Daily WHUFC News - II 23rd July 2015

Bilic urges Hammers to keep their cool
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has urged his players to keep their cool during Thursday's UEFA Europa League second qualifying round second leg tie with Birkirkara FC. With temperatures hovering around 35C (95F) in Malta and a large and vociferous home crowd expected at the Ta' Qali National Stadium, the Stripes will do everything they can to overcome their 1-0 first-leg deficit. However, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Bilic has said his Hammers will prepare for the heat, humidity and atmosphere, while also warning his players not to become involved in any situations similar to that which saw Diafra Sakho sent-off in the first qualifying round win over Andorrans FC Lusitans.

Slaven, can we start with your team news please?

SB: "It's a good situation. Still we are not complete, because some players have stayed in London and then join the pre-season later than rest of the guys. They played for their national team or the Under-21s or at the Copa America. "It's much different than the Andorra game, when we were having two squads, as now we have one team. Five or six players stayed in London and had a good training session on Wednesday, and they will train on Thursday with the Under-21s with Terry Westley. We have a good team here with us and we are looking forward to tomorrow's game."

How do you see the tie after the first leg, seeing as you don't have a decisive advantage?

SB: "Well the score was not ideal, to be fair, and we were hoping to have one more goal. Before that game I didn't dream it would be like the Andorra kind of a game. I played a few times against Maltese teams and against the national team, and Croatia drew 1-1 once here when I was Under-21s. We are still the favourite and are better than them, but the gap is closing. "We are better than them of course, and to get a better result than 1-0 we should have scored earlier which I think we deserved, but at the end, we have a positive result. I am sure that it should be enough especially if we score a goal here, which we will try to do, and our team is capable of."

After what happened with Diafra Sakho in Andorra, when he was sent-off for retaliating to provocation, will you be telling your team to keep their heads?

SB: "I don't it will be very hostile atmosphere here. The people are nice are very here, we are expecting that. Our players play in the Premier League and a lot of them are internationals.
"I will tell them, but it's pointless to warm them about the pressures and the referees when they face that week out, week in all their careers. Of course, we don't want that."

Finally, you trained at the Ta' Qali National Stadium on Wednesday evening and it was still very hot and humid. Will the heat be a factor?

SB: "The heat is a problem, you cannot get used to this heat, no matter how much you read in the papers, until the moment you land. I spoke to my family and kids in Croatia and there it's the same. They tell me 'Dad, it's going to be 37-38 degrees, but when we came it is like a sauna. "That will be a problem for us, but we are experienced enough and we are good enough that with the greatest respect to the Maltese team, at least 70% we are going to be the ones who dictate the tempo of the game, and we should be capable of keeping the ball and not go crazy in terms of running. "However, the heat is their advantage, because they live in those weather conditions and we don't."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini: it's been emotional
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd July 2015
By: Staff Writer

New signing Manuel Lanzini believes he has taken "a very important step" by signing for West Ham United on a season-long loan. The 22-year-old Argentine finally completed his move to east London yesterday following weeks of speculation. And former River Plate Lanzini - who joins via UAE side Al Jazira - insists that he can't wait to get started. "This is very emotional because it is one of the best teams I have ever signed for. It is a very important step for my career and for my future," he told whufc.tv. "This is a new challenge and that can only help in the future. "I am looking forward to what is a new era for me. I'm very happy and I look forward to meeting my new teammates. It will test my ability in one of the best leagues in the world, I'm looking forward to getting started and I hope to give my maximum for the fans."

Meanwhiel Lanzini's arrival was welcomed by Slaven Bilic, who revealed that he had been tracking the forward for nearly two years. "I wanted to take him to Besiktas but it was very difficult," revealed Bilic. "We were close, but now the chance to get him came. "He's going to help us a lot. He's going to add even more creativity in the crucial parts of the pitch. I am confident and I'm hopeful that he can adapt. "Now you have deep playmakers like Pirlo or Modric, and then playmakers between the lines - Silva and Payet, for example. He's more that guy, he can play on the left, he can play all positions behind the striker."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold refuses to rule out Sakho sale
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd July 2015
By: Staff Writer

David Gold has claimed that West Ham are not planning to part company with Diafra Sakho - without completely ruling out the sale of the in-form striker. Last week the 25-year-old, who scored 12 goals in his first season in the Premier League was linked with a £15million move to Manchester United. And when questioned about the possibility of the Senegal international leaving the Boleyn Ground this summer, just 12 months after signing from Metz in a cut-price £4million deal, Gold insisted on hedging his bets by refusing to rule anything out. Hammers fan Peter Morris asked the club's co-owner on Twitter: What's the likelihood of us selling Sakho?" - to which the 78-year-old simply replied: "There are no plans to sell Sakho."
The striker has not travelled to Malta with the rest of his team mates as he is currently serving a three-match European suspension, having been sent off in the 1-0 win in Andorra against Lusitanos in the previous round. West Ham face Birkirkara in the second leg of their Europa League, second qualifying round tie in Malta tonight.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could 'the Croatian Messi' be next?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd July 2015
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic is keeping a close eye on the situation regarding young Barcelona star Alen Halilovic. 19-year-old Halilovic made the move of a lifetime last season when he switched allegiance from Dinamo Zagreb to Barcelona for a fee in the region of €2million. And although he signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, the seven times-capped Croatian international is already being linked with a move away from the Nou Camp - with Real Betis and West Ham strongly linked with a move for the player. Halilovic failed to make more than a single first team appearance for Barcelona last season, but was a regular fixture in the club's 'B' team (for whom he played on 30 occasions). Despite his lack of involvement at first team level he was still involved in two European Championship qualifiers for his nation. Having started his career with Zagreb, the attacking midfielder made history when he became the club's youngest player at the age of 16 years and 112 days. Later in the season he became the youngest Zagreb player to feature in the Champions League, and by playing became the second-youngest player ever to feature in the competition. Both West Ham and Betis are understood to be keen to take Halilovic on a season-long loan.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic confident of Europa League progress against Birkirkara
Last Updated: 23/07/15 11:44am
SSN

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes his side are still clear favourites heading into their Europa League second qualifying round second-leg clash with Birkirkara. James Tomkins' 90th-minute strike in the first leg at Upton Park is the only difference between the two sides, as the Premier League outfit struggled to break down their Maltese opposition.
While wary of their precarious situation and the danger posed by Birkirkara compared to Andorran side Lusitans – who they played in the first round - Bilic is still confident his side will progress on Thursday night. "Well the score was not ideal, to be fair, and we were hoping to have one more goal," he told reporters in a press conference. "Before that game I didn't dream it would be like the Andorra kind of a game. "I played a few times against Maltese teams and against the national team, and Croatia drew 1-1 once here when I was (playing for the) Under-21s.
"We are still the favourite and are better than them, but the gap is closing. "We are better than them of course, and to get a better result than 1-0 we should have scored earlier which I think we deserved, but at the end, we have a positive result. "I am sure that it should be enough especially if we score a goal here, which we will try to do, and our team is capable of."
Midfielder Mark Noble believes the heat will be a challenge for the visitors – and while they have been training in the Ta'Qali National Stadium to get used to the climate, Bilic agrees it will be tough going for his players. "The heat is a problem, you cannot get used to this heat, no matter how much you read in the papers, until the moment you land," he said.

A look ahead to Thursday's Europa League second qualifying second-leg clash in Malta. "I spoke to my family and kids in Croatia and there it's the same. They tell me 'Dad, it's going to be 37-38 degrees', but when we came it is like a sauna. "That will be a problem for us, but we are experienced enough and we are good enough that, with the greatest respect to the Maltese team, at least 70 per cent we are going to be the ones who dictate the tempo of the game, and we should be capable of keeping the ball and not go crazy in terms of running. "However, the heat is their advantage, because they live in those weather conditions and we don't."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beware! There's still one player we really need
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham have secured some exciting looking signings this summer. This week Argentine starlet Manuel Lanzini became the seventh following Dimitri Payet, Angel Ogbonna ,Pedro Obiang,Carl Jenkinson Stephen Hendrie and Darren Randolph. On the face of it the squad has been significantly strengthened and with Slaven Bilic also prepared to consider some of the impressive young talent coming through there is an exciting feeling about the 'New Hammers' in the wake of dire last days of the Sam Allardyce regime. But beware. This is exactly the stage of the season when the majority of fans around the country are most optimistic ….just before the season has actually started.

And one of the reasons for some caution is that with the exception of Jenkinson, who continues his loan spell from Arsenal, none of the above have Premier League experience and four have yet to sample the different environment of British football. As Manchester United discovered last season even players with the highest international reputation and natural talent – Radamal Falcao and Angel di Maria – can find it hard to adapt let alone hit the ground running in the Premier League. Which is why, I feel, West Ham should go for an eight signing, a player who has the pedigree to solve profligacy in the final third and make the Hammers a force and lure a player from just down the road. I am talking here about Charlie Austin.

Newcastle and Aston Villa are the latest clubs to move in for the 26 year old centre forward who relegated QPR will sell for £15 million which in current currency is a bargain for a striker.
It's half what Liverpool have paid for Christian Benteke. A quarter of what has been suggested Manchester City, yes seriously, may pay for Kevin de Bruyne. Austin scored 18 goals for Rangers last season an impressive return in a struggling team and did enough to force his way into England contention. Having worked his way back up the ranks from non league after rejection at Reading he would seem to have just the sort of character and hunger the Hammers need upfront not to mention a wide range of finishing ability. And of course he comes with full service history. Look at his CV and see how every time he had faced a new challenge he grasps the nettle and hits the back of the net. Newcastle and Villa are the sort of the teams West Ham need to better than if they are to be a top ten team knocking on the door of the "Big Six". So why let them land Austin, who would, I understand, prefer to live in the London area.
If the fee is a problem given the expense so far on the new players then surely a deal could be done with some of the West Ham players who would now seem surplus to requirements being offered to Rangers in exchange or sold off elsewhere . Given Andy Carroll's latest injury set back it's hard to see him returning and being a significant feature in the future of West Ham under Bilic. Austin on the other hand has the powers to give the Hammers the extra dimension upfront they need.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked with Barcelona starlet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are tracking Barcelona starlet Alen Halilovic according to the Spanish media this morning. Barcelona secured the signature of the Croatian youngster last summer however, the 19-year-old has made just one appearance in the senior team and spent most of last season playing for Barcelona B, who were relegated to the Segunda B Division. The Barcelona youngster is believed to be considering his options for next season as he is unlikely to play much first team football for the senior team. The Catalan daily Sport claim West Ham are interested in signing him on loan this summer. It has been claimed that Halilovic is open to a move to the Boleyn Ground next season because of the presence of Slaven Bilic, who has recommended the youngster to the West Ham board. The paper claims that the Hammers are set to act on their interest in the 19-year-old playmaker and are claimed to be ready to make a concrete offer in the next few weeks. The Spanish press claim Barcelona are unlikely to sell him this summer, they are open to the idea of loaning him out and could consider an offer from West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked with Crystal Palace winger
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Sky Sports News are reporting that West Ham are one of three Premier League clubs to have made enquiries to Crystal Palace regarding the availability of Yannick Bolasie. Spurs and Aston Villa are claimed to be the other two clubs. Sky Sports News claim Palace have braced themselves to receive official bids for the winger from at least two of the interested parties over the coming days. Alan Pardew is said to have slapped a £40m price tag on Bolasie to scare clubs off The 26-year-old scored four goals for the Eagles last season, is contracted to Selhurst Park until the summer of 2017. The big question is whether West Ham need another winger. We at Claret and Hugh won't be taking this rumour too seriously.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid: Playing in Europe was one of the things I wanted to do and I felt I could achieve it with West Ham
West Ham hold 1-0 lead from the second qualifying round first-leg
Winston Reid hopes his side can go as far as possible in the competition
Reid had European football in mind with he agreed Hammers extension
By LUKE AUGUSTUS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 13:34, 23 July 2015 | UPDATED: 13:35, 23 July 2015

Winston Reid feels his decision to remain at West Ham has been justified as the club look to progress further in European football. The 26-year-old put pen to paper on a six-and-a-half-year contract in March as speculation over his future grew - with Tottenham and Arsenal linked with the defender last season. Playing European football was one thing that the New Zealand international wanted to taste once more – having done so as a youngster for Danish side FC Midtjylland in 2007 and 2008. Reid made his European debut for the Hammers on July 16 in a 1-0 win over Maltese outfit Birkirkara in the first leg of their Europa League second round qualifying encounter – courtesy of James Tomkins' 90th minute goal. And speaking ahead of the return leg in Malta, the defender is focused on helping West Ham progress as far as possible in the competition – starting with Thursday's clash at the Ta' Qali National Stadium. 'Yes, playing in Europe was one of the things I wanted to do and I felt I could achieve it with this club,' he said on Wednesday at the Premier League side's pre-match press conference. 'These first few rounds are tough games against teams we are not really used to, but we want to progress and reach the group stage, obviously. 'I think we have shown by our dedication and training that we aim to do that and I am sure, come Thursday night, we will go out there and put in a professional performance.' West Ham go into the second leg as strong favourites but know it's not just their Birkirkara opponents that they will have to contend with at kick-off. Temperatures in the Maltese town are set to hit 30C (86F) with Upton Park boss Slaven Bilic comparing the humid conditions to a 'sauna'.

Reid echoed his manager's sentiments describing the heat and humidity as 'walking into a brick wall,' but having played in the Middle East, South Africa and China before he is confident that he and his team-mates will be able to adjust come game time. 'I think we are going to have to manage the game in the heat and use our experience and it's just one of those things you have to deal with,' the defender added. 'It's a factor and we have to make sure we manage how it affects us and we'll do our best to do so. 'Getting off the plane it was like walking into a brick wall. It's just one of those things. We knew it was going to be a hot place to come to and we will feel how it is in our training session, so we will see how it is for the game.
'I have played competitive matches in heat before and it is a factor, but we are professional you don't have to worry about it too much. We'll prepare for it, hydrate as well as we can and, come game time, we will be ready for the game.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic admits new West Ham signing Manuel Lanzini isn't very strong but backs him to succeed
HITC
Damien Lucas

Slaven Bilic concedes he has taken a gamble on new West Ham United signing Manuel Lanzini adapting to the Premier League but is backing him to do just that. Speaking after making the young Argentine playmaker his seventh signing of a busy summer, Bilic told West Ham's official website he might have 'hit the jackpot' by securing his capture. The 22-year-old was another in a long line of skilful Argentinians who were likened to Lionel Messi when he broke through at River Plate as a 17-year-old. The tricky ace, nicknamed 'the Jewel', has a very similar style to Manchester United's Angel Di Maria but somewhat bizarrely spent last season playing in the footballing backwater that is the UAE Arabian Gulf League for Al Jazira.

Slightly built

Lanzini, who is very slightly built, may struggle with the rigors of the English game according to his new boss, but Bilic - who has been chasing the player for the last two years while manager of Besiktas - has backed him to be a success. "He's going to add even more creativity in the crucial parts of the pitch," Bilic told whufc.com. "I am confident and I'm hopeful that he can adapt. We're going to see. He's not very strong but he rides challenges, he doesn't go down. "So I hope he could be bingo for us. I am really hopeful and I think I have a feeling that he's going to help us a lot."

Honour of number 10 shirt at River Plate impressed new boss

Bilic was impressed by the fact Lanzini took on the pressure of the famous number 10 shirt at a massive club like River Plate at a young age. The former Croatia boss said Lanzini can play in any positions in the final third including off the main striker and hopes he can add more creativity like fellow signing Dimitri Payet. But Bilic was reluctant to put his new signing under too much pressure when asked how he compares to other playmakers he has managed, such as Luka Modric, saying he must be given time to find his feet.

Busy Hammers

Lanzini is the latest signing in what has been a busy summer in east London. So far the Hammers have brought in goalkeeper Darren Randolph on a free transfer, midfielders Pedro Obiang and Payet for a combined total of around £15 million, defender Angelo Ogbonna for around £8 million and Carl Jenkinson in on loan again from Arsenal for a fee believed to be £2 million. The Irons had already signed left back Stephen Hendrie from Scottish side Hamilton back in January and he officially became a West Ham player on July 1st.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Italian magazine labels Juventus' sale of Ogbonna to West Ham a 'masterpiece'
HITC
Stephen Pickering

Juventus have been praised for selling Angelo Ogbonna to West Ham United for such a high price. Italian magazine Guerin Sportivo praised Juventus for selling Angelo Ogbonna to West Ham United for such a high price, dubbing the deal 'a masterpiece'. The sports magazine, which has been established in Italy for over one hundred years, also commented on how most of Europe's top sides have got weaker of the course of the summer and praised Juventus for doing so well financially in all of their deals, including the imminent departure of Arturo Vidal to Bayern Munich Ogbonna was well received in England, so the comments from the Italian magazine are completely out of the blue. However, it is unlikely to change Hammers fans' mind on what looks to be a positive signing for the club.

Will Ogbonna be a good signing for West Ham?

Last season, Ogbonna made 30 appearances for Juventus in all competitions, but was left on the bench in all three of their cup finals – Champions League, Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia. It's safe to say he wasn't the most important member of Massimiliano Allegri's side and that is shown in the bargain £7.69 million it took for the East London club to get the green light for his signature. Nevertheless, before joining Juventus, he was arguably the key man in a very good Torino side and finished the 2012-2013 season as their captain. For the price West Ham have paid, it is definitely a gamble worth taking in their position as he has been a member of a side that has dominated Italian football for a long period of time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: West Ham risk losing Amalfitano and Sakho, unnamed clubs register interest
HITC
Olly Dawes

Unnamed clubs are reportedly monitoring West Ham duo Morgan Amaltifano and Diafra Sakho. According to the Daily Mail, West Ham are left sweating as unnamed clubs line up moves for both Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho. The Hammers have been busy bringing players into Upton Park this summer, but now they could be set to receive interest in two of their stars. The Daily Mail report that, whilst West Ham continue to look for new arrivals, they have also seen clubs register interest in signing Amalfitano and Sakho. Midfielder Amalfitano joined from Marseille last summer, and whilst the 30-year-old was in and out of the side under Sam Allardyce last season, he did make a number of impressive cameo appearances. Meanwhile, striker Sakho - another signing from last summer - made an instant impact in the Premier League, scoring ten league goals in just 23 games for the Hammers. The Senegal international is bound to be attracting interest, and the Daily Mail also reported earlier this summer that Manchester United and Newcastle United are pursuing the 25-year-old ahead of the new Premier League season.

Can West Ham really afford to lose Sakho?

New manager Slaven Bilic is already struggling in attack, with Andy Carroll still injured, leaving him with just Enner Valencia, Modibo Maiga and star striker Sakho. With West Ham needing another striker anyway, they surely can't afford to be losing a forward to a Premier League rival, with Sakho expected to continue his form from last season. It's been a whirlwind 12 months for Sakho, who has gone from Metz to Premier League stardom - and that needs to continue at West Ham rather than anywhere else.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini is our David Silva! Slaven Bilic boasts new West Ham United signing is just like Manchester City playmaker
Manuel Lanzini is West Ham United's seventh summer signing
Lanzini is on loan from United Arab Emirates side Al Jazira
Slaven Bilic admits to tracking the midfielder for over two years
West Ham take on Birkirkara in second round Europa League qualifier
By LUKE AUGUSTUS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 23:19, 22 July 2015 | UPDATED: 23:19, 22 July 2015

Slaven Bilic has likened West Ham's latest signing Manuel Lanzini to Manchester City star David Silva and is confident that the Argentine will have no problems adapting to the rigours of English football. Lanzini has joined the east London outfit on a season-long loan from UAE side Al-Jazira – with the option of the transfer becoming a permanent one in future. The 22-year-old is nicknamed 'The Jewel' and Bilic believes the former River Plate playmaker has all the attributes needed to glisten in West Ham's midfield – in a similar manner to Spain international Silva at City. 'He's a good player, he's young and it's good that we have got him on loan with an option (to sign),' Bilic said at West Ham's pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of their Europa League second round qualifier return leg in Malta against Birkirkara. 'At the age of 20, he was given the No 10 jersey at River Plate who, with Boca Juniors, are a massive club of course. 'I watched him two years ago and I wanted to take him to Besktias, but it was difficult. Now, the chance has come to get him, he's going to help us a lot as he will add even more creativity in the crucial parts of the pitch. 'There are deep playmakers like [Andrea] Pirlo or [Luka] Modric or you have playmakers between the lines up front like Silva. He's more like him but he can play in all positions behind the strikers.' Lanzini becomes West Ham's seventh summer signing following the captures of Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang, Carl Jenkinson, Stephen Hendrie and Darren Randolph. Having sealed his move, the midfielder spoke of hope his excitement at starting a new chapter in his young career. 'This is very emotional because it is one of the best teams I have ever signed for,' he told West Ham TV. 'It is a very important step for my career and for my future. 'I am looking forward to what is a new era for me. I'm very happy and I look forward to meeting my new team-mates. 'This is a new challenge for me and that can only help in the future. It will test my ability in one of the best leagues in the world, so I am looking forward to getting started. 'I am someone who always gives 100 per cent. I'm an attacking player, I can change the game's tempo and I hope to give my maximum for the fans to appreciate me.' The Argentine's arrival to the Premier League follows a well-trodden path by South Americans trying to take England's top flight by storm. Where stars from the continent such as Luis Suarez and Alexis Sanchez have succeeded there have also been those who have failed to adjust to the demands of Premier League football in the past – such as Juan Sebastian Veron and Diego Forlan. And Bilic is confident Lanzini's time at Upton Park will prove a successful one, citing that being South American doesn't necessarily mean you'll struggle in England. 'I am confident, and I am hopeful, I don't know but we will see,' the Croat added on Wednesday. 'I don't agree with that statement, you will always find Croatians who won't adapt, or New Zealanders. To be fair, Argentinians are pretty much European, a lot of them adapt. As I said, I hope he will. 'He's not very strong, but he rides the challenges and doesn't go down – so I hope he could be big for us. 'We've got him on loan, which is still a transfer but not as risky. I have a feeling that he will help us a lot.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'line up Fabio Borini and Esteban Cambiasso transfers'
Louis Sealey for Metro.co.ukThursday 23 Jul 2015 2:35 am
West Ham 'set to sign two proven Prem superstars in shock transfer deals'
metor.co.uk

West Ham are targeting moves for Liverpool forward Fabio Borini and free agent Esteban Cambiasso, according to reports. The Hammers have enjoyed a productive transfer window and have already recruited midfield trio Manuel Lanzini, Dimitri Payet and Pedro Obiang and defenders Carl Jenkinson, Stephen Hendrie and Angelo Ogbonna. But new boss Slaven Bilic is keen to continue adding to his squad ahead of West Ham's final season at the Boleyn Ground, and his attentions have allegedly turned to Borini and Cambiasso. Reports say the east London club have expressed an interest in Borini, 24, who has struggled to cement his place in Liverpool's first team and has been linked with an exit this summer. Meanwhile, the Evening Standard report the Hammers are also targeting Argentine Cambiasso. Despite playing a major role in keeping the Foxes up last season, the 34-year-old has rejected a new deal at Leicester, potentially opening the door to a move to Upton Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham backed to beat Aston Villa and Sunderland to experienced free agent
London 24
06:45 23 July 2015 Brad Pinard

West Ham have been backed into favourites to sign out of contract midfielder Esteban Cambiasso after he rejected a stay at Leicester. Aston Villa were inserted as the likely club the Argentinean would move to but after a number of bets, West Ham are now the team linked. Despite already signing a number of players, including three central midfielders this summer, Slaven Bilic is still on the lookout for new talent. Cambiasso said his farewells to Leicester yesterday and in a statement on his Facebook page, the player said: "I would like to announce that I have decided not to renew my contract with Leicester City. "I have taken this decision only 24 hours after receiving the proposal from Leicester because I want to give the club as much time as possible to find an alternative." Cambiasso's decision will come as a blow to Ranieri, who said on Monday - at his first press conference since replacing the axed Nigel Pearson - that keeping the former Argentina international was a priority. "I've had a conversation with him. I have spoken to him, I know him from Inter Milan, I coached him there. I said to him 'I need you, everybody loves you in Leicester, please come back'," the Italian had said. "He told me he wants to wait and look at all the opportunities offered to him and then he will choose. But we need 'Yes or no' because at the start of the season he is a team leader and if he doesn't come I need another team leader. We don't start the season without a player like him." Cambiasso proved a key figure last season as Leicester won seven and drew one of their final 10 games to retain their Barclays Premier League status. The player's statement continued: "I would like to thank all the fans who last season made me feel proud to be part of a club with an unforgettable spirit and energy. "And a very special thanks to all my team-mates, staff and every people of the club, with whom I have lived one of the most important years of my career, crowned with the remaining EPL status. "Many thanks to everyone, keeping you all forever in my heart. Leicester City Football Club." Cambiasso's next club odds: West Ham 7/4 Aston Villa 11/2 Sunderland 8/1 Spurs 8/1 Leicester 25/1

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: Esteban Cambiasso has offers from West Ham, two MLS clubs
HITC
Freddie Shires

The 34-year-old Argentine is on the hunt for a new team after rejecting the chance to return to Leicester City. West Ham United and two MLS clubs have made concrete proposals to free agent midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, according to Argentine news outlet MundoD. The 34-year-old confirmed earlier this week that he would not be returning to Leicester City after one season at the club, writing on his Facebook page: "I have decided not to renew my contract with Leicester City. "I have taken this decision only 24 hours after receiving the proposal from Leicester because I want to give the club as much time as possible to find an alternative."

Now in the process of weighing up his next move, recent reports have stated that new West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is targeting the ex-Argentina international as a potential replacement for Alex Song, whose permanent signing from Barcelona has hit a snag over an ankle problem that could keep him out for up to four months [h/t Daily Mail]. The club are still hoping to tie up a deal for the Cameroonian but, according to the likes of the Telegraph, also see Cambiasso as either a realistic alternative or someone who could come in and cover while his fellow midfielder is sidelined. MundoD's latest report has since claimed that the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star has received an offer from the Hammers but adds that a possible stateside switch is also on the table. The 52-times capped veteran is said to have received proposals from two unnamed MLS clubs in recent weeks, while he is also believed to be open to a return to Argentina. It is anyone's guess who the two teams in question could be but, after a stellar 2014-15 campaign with Leicester, there is little doubt that Cambiasso would prove a huge hit in North America.

Joining the Foxes on a free transfer last August after his contract at Inter Milan expired, the former Champions League winner went on to win the club's Player of the Year award for his role in their successful survival bid, as he made 33 total appearances and scored five goals. Both the since-departed Nigel Pearson and successor Claudio Ranieri had been hoping to persuade him to remain at the King Power Stadium for at least another season but the fan favourite will instead be heading for pastures new. After his Premier League performances throughout last term, it is no surprise that West Ham would be keen to bring him back to the English top-flight but it sounds like Bilic's side will have to deal with some competition from across the Atlantic first.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chief confirms striker hunt is on as Pato, Charlie Austin and Destro linked
London 24
07:00 23 July 2015 Brad Pinard

West Ham chairman David Gold has confirmed he wants to sign another striker this summer. The Hammers snapped up Manuel Lanzini on loan for the season yesterday to join the likes of Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Carl Jenkinson, Darren Randoplh and Pedro Obiang as new signings. A striker is looking like the last option for the Hammers with Daifra Sakho taking the brunt of the work with Enner Valencia used out wide and Andy Carroll constantly injured. Gold wants a forward and the likes of Pato, Charlie Austin and Mattia Destro have all been linked but the money may not be there to fork out mega bucks.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus