Daily WHUFC News - 5th July 2015

Burke happy with first leg advantage
WHUFC.com

Reece Burke said the Hammers' professional attitude helped them get the result they wanted against FC Lusitans on Thursday. Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins was also on the scoresheet as West Ham United secured a 3-0 win in their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg tie. Burke played the 90 minutes at the back and said the result was all in the planning. "I thought we played really well. We came back early and only had ten days to prepare for the game but I thought we played well and could have had more goals," he said. "Every game is competitive and we treated it as a normal game. Yes, we were expected to win, but we prepared properly and got the win."

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Adrian benefits from Woods arrival
WHUFC.com

West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian is hoping the arrival of Chris Woods to the new management team will help him become an even better keeper in the Premier League next season. Woods became the first member of Slaven Bilic's backroom team and has a proven track record as both a player and a coach. The 55-year-old won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest and was understudy to Peter Shilton in the 1986 World Cup. Woods has made a successful switch into coaching where he has worked with some of the best keepers in the world including David de Gea at Manchester United. Adrian is now hoping to draw on all those experiences and feels these are exciting times for the Club as we prepare for a new adventure under Slaven Bilic. Adrian said: "Chris has arrived and we have been working very well together. It is a different style but this is good because now we have other options to train in the goal. "I think Chris can help me and the other keepers to be better. I hope he will make me even better. If you have an experienced goalkeeping coach you have the option you to improve your performance. "It is very exciting for the Club to be in the Europa League. For me this is really important and this is going to be an exciting season for everyone at West Ham."

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Proud moment for debutants
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's debutants were presented with their match shirts by first team manager Slaven Bilic and Joint-Chairman David Gold prior to Thursday's UEFA Europa League game against FC Lusitans. Academy products Reece Oxford and Lewis Page made their senior bows and were honoured in the dressing room moments before kick-off. Bilic said: ""It was a very nice moment for me as I wanted to go to the dressing room to wish them luck. I didn't want to interrupt their pre-match routine too much but I wanted to wish them luck and hope that they did well. "They both did a good job and it will stay in their memories for ever." Academy manager Terry Westley added: "He gave the team talk before the match, and presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page, the young players making their debuts, with their match shirts. "He told them it was their turn to build their own legacy in the same shirt the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand wore."

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Poyet hungry for more
WHUFC.com

Diego Poyet says there is a lot to look forward to at West Ham United this season and he hopes to be playing a part in what will be a big season at the Club. The midfielder played an important role as the Hammers secured a 3-0 first leg win over FC Lusitans at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday, to take into the second leg of the Europa League first round qualifier on Thursday.

And fresh from the game which saw West Ham start back early for pre-season, he said he is hungry for more chances under new manager Slaven Bilic in the forthcoming campaign. "It depends on how far we get in things like cups and Europa League," he explained. "The gaffer might give a chance to some of the younger players. We were unfortunate last season as we lost in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield United early on, so it was difficult. Hopefully, fingers crossed, some youngsters will get the chance to play. "

Poyet said that the new Hammers boss came into the dressing room before the game to wish the players luck, speak to them and then see them again afterwards. "He is trying to get to know us all, he has spoken to us as a group in Ireland. He has good presence about him. All I can say of him is what I have seen of him before at Bestikas and Croatia, that he has charisma, it is exciting for everyone."

Having gone out on loan last season to Huddersfield Town to get match action, Poyet says that could be the case again for him this year but he is looking to battle for a place in the West Ham team first and foremost. "I don't know about a loan," he said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about it. My preference would be to stay at West Ham as that is where I want to be and that is where I want to play. If the manager tells me I'm better off going out on loan and get some games in, then I will respect him for that and I will do that, but until I am told to, I am not going anywhere."

Poyet said the players are looking forward to the second leg and says that these matches are tremendous experience for any player, especially at a young age. "These games are great, Lusitans played 5-4-1 on Thursday and a solid 5-4-1 and were happy with 1-0, 2-0 and stuck to it. That is something you don't really get in the Premier League. "These are different things you learn and it is great experience for all the players involved."

*For supporters without a 15/16 Season Ticket and who have not been invited to attend a Reservation Centre appointment, joining the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List is now the only way to guarantee priority for the Hammers' first season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Those who join the Season Ticket Priority List will be invited to select their seats once all current Season Ticket Holders have had their appointments. It costs just £10 to join, which is non-refundable but will be redeemed against the purchase of your 2016/17 Season Ticket. Please note that supporters on the final season waiting list who have been unsuccessful in securing a 15/16 Season Ticket will automatically be transferred onto the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List.

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Newcastle and West Ham transfer target Charlie Austin waiting for Chelsea to firm up interest
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY ALAN OLIVER
Newly-wed QPR star can stay in London if he becomes the champions' No4 striker and with the Hammers next in line, Steve McClaren is looking elsewhere
The Mirror

Charlie Austin is keeping West Ham and Newcastle sweating while he waits for Chelsea to come in for him, writes Alan Oliver in the Sunday People. Jose Mourinho is interested in making Austin, 26 this week, his fourth-choice striker behind Diego Costa, Loic Remy and new loan signing Radamel Falcao. And the QPR star, who used to sweat for his wages as a bricklayer while playing in non-League, is interested in joining the champions because of the cash on offer. He is not keen on Leicester, who had a £12million bid turned down last week. If Chelsea do not follow up their interest, West Ham are favourites to keep the relegated Hoops' newly-married striker in London. So Newcastle have stepped up their interest in Anderlecht frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic as hopes of signing Austin fade. New Toon boss Steve McClaren is ready to pay £15m for the 20-year-old Serbia international.

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West Ham face Tottenham transfer fight over £10m-rated Basel striker Breel Embolo
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY STEVE BATES
West Brom are also interested in the Cameroon-born Swiss rising star PLUS: Hammers to hold talks with Dynamo Kiev defender Dragovic
The Mirror

West Ham are battling rivals Tottenham and West Brom in the race for £10million-rated FC Basel hot-shot Breel Embolo, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People. The Cameroon-born Swiss striker is a target for the Hammers' new boss Slaven Bilic and Albion chief Tony Pulis after bagging 10 goals for his club last season. And their counterpart at the White Hart Lane club, Mauricio Pochettino, is also keen on the 18-year-old after sending scouts to watch him last term. Embolo is rated one of the best young emerging players in Switzerland with the talented teenager establishing himself as a key member of the Basel side over the last two seasons. The Hammers will also hold talks with Dynamo Kiev central defender Aleksandar Dragovic this week. But they may have to fork out up to £17m to sign the 24-year-old Austria international.

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West Ham transfers: Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson wanted on a permanent deal at Upton Park
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY DEAN JONES
The Hammers were so impressed with the defender on loan last season they now want to buy him - but his parent club are expected to farm him out again
The Mirror

West Ham believe they could yet sign Carl Jenkinson on a permanent deal. It has been expected that full-back Jenkinson will sign a new contract with parent club Arsenal before heading out on another loan – he spent last season with the Hammers. The east Londoners were so impressed that they hope to convince the Gunners to let the player move to Upton Park full-time. Sunderland have already had a loan offer accepted, but West Ham know the England Under-21 international would prefer to play for them next season. Jenkinson made 31 league appearances for the Irons and played in all three England U21s games in their unsuccessful European Championship campaign last month.

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West Ham's James Tomkins praises ''unbelievable'' Slaven Bilic after just one match in charge
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY STEVE STAMMERS
The fans already love the Croatian from his days as a player for the Hammers and defender reveals he is rapidly winning the squad over too
The Mirror

In one short, succinct sentence James Tomkins summed up the effect Slaven Bilic has had on the players at West Ham. "When he comes in the room, you can almost hear the silence," said the 26-year-old central defender who became the first captain of a winning team under the new managerial regime of the Croatian when Lusitanos of Andorra were beaten 3-0 in the first leg of a Europa League first qualifying round tie at Upton Park last week. The acid test of Premier League football is still to come of course. But clearly Tomkins feels that West Ham have someone special in charge now. The fans are already on-side judging by the reception given to Bilic last Thursday. And Bilic is making an impression on the players. Tomkins knows the importance of East End support. He also knows Bilic has got it. There was a warmth towards the new man that was never evident for Sam Allardyce but Tomkins was quick to swerve any criticism of Bilic's predecessor. "It is hard to criticise the old manager," said Tomkins. "He brought us up to the Premier League and he kept us there."

And he then used an interesting – and accurate – word to describe Bilic who has been labelled a club legend which is hard to justify when the subject played fewer than 50 games for West Ham and stayed only 18 months. Instead, Tomkins said: "Slaven was a face here, wasn't he? He's a legend, even though he played only 30 or 40 games. Why? I think it was the way he played, the passion he showed. He does that on the touchline as well. "I have seen him with Besiktas and Croatia. It is the same. He is an animated man and that is what he was like on the pitch. "That is what the fans like to see. I was only young when he was here, but I remember seeing him play and I know he loved a challenge! "But he has that presence about him that good managers do."

Tomkins has been getting feedback from the training base in Cork from his close friend Mark Noble. And the omens are good. "I have heard that the training has been unbelievable," Tomkins said. "I keep speaking to the lads over there and they keep telling me how good and sharp it is. I can't wait to start training with him."

Tomkins missed the trip to the Republic of Ireland to work on his fitness back at the club after he missed three months of last season with a shoulder injury. It was a frustrating time – but he is now fit and actually relishes the rigours of an early start to the season that the Europa League qualification has brought. "It was a massive honour to lead out the team, " he said. "And it was massive support. There aren't many teams who could put out 35,000 for a Europa League qualifier first-leg. "As for myself, I thought I did well last year. My game was coming along nicely. In the first half of the season I felt I had a massive say in what we were doing in the league. "We were fourth in the league at one point. We were flying. It was really disappointing for me to get injured at that point. I felt I was improving and getting better and better. But these things happen in football. It is how you bounce back that is important.
"As for the Europa League, it is better than playing friendlies. The match on Thursday was a proper game and we prepared properly for it."

One player who is certain to benefit from the arrival of Bilic is James Collins. Bilic is a mean guitar player – a musical skill that proved beyond Collins – or "Ginge" as Tomkins called him – last season. "Ginge tried to learn last year but he gave up when he realised how hard it was, " said Tomkins. Yet another challenge for Bilic then to get James Collins up to Stereophonics standard. West Ham staying up seems more likely.

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West Ham eye transfer of Aleksandar Dragovic in case of Aymen Abdennour gazumping
22:30, 1 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Newcastle and Liverpool are also looking at Monaco defender who wants a Prem move so the Dynamo Kiev man is Hammers' Plan B, PLUS: Downing latest
The Mirror

West Ham have lined up Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic in case they miss out on Monaco's Aymen Abdennour. We revealed last Friday that the Hammers are targeting a commanding centre-half as part of their revamp, and that they had made a £13.5million move for Abdennour.
The Londoners, who play the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie against Andorran visitors Lusitans on Thursday, are ready to back new boss Slaven Bilic as he bids to reconfigure the side. The Tunisian also has offers from Spain and Italy, but would prefer to play in the Premier League. West Ham face competition for Abdennour from Newcastle and also from Liverpool and have Dragovic in their sights in case they are gazumped for the 25-year-old's services. The 24-year-old Austrian clinched the Ukrainian League and Cup double with Kiev last season and has 35 caps for his country. Meanwhile, the Hammers remain ready to sell England international Stewart Downing following the £14m arrival of Marseille winger Dimitri Payet. Downing, who turns 31 this month, is concerned he will not play regularly next season and is open to a move, with both Newcastle and rivals Sunderland interested in taking him back to his native north-east. West Ham have already rejected an informal £6m offer from the Wearsiders for Downing, but are willing to do business at around £8m.

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Balotelli at 3/1 to join Irons – Downing 4/11 to leave
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Sky Bet have hugely controversial Mario Balotelli as low as 3/1 to join the Hammers this summer. The betting firm make the Irons clear favourites to move for the trouble torn former Manchester City and Liverpool striker at half the odds of second favourites AC Milan and Sampdoria with Newcastle priced at 8/1 to get him. It's very hard to see why the Irons board would want to invest in a player who scored one in 16 for Liverpool last season although the Italy international did grab 20 in 54 for Manchester City before moving to Roma where he grabbed 26 in 43 games. While West Ham need a new striker, going for another big-money forward who couldn't quite cut it at Liverpool (see Andy Carroll) wouldn't maye be the wisest of approaches. Meanwhile Loic Remy – despite Jose Mourinho's apparent refusal to sell him remains a 4/6 favourite to join the Irons whilst Glen Johnson is priced at 9/4 to join us and Stewart Downing is as short as 4/11 to joing Middlesbrough.

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Bilic eyes Argentine playmaker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

The Irons have been reported as having made a move for Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini currently playing for the Al Jazira club in the United Arab Emirates. According to the Mirror we are seeking a loan deal for next season with an option to buy if he impresses at Upton Park. Formerly with River Plate, Lanzini, is seen as a possible addition to a squad which Slaven Bilic believes deepening and his skilful, dribbling style would suit the style of play that new manager wants to bring to the Boleyn. Bilic has also reportedly asked the two Davids to try bringing Roma striker Mattia Destro to the club in what would be another loan deal.

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Irons on Nolan future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are keen to see captain Kevin Nolan find a suitable club this summer but deny any knowledge of him talking to former club Bolton.
Nolan is known to have been considering his future since last season and the arrival of new boss Slaven Bilic looks to be the likely end of the midfielder's Irons career. At 33 he cannot supply the energy he once provided in midfield and with the club looking to bring in younger players, his departure would boost their abilities to meet wage demands. Sam Allardyce's departure has always been seen as likely to mark the end of Nolan's Upton Park stay and speculation arose within the last couple of weeks that he was inn talks with, and could be on his his way back to Bolton. However, a ClaretandHugh source said: "We know of no such talks and I think it's likely we would. Were Kevin to find a suitable club we are unlikely to stand in his way. He's been a great servant to the club. "However, we find the prospect of a return to Bolton unlikely as we really don't believe they could satisfy his personal terms were they to be in talks."

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Irons old boy linked with return
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Irons old boy Glen Johnson is AGAIN being linked with a return to the Boleyn. The Express is the latest outlet to try this one on us in the middle of the silly season although it takes a bit of swallowing given that we are known to be in ongoing talks with Carl Jenkinson's advisors and that new boss Slaven Blic is a known admirer of the Arsenal full back. However, the report concerning Johnson declares that he is now a Liverpool outcast following manager Brendan Rodgers has splashed out £12.5 million for Nathanial Clyne. Stoke, Glatasaray and Beskitas are all claimed to be in the market for Johnson who was a product of our academy of course. The right back made just 19 Premier League appearances last term and has lost his place in the England squad.

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Pearce backs Bilic's central defender move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Former Hammers defender Ian Pearce has backed Slaven Bilic's view that the club needs a classy central defender. ClaretandHugh has regularly reported that this is the new manager's No 1 priority and Pearce has confirmed that's a position that needs strengthening.
Now amid reports that Juventus' Angelo Ogbanna is on his way to the club Pearce has declared: "I think the club need a centre-half and maybe a centre forward and I think you're away. He told TalkSport: "I think he'll know the European market very well and [Julian Dicks] Dicksy will know the domestic market. "I think he has people like the Chairmen to support him, so if he goes to them and says i want this player, i think they'll be really supportive with him.

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Poyet's hopes
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Diego Poyet is looking for game time. And after his display in the Europa Cup match on Thirsday he spoke about the new boss and the welcome he had given the lads as he appeared in the dressing room od 2015 for the first time. The defensive midfielder said: "He is trying to get to know us all, he has spoken to us as a group in Ireland. He has good presence about him. All I can say of him is what I have seen of him before at Bestikas and Croatia, that he has charisma, it is exciting for everyone." He's hopeful that he will get a chance to impress but knows that depends to the team's progress in domestic and League Cup competitions. He added: "It depends on how far we get in things like cups and Europa League. The gaffer might give a chance to some of the younger players. "We were unfortunate last season as we lost in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield United early on, so it was difficult. Hopefully, fingers crossed, some youngsters will get the chance to play. "

Having gone out on loan last season to Huddersfield Town to get match action, Poyet told the official site that could be the case again for him this year but his objective is an Irons first team place. He explained: "I don't know about a loan. I haven't spoken to anyone about it. My preference would be to stay at West Ham as that is where I want to be."

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Collins: 'These are very confident coaches'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

James Collins is thrilled that Julian Dicks is now part of the Irons coaching set-up and looking forward to his ideas for the first team squad. Talking to the club's official website, Ginge declared himself impressed with the new training regime and said: "Julian has come in and is a legend around the club and it will be interesting to see his ideas as well." "All the players are looking to impress Bilic, Dicks and co and the central defender said of things: "It is very organised and they know what they are doing. They are confident coaches and that is rubbing off on the players. "Everyone is trying to impress the new manager and everyone has got a chance of playing. Training has been sharp." .

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Cursed Andy Carroll gives new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic his first problem
Express.co.uk
SLAVEN BILIC is expected to make his Europa League bow with West Ham this week - but without the injury cursed Andy Carroll.
By COLIN MAFHAM
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Sat, Jul 4, 2015

The Hammers new boss will have to settle instead for reports from the club medics to let him know if and when he can count on the services of his jinxed Geordie striker. Bilic is likely to see West Ham complete their Euro canter against the Andorran minnows from FC Lusitans after beating them 3-0 in last week's first leg. What to do about Carroll, however, remains a major headache for the Croatian. The pony-tailed hitman who has cost more than £50million in transfer fees alone since leaving Newcastle more than four years ago is said to be progressing on his latest comeback trail. But he won't be fit enough to face little Lusitans on Thursday or probably Arsenal in the new season curtain-raiser at The Emirates on August 9. And that leaves Bilic in a real quandary about whether he needs to splash some more cash on someone to help Diafra Sakho in case the curse of Carroll strikes again. In the meantime Carroll continues a summer of gruelling rehabilitation to try to prove he really is worth the incredible amount of money that has been spent on him.

Apart from the £90,000-a-week wages he banks - that's a little more than £28million if he sees out his six-year contract - Carroll can also count on financial endorsements to help ease the pain. The stats on what West Ham have so far got for their money make for mind boggling reading. In the two years since Carroll joined the Hammers from Liverpool for a little more than £17million he has been fit enough to make only 27 first team appearances and scored just seven goals. That works out to around £2.5million per goal. He cost his former club, Liverpool, almost twice as much. They paid Newcastle £35million for his services in 2011 and got just six goals in only 34 appearances during a similarly blighted three seasons at Anfield. On a cash for goals comparison the aptly tagged Reds bank manager worked that one out as costing them nearly £6million per goal.

It is not, of course, Carroll's fault. His all-out commitment and challenges - when he's on the pitch - have taken a high toll. As his former West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, said last season: "He's his own worst enemy because he goes for everything." That, though, is no consolation for Bilic who wrestles with the problem of whether he and the Hammers can wait much longer for Carroll to deliver on the high expectations they face ahead of their move into the Olympic Stadium at the start of next season. West Ham bosses have already backed the new man in the transfer market with the signings of Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph. Reports now also suggest they are on the brink of bringing Alex Song back from Barcelona for around £5million and Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson following their successful loan spells last season. Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic and Paris St Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye are also believed to be on the West Ham radar. Substantial funds will also be made available for a new striker - if the struggling Carroll falls short again.

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Luis Advincula admits speculation surrounding West Ham transfer is 'nice'
HITC
Olly Dawes

Peru defender Luis Advincula has admitted that it is 'nice' to be linked with a move to West Ham. Hoffenheim full back Luis Advincula has told El Comercio in Peru that it's 'nice' to have been linked with a move to West Ham this summer. Advincula, 25, is currently on international duty with Peru, and has been one of the breakout stars of the Copa America tournament, starring in a Peru side which reached the semi-finals before defeat to Chile. The right back spent last season on loan at Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, but has now returned to parent club Hoffenheim for pre-season - but speculation now surrounds his future. According to Peruvian newspaper Libero, Advincula is close to signing a deal to join West Ham this summer, with the Hammers impressed by his performances at Copa America. Now, El Comercio have asked Advincula how he feels about a proposed move to Upton Park - and he admitted that he is happy with the speculation, but isn't focusing on the reports right now. "It's nice because you feel your work is being recognised, but at the same time, I am calm," said Advincula, who helped Peru clinch third place in Copa America on Friday, having beaten Paraguay 2-0.

What would Advincula bring to West Ham?

Advincula is a pacey, attack minded right back who needs to settle down having been farmed out on loan three times since joining Hoffenheim in 2013. The Peruvian possesses immense stamina and effort, working relentlessly down the right hand side right until the very end, which would certainly be welcome at West Ham. With West Ham yet to re-sign Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson and having released Guy Demel this summer, Advincula would give some depth for manager Slaven Bilic, who needs to bring at least one right back this summer, if not two.

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West Ham 'in talks to re-sign free agent Glen Johnson'
Sean Kearns for Metro.co.ukSaturday 4 Jul 2015 5:34 pm
Metro.co.uk

West Ham United are in talks to re-sign former defender Glen Johnson after the full-back was released by Liverpool this summer. The 30-year-old spent six seasons at Anfield but was released after Brendan Rodgers' side turned down the chance of offering the former England defender a new deal. Johnson started his career at Upton Park and spent three years with the Hammers before moving to Chelsea in 2003. And, according to reports, the defender is in talks to return to the east London club, with Slaven Bilic keen to sign the right-back on a free transfer this summer.

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Report: West Ham finalise deal to sign Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

Aston Villa, West Ham United, Everton, Liverpool and Southampton have all been linked with Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna. West Ham United are set to sign Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus, according to Tuttosport. According to the Italian newspaper, the Hammers have won the race for the Italy international defender and have finalised a deal with Juventus. The Hammers will have to pay €10 million (£7.1m) as a transfer fee to the Italian champions, with another €2m in performance-related bonuses (£1.4m). Tuttosport has also claimed that West Ham's Premier League rivals, Everton, remain interested in Ogbonna and have not given up on their hopes of signing him despite the latest development. Previous reports had credited a number of clubs with holding an interest in the 27-year-old former Torino centre-back.

Last month, TuttoMercatoWeb claimed interest from Aston Villa in Ogbonna, who was linked with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Southampton by Tuttosport, ESPN and Gianlucadimarzio.com respectively. Ogbonna is a highly-rated centre-back, but he has struggled to make a huge impact at Juventus since his move to the Italian giants from city-rivals Torino in the summer of 2013. During the 2013-14 season, the Italian could make just 16 appearances in Serie A, creating 16 chances in the process. The defender had a pass accuracy of 90%, and won 36 headers, eight dribbles and 16 tackles. Ogbonna featured in three Champions League matches that campaign, while last season he played just once in Europe's premier club competition. The former Torino star, though, played in 25 Serie A games for Juventus in the 2014-15 campaign. Ogbonna created four chances, had a pass accuracy of 89% and a shot accuracy of 22%, and won 41 headers, 15 dribbles and 20 tackles.

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Report: West Ham interested in Southampton's Graziano Pelle
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer. West Ham United are interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer, according to Gianlucadimarzio.com. It has been reported by the Italian news outlet that the Hammers are pondering making a move for the Italy international striker after finding it tough to recruit Mattia Destro of AS Roma. Pelle enjoyed a strong debut season in the Premier League with Southampton in 2014-15, playing an important role in the Saints finishing as high as seventh in the league table. The former Feyenoord striker scored 12 goals and created 42 chances in 38 Premier League appearances last season. The Italian had a pass accuracy of 65% and a shot accuracy of 38%, and won 170 headers, seven dribbles and 10 tackles. However, Pelle has had just one good season in the Premier League, and he was inconsistent as well. Moreover, the striker will be 30 later this month, and it will not be a wise long-term investment for West Ham to sign Pelle this summer.

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Diego Poyet ready to stake claim in Slaven Bilic's West Ham side for forthcoming Premier League campaign
By MARK BRYANS, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 00:37, 4 July 2015 | UPDATED: 01:12, 4 July 2015

Diego Poyet is determined to establish himself in Slaven Bilic's West Ham side in the forthcoming season. The 20-year-old joined the Hammers from Charlton last summer but has only played three times in the Premier League. He spent a spell out on loan at Huddersfield last season but could find first-team opportunities easier to come by at Upton Park this year as Bilic looks to lead his side into the Europa League group stages. Poyet turned out for West Ham in their 3-0 victory over Andorra minnows FC Lusitans in their first qualifying round tie on Thursday night.And the Uruguay Under-20 international, son of former Chelsea and Tottenham ace Gus Poyet, wants to stay put and stake his claim for a prominent role in Bilic's plans.'My preference is to want to be at West Ham,' he said when asked if another loan move may be on the cards. 'That is where I want to be and that is where I want to play. If the manager tells me 'Look you are better off going out on loan and get some games' then I will respect him for that and I will do that. But until I am told to leave I am not going anywhere. 'If you are a young player and not playing then soon as there is a new manager, the thing you want to do is impress. In a way to get into his good books and he trusts you. 'That is the important thing. If you are young but the manager trusts you, it doesn't matter how old you are. He has faith in you, he is going to play you, or at least give you a chance.' With the Europa League fixtures and the hope of further runs in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, Poyet believes he and a number of other young players at the club will be given their opportunities to shine. 'It depends how far we get in things like cups and Europa league,' the midfielder said of his chances of playing more regularly. 'He (Bilic) might give a chance to some of the young players. We were unfortunate last season as we lost the capital one cup against Sheffield United early on so it was difficult. Hopefully fingers crossed some youngsters will get the chance to play.'

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