Daily WHUFC News - 1st June 2016

Payet proud of France winner
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet was full of pride after firing France to victory over Cameroon with another fantastic free-kick on Monday evening. Les Bleus had been pegged back twice in Nantes before Payet clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory by curling past Fabrice Ondoa from fully 30 yards. Payet's winner was his SIXTH successful direct free-kick of the season and his second in consecutive matches for the UEFA Euro 2016 hosts, following another sensational effort against Russia in March. The West Ham United midfielder, who looks set to start the tournament opener against Romania next Friday, was delighted to make another decisive contribution for his country and France supporters. "It's always important to win, especially in front of your own fans," Payet told FFF tv. "We saw at the end just what it meant to them and they supported us during a difficult match against a tough opposition. "It is nice to win and there are, of course, things that could be better and we have the time to make those changes." "I wasn't that far out, but at the same time I was quite far out, so I didn't know whether I should cross it or not," Payet revealed. "Patrice (Evra) told me to have a go and I saw the goalkeeper try to move early to one side, so I tried to put it into the other corner and it hit the post and went in.
"It was a pretty good one because it was really one for a left-footer. I need to see the replay again, but I am pretty pleased with it."

For the player himself, the goal and victory were even more special as they came at the Stade de la Beaujoir, where he began his professional career with Nantes between 2005 and 2007.
"It was special for me to come back here to this stadium, where I spent two beautiful seasons," he explained. "And I was happy to feel the fans get behind us." France's victory came on the back of a 4-2 win over the Russians in Paris and 3-2 victory against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, setting Didier Deschamps' squad up perfectly for Euro 2016. "They equalised twice in the game so to score the third goal is great. In the last three games we have scored quite a few a goals and so that is something to be pleased with. "You don't want to use everything up at once, but it is good for us to leave here confident and when you win, it's always better for the recovery and the morale in the camp."

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Payet bags breathtaking France free-kick
WHUFC.com

Hammers superstar Dimitri Payet curled home an incredible last-minute 30-yard free-kick to win France's friendly with Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night. The Euro 2016 hosts were level in Nantes heading towards added time before the West Ham midfielder placed the ball down to the right of goal and found the back of the net with breathtaking accuracy from a tight angle. It is the second free-kick Payet has scored in consecutive matches for Les Bleus, having converted an equally brilliant effort against Russia back in March. The 29-year-old was of course one of the Premier League's most-feared set-piece takers in 2015/16, and scored with magnificent free-kicks against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace as well as FA Cup strikes over Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United. Blaise Matuidi opened the scoring after 20 minutes for the hosts of this summer's tournament, which kicks off on 10 June, before Vincent Aboubakar equalised for the African nation just two minutes later. Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud then restored Didier Deschamps' side's lead just before the break following a Paul Pogba cross, but Cameroon's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting thought he had spoiled the party two minutes from time. However Payet had other ideas, placing the ball down 30-yards from the target on the right-hand side, before curling his effort into the far corner well beyond the reach of helpless Cameroon stopper Fabrice Ondoa. France face Scotland in their final match before Euro 2016 on Saturday night, then take on Romania in the tournament's opener in Paris.

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Ginge named in Wales Squad
WHUFC.com

James Collins will be heading to UEFA Euro 2016 as part of Wales' squad for their first appearance at a major finals since 1958. West Ham United defender Collins, who has 46 Wales caps to his name, is named in Chris Coleman's 23-man squad for the tournament, which gets underway in France a week on Friday. Wales qualified for Euro 2016 by finishing runners-up in a group containing Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, Cyprus and Andorra, and Collins cannot wait to represent his country this summer. He said: "For all us Welsh lads, it's a new experience so many great Wales players never had, for one reason or another. "We're going into it blind, because none of us really know what to expect, but we're full of excitement. "We've got three games to play and we'll be looking to qualify out of our group, and I think we've got every chance."
Following a friendly against Sweden on Sunday, Wales' Euro 2016 campaign gets underway on Saturday 11 June when they take on Slovakia in Bordeaux. The much-anticipated meeting with England follows in Lens on Thursday 16 June, before the Group B fixtures conclude with Wales taking on Russia in Toulouse on Monday 20 June. Collins sees that opening game as being crucial. He added: "We have got Slovakia first and I think that's a must-win for us. We need to go there and get three points there to kick us off nicely. I think a win and a draw will see us through, so that's what we're looking to do and we're confident we can."

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Excitement growing in North Carolina
WHUFC.com

Excitement is growing ahead of West Ham United's 2016 US Tour visit to North Carolina. Slaven Bilic's squad will make the second stop of their summer visit to the United States in the town of Cary, where they will take on North American Soccer League (NASL) side Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday 12 July at 8pm ET. West Ham will be the first English Premier League club to visit the area known as the Triangle – Cary sits between three prestigious universities – and RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson cannot wait for the big game. "We have the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the top teams in the world," said Johnson. "What we are going to see on 12 July is an absolutely fantastic event with a lot of world-class players and a lot of excitement."
West Ham's Commercial Director Felicity Barnard joined Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke on a visit to North Carolina in mid-May, and both were hugely impressed by what they found. Speaking to CarolinaRailHawks.com, Barnard said the fixture and training facilities would provide West Ham would a superb base at which to prepare for the 2016/17 season. "Coming over to the US is part of our pre-season and a really important part of us getting ready for the Premier League season ahead and, next season, for our European campaign as well," said Barnard.
"Each year we look at where we can get the most competitive matches and the best facilities to do that and the US is a natural choice for us. We want to go somewhere with lots of soccer fans and the sport is on such an upward trajectory that it's an exciting place to be. "Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home."

Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home While they may be just a decade old, the RailHawks hail from an area with a long and close association with the sport, where a Youth Soccer League has been in place for 40 years and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have reached the NCAA final three times since 2001. Barnard explained that the heritage, combined with the RailHawks' own ambitions of winning the NASL and eventually breaking into Major League Soccer (MLS), were part of the thinking behind West Ham's visit this summer. "It's really important for us to pick opposition teams who share our ethos and we are both very attacking sides in the way we play and exciting to watch. "Having looked at the background of the club, their ambitions and what they want to do in their home market, those are very important and it's the same for us. "Looking at both clubs and the region as a whole and how deep-rooted the region is in soccer, it was a natural choice for us to visit North Carolina."

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West Ham chasing Umtiti, say Sky sources
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer

Lyon's brilliant young central defender Samuel Umtiti is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium. According to Sky Sports, West Ham are "leading the chase" to capture the 22-year-old, who plays alongside West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the French national squad.
Umtiti, who has been linked with some of Europe's elite clubs this summer, and Tottenham, has spent his entire pro career with Lyon who finished runners-up to Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 last season. Having featured for his country at all levels from Under 17 to Under 21, Umtiti has been included in Didier Deschamps' Euro 16 squad and was an unused substitute in France's 3-2 win over Cameroon last night.

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Payet joins Europe's elite
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's Dimitri Payet is currently ranked as the fourth best player in Europe, according to UEFA's 'Player Barometer'. United's 29-year-old French star, who scored an injury-time winner for his country in a friendly with Cameroon last night ranks below just three players across the entire continent at present.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored the winning penalty in the Champions League Final at the weekend, free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann are the only players to rank higher than West Ham's talisman.

The UEFA chart is decided by comparing what UEFA describe as "official player statistics [run] through a specially designed algorithm to create rankings based on player performances."

Performance data for both club and country since 1 January is considered to rate each individual player, although the table is weighted in favour of more recent data.

The full top ten is as follows:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ex-PSG)
3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
4. Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
5. James Milner (Liverpool)
6. Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
7. Koke (Atletico Madrid)
8. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
9. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
10. Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)

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Sunderland launch Sakho bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer

Sunderland are understood to have opened talks with view to signing West Ham United's Diafra Sakho. The North East club, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season have made an opening offer for the striker, according to a KUMB source. Sakho - who cost just West Ham just £4million when moving from Metz two summers ago - has been in and out of the news all season, with his topsy-turvy private life having made almost as many headlines as his on-field achievements in recent months. As a result of his numerous and well-documented personal issues, Slaven Bilic will allow him to leave West Ham - but only for the right offer, with United looking to recoup around £15million. The 26-year-old Senegal international, who was brought to England on Sam Allardyce's watch made just 24 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring just seven goals. DUring his first season in England (2014/15) he fared slightly better, managed 12 goals from 26 appearances.

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Collins makes final cut
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer

James Collins has been named in Wales' final 23-man squad for the forthcoming European Championships.

West Ham United's experienced central defender is one of seven defenders named by Wales boss Chris Coleman, along with Ashley Williams (Swansea), James Chester (West Brom), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Chris Gunter (Reading), Neil Taylor (Swansea) and Ashley Richards (Fulham).

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Sosa, so good
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are poised to make another raid on Slaven Bilic's former club. Having already courted the likes of Gokhan Tore, Veli Kavlak and Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent weeks, West Ham are now said to be lining up a bid for yet another Besiktas star - Argentine international Jose Sosa. The 30-year-old midfielder - who has previously enjoyed spells with Bayern Munich (2007-10) and Napoli (2010-11) - has been in Turkey with the Black Eagles for the past two seasons, having made the move from Atletico in La Liga during the summer of 2014. And according to a KUMB source, the Hammers are lining up a £9million bid for the Carcaraná-born Sosa, who has also been linked with a return home to Argentina this week. Estudiantes, with whom Sosa began his professional career back in 2002 are also rumoured to be keen on re-signing the player. Earlier this week SOsa indicated that he would not be averse to a move back to his first team.
Sosa made 31 appearances for Besiktas last season, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.

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West Ham leading Samuel Umtiti race, Sky sources understand
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 31/05/16 5:06pm
SSN

West Ham are leading the chase to sign Lyon centre-back Samuel Umtiti, Sky sources understand. The Cameroon-born France Under-21 international made 30 appearances for Lyon last season and is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Umtiti has previously been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Spurs. France manager Didier Deschamps has named the 22-year-old on the standby list for this summer's European Championship. The news of West Ham's efforts to sign Umtiti comes on the same day news emerged of a bid from the Hammers for AC Milan's Colombian striker Carlos Bacca. West Ham have already had bids for Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson turned down this summer, but co-chairman David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ last week the club are keen to add a world-class goalscorer to their ranks. West Ham have already agreed a deal to sign Norway international Havard Nordtveit, who will join the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

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West Ham insist teenager Reece Oxford will not be sold despite interest from Manchester United
22:30, 30 MAY 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager but West Ham rate him as one of the best young talents they have produced
The Mirror

West Ham are determined to fend off Manchester United's attempts to land starlet Reece Oxford. Jose Mourinho wants to make versatile Hammers academy product Oxford, 17, one of the first signings of his Manchester United reign. United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager, who can play in defence or midfield and has represented England's under-19s. But West Ham rate Oxford as the best talent they have produced since former United and England star Rio Ferdinand and insist there is no way he will be sold. They also claim they have not yet received an official bid for Oxford from the Old Trafford outfit. Star man Dimitri Payet is another Hammers player who has been linked with a summer move. Payet signed a fresh £125,000-a-week deal in February after a stunning start to his West Ham career but that hasn't silenced talk that the Frenchman could leave after an impressive debut season in England. But co-chairman David Gold vowed neither player is going anywhere, saying: "We have no plans to let these players go."

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Hammers talk on Sakho/Sunderland link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sunderland have shown no interest in signing Diafra Sakho despite regular recent reports that Sam Allardyce is keen on the Irons striker.

Reports in the national press that a deal could be done have been joined by another in the local newspaper The Northern Echo today that both Sak and Swansea City striker Bafetimibi Gomis interest the former Hammers manager.

However, there has been zero contact between the two clubs where it is well known a close relationship exists between the chairmen.

We were told that it would be quite impossible to do business even had there been contact because Slaven Bilic won't firm up his plans until he has watched all his targets at the Euro Finals.

Enner Valencia is known to be available but the manager has given no indication that Sakho is a player he would allow to leave although a bid of between around £20 million might change that.

However, we were told: "If both were to go both would have to be replaced very quickly and it might be too much change too quickly anyway.

"Sakho is very highly regarded and it would be a surprise if he were allowed to move on even should interest emerge but to confirm – there has been no Sunderland contact."

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Slav to watch targets at Euros
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic will scout players on his Hammers wanted list at the European Championship in France. ClaretandHugh has already reported that the manager will not be doing any business before the Euros have finished and that his prime targets will be on display in France. Sadly, nobody is letting on at this stage as to who they are and in fact the manager is playing his cards close to his chest on names even to his closest confidantes having clamped down on any leaks. But ClaretandHugh was told this evening that anybody not involved in the competition will "be very low on the manager's list." We were told that both Gokhan Tore and AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca were names that Bilic has mentioned in the past but that there is no movement in either direction at this stage. There has been intense speculation that Gor is a "done deal" but our sources insisted: "That's just guesswork and not very inspired. The manager has one or two targets and will be in France to watch them."

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Former Hammer's £170m goal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 31, 2016 in Videos, Whispers C and H

Former Hammer Mo Diame scored the only goal in the Championship Play-off final to win Hull City a place in the Premier League on the eve of the biggest ever TV deal in football history. That goal is said to worth a minimum of £170m to Hull as they rejoin the top flight of English football. Diame had earlier hit the post earlier in a final against Sheffield Wednesday which Hull dominated. Diame joined West Ham from Wigan on a free transfer in 2012, playing 79 times and scoring 7 goals for the Hammers. In late August 2014 he signed for Hull City on a three-year contract for a fee believed to be £3.5m. He has scored 9 goals from 38 appearances in the Championship this season for the Hull Tigers. Diame once told a french website while still at West Ham 'I don't want to stop here, I still want more, Joining a club from the top six would be a dream come true.'

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West Ham table £15m bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca - reports By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016

West Ham have lodged a bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, according to reports in Italy. The Hammers are trying to get their transfer business done early this year ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium and landing a forward is at the top of the agenda. Having failed with bids for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, West Ham have now turned their attention to the highly-rated Bacca. The Colombian, who scored 24 goals for club and country last season, has been linked with a number of clubs in the last few months, including Manchester United. But now, according to Sky Italia, West Ham have slapped down a £15million offer. Milan are unlikely to sell the former Sevilla hitman for that price so the bid is expected to be rejected. However, the report does suggest that an offer close to the £20m region could tempt the Italian giants to part ways with the 29-year-old - so a deal could still be on the cards.

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Tottenham and West Ham issued with warning over Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has told Tottenham and West Ham they must tie up a deal for Alexandre Lacazette by the end of June. The striker is wanted by several Premier League clubs this summer after scoring 23 goals last season, to go with the 31 he bagged in 2014/15. Tottenham and West Ham are leading the race, but both clubs have so far failed to strike a deal with Lyon. And now Aulas has warned them to get a move on - or else they will have no chance of signing the Frenchman. "If on 28th August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," Aulas told L'Equipe. "However, if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. "Finally, if there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."

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West Ham launch £16m raid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic steps up search for top striker The experienced striker is one of several names on the club's wishlist Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old, who is chasing £60k a week wages Manager Slaven Bilic has been scouring the market for different strikers By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:12, 31 May 2016 | UPDATED: 00:17, 31 May 2016

West Ham have made an offer of £16million for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. The Colombia international is one of several names on the club's wishlist as they try lure a top class striker to the Olympic Stadium for next season. Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old which would leave no re-sale value and Bacca is understood to be chasing £60,000 a week after tax. He is prolific though and scored 24 goals in all competitions last season. Slaven Bilic and co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have been scouring the market for different strikers and have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. They remain in talks with Toulouse over a deal for Martin Braithwaite but he would be a secondary striker with Diafra Sakho likely to leave and a target for Sunderland among others.

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Sunderland step up bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho as £10m move edges closer Sunderland are keen on signing Diafra Sakho after staying in top flight West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan is preparing to give the go-ahead The striker, bought for £3.5m in 2014, would cost Sunderland £10m West Ham are working on targets and are keen on Martin Braithwaite By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 May 2016 | UPDATED: 01:27, 31 May 2016

Sunderland are pressing ahead with a £10million move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho. Manager Sam Allardyce is ready to speak to the Senegal international as West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan prepares to give the go-ahead. The 26-year-old was signed for £3.5million from Metz and proved an instant success, scoring 12 goals in 26 games in his first season. Although Sakho had his differences with Allardyce, when he was in charge of West Ham, the forward is looking for a fresh challenge after growing frustrated this season, in which he has scored seven goals. West Bromwich Albion showed interest in January and remain keen as they ponder possible replacements for Saido Berahino but Allardyce hopes to convince him to move to the Stadium of Light. West Ham will use the proceeds of any sale to bring in a quality striker and are continuing to work through targets. One forward they hope to sign is Toulouse's Danish international striker Martin Braithwaite. West Ham have made a £3m offer for the 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, West Ham will step up talks with defender Reece Oxford over a new contract. Manchester United have yet to make a formal offer but are keen on the 17-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal. Hammers star Dimitri Payet scored a last-minute free-kick to help France beat Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night.

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