands, and whilst many have questions over the validity of success in the Eredivisie. He could be playing in the Champions League next season, but instead he could be on his way to a mid-table Premier League club - which seems far too low for his ability. Wijnaldum should be aiming to join a top six side before looking at the likes of Sunderland and Newcastle, who narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season. Yet if any of those clubs can land Wijnaldum this summer, they will see him as a massive coup - and a sign of the Premier League's ever-growing pulling power.

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ExWHUemployee's first ClaretandHugh column
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 24, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

ExWHUemployee will need no introduction to those of you who regularly use Twitter. Ex has built-up a great reputation for bringing on the money inside information on all things West Ham United and today he joins ClaretandHugh. He will regularly be bringing top news and is another top signing for your top site. Welcome aboard Ex!

Follow Ex on Twitter at @ExWHUemployee

I am delighted to be writing my first guest column for Claret and Hugh and my first anywhere in what seems like ages.

Well the appointment of Bilic has came and gone and was a very long drawn out process. Talks with the new manager "unofficially" started in February when he was first identified as a potential candidate. Whilst these talks were obviously denied by all parties it is fair to say both sides knew of the mutual interest. The club did have some doubts about him and had other well documented candidates that they were considering, Emery, Moyes, Biesla and Rafa being the obvious ones.

Had Real Madrid not made their move we may well be sitting here with a very different situation on our hands. It is believed that even during the interview process with Bilic he became unhappy with some of the questions he was asked but now has the full backing of the board. The club are fully aware that they cannot have another Sam situation so I expect there to be a strong effort by everybody involved to give unstinting support for their new manager.

The backroom staff are all awaiting work permits which is why there hasn't been any formal announcements yet! Once they are all received then Slaven will start to work out which "ex players" he will add to the staff. John Hartson I am reliably informed is the front runner for the attacking coach with Steve Potts also likely to play a role. Chris Woods, the ex England goalkeeper, has obviously already been appointed.

Those that have been following my tweets will know that we have a good idea of the targets and players that we are after. Payet, is a tricky situation with one report this morning claiming he has signed at £12 million. The offer has certainly been made and a large down payment plus bonuses to the club and him involved. The club believe that he can be convinced. That may already be the case and we could hear officially later today.

I would be very surprised if Carl Jenkinson doesn't return to us on loan. Sunderland fans were very quick on twitter to tell me he had joined them and I had no sources but then we'd expect that.We shall see if this is the case when he returns from England under 21 duty.

We are also strongly after Alex Song for what appears to be a knocked down price. The problem is that there are a number of clubs that are after him as he is classified as "home grown" and clubs now need to fill a quota. Once more the club remain confident that he can be tied down to a deal. There are other players on the target list which I have tweeted about but none are close at this time.

I was quick to dismiss reports on social media that Stuart Downing was on his way to Middlesborough or Sunderland. There is no intention from the club to sell a player they believe can recapture the form he showed before Christmas. There are not likely to be many player departures but should acceptable offers come in for Jarvis, Maiga and Nolan these would be entertained.

O I like the new home kit and the away kit is equally as nice. It is the classic light blue strip with claret hoops! This should be introduced in time for our first European game for which I cant wait. It is brilliant that the season is starting so early for us and a chance for our young prospects to show their worth in the first few games.

I expect there to be a youthful side put out with some of the more experienced players who need games involved. Expect to see those who need a settling-in period or are returning from injury. I also reckon (although I do not know at this stage) that Randolph, Tomkins, O'Brien, Hendrie, Jarvis, Nolan, Almalfitano and Sakho will be some of the more experienced players who will feature.

Keep following Claret and Hugh or my twitter feed for regular updates on the club.

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Report: West Ham end interest in Loic Remy, Bilic backs Andy Carroll instead
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham have reportedly ended their interest in signing Loic Remy. According to the Daily Mirror, Slaven Bilic has pulled the plug on West Ham's interest in Chelsea striker Loic Remy - and The Telegraph believe he could now turn to Andy Carroll. Bilic has already overseen one signing in midfielder Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria, and has been heavily linked with a move to sign Remy. The French international striker played as a second choice behind Diego Costa for Chelsea last season, but The Guardian believe the 28-year-old could leave in search of first team football, with a place in France's Euro 2016 squad on the line. Ever since Bilic's arrival, Remy has been linked with a move to Upton Park, with the Daily Mail reporting that the striker was Bilic's first target. However, The Mirror now believe that Bilic has ended West Ham's interest in Remy in order to focus on other positions - and a report from The Telegraph states that the Croatian will look to give existing Hammers striker Andy Carroll a chance to shine despite an enquiry from former club Newcastle.

The right decision?

Bilic's decision not to pursue Remy could give Mauro Zarate another chance at West Ham, with only Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and the aforementioned Carroll able to play up front.
Those three forwards give Bilic a blend of athleticism, pace and aerial ability, giving him a number of possible combinations to use them in. Remy could be seen as being similar to Valencia given his pace, and with Carroll's game-changing ability in the air, this could be a smart move from Bilic - if Carroll can stay fit.

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IS IT TIME TO SELL STEWART DOWNING?
By Iain Dale 24 Jun 2015 at 07:48
West Ham Till I Die

The Stewart Downing rumour mill is in full swing with suggestions that he may be a target for Sunderland, or even his previous club Middlesbrough. I'm slightly torn on this one. When he's played in a hole behind the front two he can show some great form, but stick him out on the wing and he looks lost. And if Dimitri Payet does eventually arrive Downing will look surplus to requirements.

Or will he?

We could end up playing more than 60 matches this season if we do well in the Europa League and and any sort of run in either of the domestic cup competitions. Our midfield lineups will be crucial here and we will need two quality players for each position. In Downing and Payet we would have two quality players who can play either in central midfield or on the wings. If any wide player has to be sacrificed, surely it has to be Matt Jarvis, who has never really establsihed himself in the first team, or troubled the scorers. Sure, he has had the odd really good game, but has he shown that he is a £10 million player? No, he hasn't. I feel that we'd be lucky to recoup £3 million of that in today's transfer market. Downing, on the other hand, rediscovered his scoring boots last season and if we sold him we'd undoubtedly recoup most of the money we paid for him, thought to be around £6 million.

Payet, Amalfitano and Downing would make quite a tasty threesome for Slaven Bilic to choose from. I don't for one moment think we have seen the best of Amalfitano yet. Last season he never really had a run in the team, but in most of his appearances he really showed something. Again, he seems to be able to play anywhere across the front three.

There are also rumours that we may be in for Andros Townsend. I like him as a player and he has scored some superb goals for England, but is he worth the £15 million Spurs are apparently asking? Well, Roy Hodgson certainly seems to thinks so, but if we are paying £14 million for Payet I really can't see us signing Townsend as well.

So. Stewart Downing. Stick or twist?

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West Ham transfer front page news in France, offer difficult to refuse, £10.7m bid
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on June 24, 2015 at 5:37 in Sport Witness Football

It's not often we see West Ham United transfer news take over the front page of France's L'Equipe newspaper but that's the case on Wednesday as a move for Dimitri Payet really kicks off. The London club have been linked with Payet repeatedly both by the British and French media but things have accelerated and a deal may not be too far away.

Marseille's self harming austerity plan has already seen them lose some of their best players on free transfers over the past couple of summers and now they also need to raise cash. It's a really difficult situation and whilst some in charge at Marseille seem to be quite proud of their response to the club's financial problems, the planning has been appalling. The worst thing that can happen to a club in financial difficult is to lose valuable assets for nothing and this summer has already seen Andre Ayew and André-Pierre Gignac depart the club as their contracts ended.

Payet's wages recently automatically dropped because of where Marseille finished in the league and to remain with Marseille he'd wanted contract talks but the two sides can't come close to agreement. What has made it more difficult say L'Equipe is West Ham, and agent Willie McKay working on their behalf. An offer of €2.5m per year after tax has been made and that would be on a five year contract for the 28 year old attacking midfielder. West Ham have also increased their offer for Payet from €11m to €15m, which works out to be around £10.7m - they haven't had a response yet.

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'It's not true!' £10m Palace and West Ham target denies Monaco deal
06:00 24 June 2015 Jack Green
London 24

Roma striker Mattia Destro has denied claims that he has joined Monaco, opening the door for Crystal Palace and West Ham. R Reports in Italy have linked the Italian international with a move to the Premier League in the past week after AC Milan turned down the chance to sign him. After a year-long loan at the San Siro, Destro had an option in his contract to make his move permanent for €18m but the Rossoneri decided to look elsewhere for a new striker. Several Italian news outlets including La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Monaco were closing in on a €14m (£10m) deal to sign the 24-year-old, but he has since taken to social media to deny those claims. "Many of you are asking about Monaco. Some claim I have already signed. It's not true!!! If there is something, you will know about it here," he wrote on his Twitter page. With his move to Monaco not yet finalised, Destro remains a target for both Crystal Palace and West Ham. Both sides are keen to add some firepower to their squads after they relied heavily on a limited number of attackers last season. Destro is the second player that both Palace and the Hammers have been linked with this summer. According to reports earlier this month they were set to do battle over PSG midfielder Yohan Cabaye, although speculation has gone quiet on that front.

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West Ham & West Brom target Demba Ba will only accept Premier League move
Posted by Emre Sarigul June 24, 2015
turkish-football.com

Besiktas striker Demba Ba will only consider leaving the club for the Premier League according to NTV Spor. Black Eagles vice-president Ahmet Nur Çebi recently revealed that the club would only consider selling Ba if his €14 million asked price is matched. Chinese giants Shanghai Shenhua are reported to have made a €14 million bid for the Senegalese international but Ba refused to enter into negotiations. Besiktas board member Ahmet Ürkmezgil confirmed that the club have received a bid matching their asking price for Ba. "Nothing has been agreed yet the Chinese side wants him for and have made us an offer of €14 million but nothing has been finalised as of yet," Ürkmezgil told Radyospor. Ba still has two-years left on his contract with Besiktas and scored a career high 27 goals in his first season at the club after joining from Chelsea last summer. The Senegalese international has stated that he would return to the Premier League but he has settled in well at Besiktas and head coach Senol Günes is keen on keeping him at the club. "The fans in Turkey are very passionate and create a great atmosphere but it is no secret that the standard of football is of a lower quality than in England," Ba told World Soccer. "The way I left Chelsea was not ideal but that's life. I am still young and I believe I have another big move left in my career. The Premier League interests me and I am keeping my options open." Ba does have interest from the Premier League with both West Ham and West Brom set to make a move for the experienced striker according to the Times.

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Darren Randolph on the possibility that West Ham should be aiming for
HITC
Lewis Doe

West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph is looking forward to playing in Europe with the Hammers. New West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph told West Ham TV why he feels the Europa League will be a brilliant experience for the club, suggesting the side should be aiming to win the competition. The Hammers learned who their opponents would be in the qualifying round for the competition earlier this week, with FC Lusitans standing between the East Londoners and a place in the Europa League group stage. If the club can qualify, Randolph holds no doubt over what it means for the Hammers as they go about looking for some success in Slaven Bilic's first season in charge. "I had a little taster at Motherwell for two seasons in the Europa League and I thought it was brilliant; getting to travel and play against different teams and getting those experiences," he told WHTV. "It's brilliant and it's just brilliant to be here with West Ham – The Champions League is definitely a possibility and something that we should look towards."

Europa League worries

There are reasons to be cautious for West Ham in relation to the Europa League such as the extensive travelling and the short turnaround time between matches. However, Randolph doesn't seem to feel that will be a problem, with the travelling something the club should be looking forward to rather than fearing. The worry with travelling is the fatigue which is created as a result and Bilic needs to work hard over the summer to increase the size of his squad to cope with the higher volume of matches. Getting a place in the Champions League for next season would be fantastic for the Hammers, but it won't be the club's main priority over the season. The main aim will be consolidation and improvement in the Premier League and if the club can go on a good run in the Europa League, the FA Cup or the League Cup, Bilic will take that as a bonus.

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Report: £12m West Ham agreement for Dmitri Payet claimed, but is deal not quite there yet?
HITC
Dan Coombs

West Ham have reportedly won over Marseille for target Dmitri Payet. The Mail claim West Ham United have agreed a deal for top transfer target Dmitri Payet. The report discussing the futures of Payet at Florian Thauvin claims the Hammers have managed to convince Marseille to accept a £12 million offer. The future of the player would therefore rest with Payet himself, who held talks with the Ligue 1 side over extending his contract. Always reported to be available at the right price despite West Ham's clear intent to sign him, the issue has been quite what the fee would be and whether the Hammers would pay up.

Why fans should be cautious

The reasons The Mail's report does not quite stack up are two-fold. Firstly The Guardian reported 24 hours earlier that the Hammers were set to submit a higher offer of £14 million. French newspaper L'Equipe also reported the same news, but suggested Marseille may still not be swayed to lose a player who was integral to their success last season, providing 16 assists.
GetFootballNews France reported late last night that a new report will be published in Wednesday's L'Equipe, confirming intensifying interest from West Ham, but insistent no deal is agreed.
Their latest update is perhaps encouraging for West Ham fans that they are close to signing Payet, but opposing the report in The Mail, it may not be quite there just yet.

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West Ham agree £12m fee for Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet as Sunderland look to lure Stewart Downing away from London
By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:36, 23 June 2015 | UPDATED: 22:56, 23 June 2015

West Ham have agreed a £12million deal with Marseille for midfielder Dimitri Payet but have rejected a £5m offer from Sunderland for Stewart Downing. Payet was offered new terms by Marseille over the weekend in a bid to keep him at the club, but his family are keen on a move to London. The 28-year-old was due to take a big drop in wages owing to Marseille being out of the Champions League and the club's offer was an attempt to redress that. However, it appears West Ham have finally got their man after weeks of talks with the Ligue 1 side. West Ham are looking to bolster their squad this summer as try to juggle both Europa League and Premier League football this season. And the Hammers have been quick to reject a £5m offer for midfielder Downing from Premier League rivals Sunderland as they look to avoid another relegation scrap. Downing spent a spell on loan at the Stadium of Light in 2003 and Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat is keen on bringing him back.

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West Ham 'agree £12million fee with Marseille as Dimitri Payet edges closer to a transfer'
George Bellshaw for Metro.co.uk
Wednesday 24 Jun 2015 7:14 am

West Ham have agreed a £12million fee with Marseille as Dimitri Payet edges closer to a transfer. The Hammers were further boosted by the French international turning down a new deal at the Ligue 1 side over the weekend. The 28-year-old was unhappy with the terms offered by the club and his family want to move to London, according to the Mail. After weeks of talks with Marseille it looks as if West Ham have finally got their man following lengthy negotiations.

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