Daily WHUFC News - 13th June 2017

Joy for Kemp after England's Toulon triumph
WHUFC.com

Dan Kemp described lifting silverware with England U20s as an 'amazing experience'
The winger triumphed with his country in the Toulon Tournament on Saturday after beating Ivory Coast on penalties in the final
The West Ham winger played three times for the Young Lions during the tournament success

"Pure joy" – the two simple words West Ham United winger Dan Kemp used to sum up his emotions after clinching the Toulon Tournament title with England U20s on Saturday. The Young Lions, taking on Ivory Coast in the final of the prestigious French tournament, held their nerve in a vital penalty shootout after the 1-1 stalemate to eventually get their hands on the trophy for a second year running.
Sheffield United midfielder David Brooks had given England the lead after 13 minutes and with the scoreline still at 1-0 with the full 80 minutes played, it looked as though they were home and dry. But one minute into injury time, there was a late twist as Ake Loba equalised, taking the tie straight to penalties. The Lions remained calm, though, and scored all five of their penalties to clinch the title as their fellow U20 teammates would also do a day later in the U20 FIFA World Cup. Kemp, who played three times during the competition, was delighted to get his hands on the trophy. He said: "It was an amazing feeling to win such a great tournament with my country – the best experience I've had so far in my career. To put the England shirt on and play for your country is an incredible feeling and to go and win is amazing. "The feeling at the end was amazing and pure joy. I'm proud to win for my country and proud of the boys after such a great tournament for us. We were all so happy and buzzing to win. "When Ivory Coast scored we were all a bit surprised as we felt we had done enough to see out the win but it shows in football it's never over until the end. Then, it was about believing we could and will win it on penalties."

Kemp did not get on the pitch in the final, but having been named in the squad for the first time just this summer, the winger was pleased with his progress during a maiden international call-up. "I feel like it had been an amazing experience to play for my country three times and contribute with a couple of assists in the games I played in. I would have obviously loved to play in the final but I still feel I have contributed well to the tournament win. "I want to keep working hard to make sure I get more and more international caps to come and one day make my debut for the senior team. That is the ultimate goal. I just want to keep learning more and more. "This has been a perfect end to a great season for me personally and one that I've massively enjoyed. I am looking forward to resting up now and then getting back to working hard prior to the new season. I want to achieve more and more and win more next year."

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England's Cresswell keen to impress in France clash
WHUFC.com

Hammers full-back Aaron Cresswell is hoping to impress England boss Gareth Southgate if called upon against France on Tuesday
The Three Lions take on Didier Deschamps' team at the Stade de France in Paris
And Cresswell, who could make his second international appearance, is ready to challenge the other left-backs at the manager's disposal

West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell will hope to be given the opportunity to impress England manager Gareth Southgate when the Three Lions take on France in Paris on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old was kept out the side by Ryan Bertrand on Saturday when England picked up a FIFA World Cup qualifying point in a 2-2 draw against Scotland, but will be keen to earn his second cap against Didier Deschamps' team. Cresswell, who made his first senior international appearance in November, replacing Danny Rose as a sub against Spain at Wembley, is expected to be pushed into the starting XI as Southgate looks to access other areas of his squad following the Hampden Park stalemate. And the full-back is keen to prove he can challenge the other left-sided defenders that are also at the manager's disposal. It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies.
He said: "There have been plenty of top left-backs over the years and you look at it now with Bertrand, Luke Shaw and Danny Rose – there are plenty there to fight with. "You have got to do the best for your club first and foremost and hopefully the manager will see a performance that merits a place in the team. "It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier, you still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies. "There is not one single lad in there who is going to take their foot off the gas, knowing it's a friendly match [against France] and take it easy. That won't be the case. We want to win every game."

Cresswell was utilised as both a regular full-back as well as an energetic wing-back throughout the season at West Ham under Bilic.
And with the England side, the Liverpool-born defender is ready to do whatever is asked of him at the Stade de France this week. "I've played in both positions at West Ham, in three at the back or four at the back. I'm more than capable of doing that. Whatever the manager wants me to play, I am sure the lads will adapt. "I don't have a preference really. It is all down to the preference of the manager, the opposition you are going to play and what formation is going to suit the team. "It is good to test yourself against some of the best players in the world and France have certainly got them. It is going to be another tough venue to go to, similar to Saturday. We are looking forward to it."

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Randolph helps Ireland to crucial Austria draw
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland kept themselves in the hunt for World Cup qualification with a 1-1 draw against Austria on Sunday.
Ireland needed Jonathan Walters to pop up with an equaliser five minutes from time at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin after Martin Hinteregger gave Austria a first half lead. Walters' late strike was reward for an improved display in the second half from Ireland, who moved to the top of Group D in European qualification. Randolph earned his 22nd Republic of Ireland cap in the draw - 20 of which have come since his move to the Hammers from Birmingham in summer 2015. Elsewhere on Sunday, Andre Ayew and Ghana enjoyed a perfect start to their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by dispatching Ethiopia 5-0 in Kumasi. Ghana top the four-team group after goals from Asamoah Gyan, John Boye, Ebenezer Ofori and Raphael Dwamena twice fired them to victory.

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Hammers fan Stephen Moyer relishes Hatton Garden Job role
WHUFC.com

West Ham United fan and Hatton Garden Job star Stephen Moyer has talked about how immersed himself in the role of Marcus Ford. The Essex-born actor takes on the role of East End high-roller Ford, who was one of the criminals involved in the now infamous burglary of safety deposit boxes containing jewellery worth an estimated £14m in April 2015. The underground heist saw a group of veteran thieves drill through 50cm thick vault walls before making off with their ill-gotten booty. Seven men have since been found guilty and jailed for their roles in the crime. The Hatton Garden Job, which was produced by Signature Entertainment and directed by Stephen Thompson, is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from all retailers nationwide from Monday 12 June at 9am – the perfect gift for Father's Day! Moyer, whose role as vampire Bill Compton in the hit HBO series True Blood has made him a household name, said he had to empathise with Ford, despite his criminal intentions and actions. "I think that it's very difficult to play any character if you don't find something that you like in them," the 47-year-old told ContactMusic.com. "Even if you read something and you don't particularly like the person, I'm not saying that that's the case with this, but you have to find something that you like about them in order to make it believable for you. "Ultimately, I always say that you kind of have to love the guy you're playing even if he's despicable. "I always end up loving the people I play. For me it's not about right or wrong unless the story's about right or wrong."

California-based Moyer, who has also starred in the recent hit drama Shots Fired, is a lifelong Hammer and visited the squad during their pre-season tour of the United States in summer 2016. The biggest heist in British history. This is the remarkable true story. The Hatton Garden Job is available on DVD and Blu-Ray on Monday.

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West Ham a possible loan destination for Joe Hart with wages stopping permanent deal
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 12/06/17 12:34pm
SSN

Manchester City will let England goalkeeper Joe Hart go on loan to West Ham if a permanent deal away from the Etihad Stadium cannot be agreed. Sky Sports News HQ understands West Ham are keeping tabs on Hart's situation, but his present wage deal means they would only consider a loan move. Hart spent the 2016/17 season away from City on loan, having signed for Serie A side Torino during last summer's transfer window. Both the player and his club expect more potential suitors to become apparent following the international break but, after England's 2-2 draw in Glasgow, Hart admitted he was yet to receive any offers for the next campaign. "I would love to give you a poker-straight answer, but I've got nothing at the moment because I think people are focused on international duty and respecting that players are focusing on international duty," Hart said "Come Tuesday night, I don't know how everyone else finishes, after that is when conversations can be had and people can start being real. "I need an offer first and then I need to work out my options if I have choices. I want to be playing at the highest possible level, pushing myself. "It's a short career. I want to push everything out of me. Physically I feel in great condition and I want to go again."

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Stay of execution for Supporters Club
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer

The Hammers Supporters Club has been saved from closure following the formation of a new Committee. The club, based in Castle Street, was due to close at the end of May after the former Committee agreed to cease trading. However the Club has been saved, for now, after a new Committee was installed.
Paul Christmas, the Club's new Social Secretary told KUMB: "I am very pleased to announce that the members of the Hammers Supporters Club have supported and agreed to a rescue package for the club. "The HSC is looking at opening in Stratford in order to be closer to the new ground and has had discussions with West Ham United and Newham Council to this effect. "But without help and support from Hammers fans and members of the Club, it will be in serious trouble. We have lost enough of our West Ham heritage as it is. Let's not lose any more - and this time, this is in our OWN hands."
In order to help kick start the regeneration of the Club, Christmas revealed that several changes were already earmarked. "A new website will be opened shortly while all members from the past few years are to be contacted about joining again or continuing their membership," he confirmed. "You are welcome to contact us to help with time and costs! "There will also be the Hammer of the Year presentation in early August - further details to follow. The original HotY trophy now in its 70th year will be presented and it is hoped many of the club's players past and present will be there. "Membership will be £10 until 31 December. Membership forms are available at the Club or may be downloaded once the website is up an running."

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Nordtveit hints at early departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit has hinted that he may be open to a return to the Bundesliga this summer. The 26-year-old was Slaven Bilic's first signing of last summer, joining the Hammers on a free transfer after his contract with German side Borussia Mönchengladbach expired. However just one year into a five year contract, Nordtveit has suggested that all may not be as well as hoped at the Olympic Stadium - whilst admitting that he would not be averse to a return to Germany. And conveniently, at least three clubs - believed to include Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg - have been cited as possible destinations in the German press, leaving Nordtveit - whose potential departure is unlikely to be challenged by West Ham - with some thinking to do. " I still have four years left on his contract with West Ham and I'm getting ready to participate in preparation for the new season," he told dagbladet.no. "It starts in July. "Currently I'll let the speculation lie. But yes, I had success in Germany, absolutely. I was there for nearly six years - and I will never reject a return to the Bundesliga."

Nordtveit, who is valued at circa £4-5million made 22 appearances for West Ham during his first season at the club, including 16 in the Premier League.

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West Ham face competition in Iheanacho race
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham may face competition in the battle to sign Manchester City youngster Kelechi Iheanacho. The 20-year-old Nigerian has been linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium for some considerable time, but remains a City player. And West Ham's inability to complete a deal has alerted a string of other Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace the latest to be linked with the promising youngster Darren Lewis, Mirror). Although he has been told he can leave the Etihad Stadium, Iheanacho has previously indicated his desire to stay and fight for a place. Everton and Swansea are also said to be monitoring the situation.

* In other news, West Ham are reported to have made a bid worth around £7million for Iheanacho's fellow country man Henry Onyekuru (Pieter-Jan Calcoen, HLN). The bid, which KUMB understands has been rejected falls short of the £8million valuation fee set by his current club, Eupen, who finished fourth from bottom of the Jupiler League last season.

* West Ham are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Manchester United defender Chris Smalling (various sources). The England international is reported to be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and the Hammers - who made tentative enquiries into his availability last summer - are one of several clubs to have expressed an interest.

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New name, same game
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th June 2017
By: Staff Writer

The Football League Cup has been renamed the Carabao Cup after undergoing it's TENTH name change.

Created 57 years ago, the nation's second-biggest Cup competition has been renamed the Carabao Cup after the League secured a three-year contract with the Far East drinks manufacturer, who also sponsor Chelsea and Reading.

And tomorrow the draw for the first round will take place (in Bangkok, Thailand) although West Ham - along with the remaining Premier League clubs not involved in European competition - receive a bye to the Second Round.

First created for the 1960/61 season, the competition was known as the Football League Cup for its first 21 years before a deal with the Milk Marketing Board saw it renamed as the Milk Cup.

In 1986, mail order firm Littlewoods replaced the MMB as chief sponsor which saw the competition relaunched as the Littlewoods Challenge Cup - who were swiftly followed by Rumbelows (1991-1992), Coca Cola (1993-1998), Worthington's (199-2003), Carling (2004-2012) and Capital One (2013-2016).

Last season the Cup - for which the winners receive a place in the Europa League - returned to its sponsor-less state, although it was renamed as the EFL Cup prior to securing the deal with Carabou.

West Ham have never won the competition but reached the Final in 1966 (losing 5-2 on aggregate to West Bromwich Albion) and 1981, when European Champions Liverpool won a Villa Park replay 2-1.

The Hammers have also reached the semi finals on a further SIX occasions - against Leicester City (1963/64, lost 6-3 on aggregate), West Brom (1966/67 - lost 6-2 on agg), Stoke City (1971/72 lost second replay 3-2), Luton Town (1988/89 - lost 5-0 on agg), Oldham (1989/90 - lost 6-3 on agg) and Birmingham City (2010/11 - lost 4-3 on agg).

West Ham also reached the semi final of the 1999/2000 competition after beating Aston Villa in the quarter final on penalties, but were forced to replay the game - which they lost - after it was revealed that Manny Omoyinmi had featured for another club in the earlier stages of the competition whilst on loan.

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OZYAKUP REPORTEDLY KEEN ON BILIC REUNION
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam

West Ham have been linked with a move for Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent days, and it's been claimed that he's keen on a reunion with Slaven Bilic.

According to a report today from the printed edition of Turkish news outlet Fanatik, as covered by Sport Witness, the exciting midfielder is open to a switch to the London Stadium as he seeks pastures new this summer.

Ozyakup has gone from strength to strength with Besiktas ever since his move from Arsenal, and he could very well be set to depart Turkey for a return to the Premier League in the coming months.

It's stated that Besiktas will demand a sum of €15m to lure Ozyakup away – a sum that is almost certainly affordable to Bilic and West Ham.

The Turkey international is entering the final year of his contract at Besiktas, and this could play to West Ham's advantage as they look to bring him to the club.

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Manuel Lanzini set to make full Argentina debut in a bizarre formation as Messi and Higuain miss out
The Hammers magician is set to start for his country for the first time
Football London
BYROB GUEST
18:18, 12 JUN 2017

Manuel Lanzini will be handed his first Argentina start by manager Jorge Sampaoli in tomorrow's friendly with Singapore. The West Ham midfielder made his international debut on Friday against Brazil after coming on in the 80 minute in the 1-0 win in Melbourne. Recently appointed manager Sampaoli has named his starting XI for the friendly and it includes the 24-year-old after an impressive season in east London.

Rafael Oliveira ✔ @OliveiraRafa
O "2-3-4-1" que Sampaoli pode usar no amistoso de amanhã contra Cingapura. Roda o elenco e vai com time bem ofensivo
1:54 PM - 12 Jun 2017
19 19 Retweets 116 116 likes

Argentina certainly looks like they are going all out to score goals in Kallang after Sampaoli elected to line up with an unusual 2-3-4-1 formation. Lanzini will start alongside Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Gomez as part of the four attackers who will support lone striker Joaquin Correa. Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain will not be involved in the friendly at the National Stadium after they both withdrew from the match in Singapore.

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WEST HAM FIRST CLUB TO OFFER FOR ONYEKURU
SAM HAMMOND @SamHammondSFC
ReadWestHam

West Ham are the first and only club to make a formal bid for Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru. Nigerian news outlet Own Goal Nigeria report that a 'top official' from his club KAS Eupen has stated that the Hammers are the only side to table a bid for the youngster.
Onyekuru has lit up the Belgian league recently – finishing joint top scorer in the past campaign at just 19-years-old. He has been heavily linked with a move to fellow London club Arsenal, and a fee was understood to have be agreed, but it appears the deal fell through. West Ham are now said to be the front-runners in the race to sign the forward, but teams such as Newcastle and Swansea City are claimed to hold an interest in the KAS Eupen man too. Onyekuru is capable on both sides of an attacking trident and most naturally in the centre – a player that would certainly be welcome at the London Stadium as Slaven Bilic's side aim to build on last season's disappointing 11th place finish.

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West Ham transfer news: Bilic wants Hart loan; Onyekuru tipped to sign next week and more
HITC
Vincent Ralph

A select round-up of the latest news relating to West Ham United.

England's Joe Hart

According to a report from the Sun, West Ham United are ready to approach Manchester City with an offer to initially sign goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan before buying him permanently next summer. The report claims that the Hammers would struggle to afford Hart's £100,000-a-week wages and City's £18million asking price this summer, hoping instead to bring him in during this transfer window but only pay a fee in 12 months. It is a somewhat strange proposal but it perhaps suggests that West Ham are keen to put the majority of their transfer funds into strengthening elsewhere, knowing that Hart is surplus to requirements at City following the arrival of Ederson from Benfica earlier this month.

In other news, the Daily Mail claims Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru will travel to London next week to conclude a £7million move to the London Stadium. It had been suggested that Arsenal would get the Nigerian goal-scorer in a cut-price deal but now it seems West Ham have beaten the Gunners to the punch. Fresh off the back of a blistering campaign, Onyekuru will reportedly fly to England on Tuesday if talks progress in the interim.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham will have to fork out £20million if they want to bring Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud to the club this summer. Slaven Bilic's side may well look to bring in two new forwards this summer after so many of their goal-scoring options under-performed last time out, yet a move for the French international seems unlikely at this stage. And finally, the Mirror claims West Ham are open to selling January signing Robert Snodgrass in this window. It shows how little impact the Scotland international has had at the Hammers thus far, but despite that a whole host of clubs are said to be keen including Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland, who will all be competing for promotion from the Championship next season.

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What happens to West Ham's Andy Carroll is Olivier Giroud is signed
HITC
Shane Callaghan

West Ham United are interested in the Arsenal hitman, according to reports. If rumours are to be believed then West Ham United want Olivier Giroud from Arsenal. The Mirror reported on the weekend that the £20 million-rated striker is fed up with a bit-part role at the Emirates and West Ham will offer the Frenchman an escape route. Should such a transfer materialise then there would probably be no room for Andy Carroll with the East Londoners any longer. They are both towering strikers, with very limited mobility, and logically manager Slavan Bilic has no need for two of them at the club, meaning that Carroll - a £15 million signing in 2013 - might well end up leaving East London. And that would not be a disaster. Despite them both being of a similar mould, Giroud is a better number nine with more dimensions to his game than the 28-year-old. The France international, 30, reminded Arsenal fans what he was capable of with a truly stunning volley against Sweden on Friday night, having hit 12 goals in 11 Premier League starts for the Gunners last season.
Plus, he is nowhere near as injury prone as Carroll, who has started 52 Premier League matches since the 2013-14 campaign. If the West Ham boss does move for him then the implication might be that Carroll can leave. Giroud is two years older, but he is certainly an upgrade.

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West Ham midfielder refuses to rule out transfer as three Bundesliga clubs consider bids
It hasn't been a smooth first season in east London for Havard Nordtveit
Football London
BYROB GUEST
21:00, 11 JUN 2017UPDATED21:13, 11 JUN 2017

West Ham United midfielder Havard Nordtveit is refusing to rule out a return to Germany after three Bundesliga clubs were linked with potential summer moves. The Norwegian only joined the Hammers last season from Borussia Monchengladbach but Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim and Wolfsburg are all reportedly interested in his signature. Nordtveit endured a difficult first season in east London and only made 16 appearances but he impressed towards the end of the campaign in his preferred role as a defensive midfielder. Despite claiming earlier in the week that he was looking forward to starting next season with the Hammers, the 26-year-old has not ruled out a return to Germany in the future. Nordtveit, speaking to Dagbladet in his home country, said: "At the moment, I let the speculation lie.
"I still have four years left on his contract with West Ham. And I'm getting ready to take part in preparations for the new season."

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Kelechi Iheanacho told he will leave Manchester City as talks continue with West Ham – report
ByCity WatchPosted on June 11, 2017

Kelechi Iheanacho is set to be one of the more unfortunate victims of Pep Guardiola's summer overhaul at Manchester City, despite the 20-year-old being desperate to stay at the club that brought him to England. According to an exclusive article for The West Ham Way by ExWHUEmployee, undoubtedly the most reliable West Ham source around, the Nigerian has been told to brace himself for an Etihad departure.
West Ham have been in talks to sign Kelechi but have found negotiations with Man City difficult, the problem largely surrounding City's demand for a buy-back clause in any sale. Despite frustration for the Hammers so far, talks continue and are not dead. If West Ham do fail to strike a deal for the clinical young striker, many other clubs are interested. It is thought that City could demand over £20 million for Kelechi, which would represent one of the club's biggest profits ever on a player. For now, negotiations go on but it appears to be only a matter of time until Kelechi Iheanacho says goodbye to Manchester City.

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Joe Hart admits he hasn't had a single offer to leave Manchester City
Simon Rice for Metro.co.uk
Sunday 11 Jun 2017 10:59 pm

Joe Hart has admitted he's not had a single offer despite it being clear he has no future at Manchester City. The England No 1 spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino after being pushed out by Pep Guardiola. Hart is due to return to Manchester City next month, however the club recently signed Ederson for £34.7million from Benfica. The Brazilian's arrival confirmed there is no place for Hart at the Etihad. Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester United have all been linked with a swoop for the two-time Premier League title winner. However if any of them are interested, they're yet to show it. 'I need an offer first, then I can work out my options,' the 30-year-old admitted. 'I've got nothing at the moment. My situation now is interesting and patience is going to be the key.' He continued: 'I'm lucky I've got this great distraction of being involved with my country — and then we will see. 'I'd love to be withholding information about my future but I don't have information to withhold. 'I have not spoken to City. They have obviously signed a new keeper and I get the direction where they are going. 'I'm not a kid any more. I can't just pack my stuff like a 17-year-old and go on loan — I like stability.' Hart, who has 71 caps for England but who will be rested for the upcoming friendly against France, revealed he could be available for a reasonable fee. 'I don't think City are going to price me out of a move,' he said. 'There is no animosity between the two parties. 'I just want to play football. That's what I live and breathe — and I want to play at the highest possible level.

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Aaron Cresswell will seize chance to hammer former West Ham team-mate Dimitri Payet
JAMES OLLEY
Evening Standard

The prospect of sharing a pitch with Dimitri Payet once again prompts Aaron Cresswell to break out into a smile. It is, in that moment, difficult to interpret given the acrimonious manner in which Payet departed West Ham less than six months ago, thereby ending his club association with Cresswell and the rest of his disbelieving team-mates. Payet forced through his move back to Marseille in unedifying circumstances, signing a new contract which included a £1million loyalty bonus payment in September only to refuse to play for the club by January. He was subsequently instructed by manager Slaven Bilic to train with the reserves and the inevitable but protracted exit which followed preceded a stream of damning vitriol from West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan, most prominent among the accusations was of a lack of respect towards everyone at the club.

It would be easy to assume, then, that Cresswell might view Tuesday night's friendly between France and England in Paris with particular relish. Manager Gareth Southgate is expected to make several changes in the wake of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland. For the second time in three days after last week's general election, the United Kingdom witnessed something originally billed as a coronation ending in an unexpectedly fierce contest. The need to re-energise a squad showing the effects of a long Premier League season will further encourage rotation and Cresswell is a contender to be involved at the Stade de France having been an unused substitute at Hampden Park. If successful, it would only be his second senior cap following an 11-minute appearance against Spain last November.

Payet played 76 minutes of France's surprise 2-1 defeat to Sweden in Stockholm on Friday and were he to line up against Cresswell on Tuesday evening, there would be a few Hammers fans willing him on to make his presence felt with a firm tackle or two, won't there?
"That's football," the 27-year-old told Standard Sport. "It is good to test yourself against some of the best players in the world and France have certainly got them. It is going to be another tough venue to go to, similar to Saturday. We are looking forward to it.
"I've just mentioned world-class players and Dimi is certainly up there. I only spent 18 months with him but I certainly know what he is all about, certainly his free-kicks and stuff but not just Dimi, they have got some very good players.

Payet cited homesickness as the reason for leaving West Ham but in March he told France newspaper L'Equipe that "I had no desire to play in the lower reaches of the Premier League". While focusing his attention on Bilic's "defensive" system which left him "pissed off" and "bored", the implied criticism of his team-mates could understandably provoke anger and frustration in those he left behind.
Cresswell, however, reserved special praise for Payet. "He was sort of unheard of before he joined the Premier League and West Ham," said Cresswell. "For me personally, I didn't know much about him. But you knew he had the quality after a week or two training with us.
"He is arguably the best player I have played with and he certainly showed that day in, day out in training and of course in the games.
"Of course. It would have been nice to see him stay. Nobody knows his reason why he wanted to leave but it is what it is. We move on. People move on and the club moves on. "It won't be strange [to play against him] because I used to face him sometimes in training. You think you know him inside out but we'll see what happens on the day. I concentrate on my own game and I want to do well."

Danny Rose's knee injury has given his rivals a chance to press their case to be England's left-back, a position in which Southgate looks to be particularly well stocked. Ryan Bertrand performed well against Scotland, a display Cresswell will hope to surpass having beaten both Kieran Gibbs and Luke Shaw into the squad. "There have been plenty of top left-backs over the years and you look at it now with Bertrand, Luke Shaw and Danny Rose – there are plenty there to fight with," said Cresswell. "You have got to do the best for your club first and foremost and hopefully the manager will see a performance that merits a place in the team."

Southgate experimented with a 3-4-2-1 shape in England's previous friendly against Germany in March to positive effect and Cresswell has already proven his tactical flexibility at club level, with Bilic switching between a three-man and four-man defence during the campaign. "I've played both positions at West Ham in three at the back or four at the back," he said. "I'm more than capable of doing that. Whatever the manager wants to play, I am sure the lads will adapt. "I don't have a preference really. It is all down to the preference of the manager, the opposition you are going to play and what formation is going to suit the team."

Any experimentation will only enhance the end of season feel at the end of another gruelling campaign but Cresswell insisted there would be no letting up. "It doesn't matter if it's a friendly match or a qualifier," he said. "You still want to win. As footballers, that's what you want to do – you want to win games and trophies. There is not one single lad in there who is going to take their foot off the gas, knowing it's a friendly match and take it easy. That won't be the case. We want to win every game." Payet's presence may just focus a few minds, too.

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Havard Nordtveit admits to disappointment over debut West Ham season as he hints at Bundesliga return
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Havard Nordtveit has admitted that he did not expect his move to West Ham to transpire in the way it has after a disappointing return to the Premier League. Former Arsenal midfielder returned to England after five years at Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer last summer, joining Slaven Bilic's side on a free transfer. Nordtveit was expected to be a regular in West Ham's midfield, where he would add physicality and tackling ability, but largely struggled to establish himself on Bilic's team-sheet. The 26-year-old made only 16 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season and was named in the starting lineup on only three occasions after January 2.
With ankle injuries also curtailing Nordtveit's involvement it has not been the glorious return to England the Norwegian international had dreamed off and he did little to dispel rumours of a return to the Bundesliga. "It was not like I had envisioned it to be," Nordtveit told Dagbladet of his first season at the London Stadium. "For now I let the speculation lie. I still have four years left on my contract with West Ham. "Yes I had success in Germany… I will never reject a return to the Bundesliga."

Nordtveit has been linked with both Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg in recent weeks.

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WEST HAM BID FOR HENRY ONYEKURU REJECTED
ABDULLAH MULLA @AbzMulla6
ReadWestHam

Belgian club Eupen have turned down West Ham United's £7m bid for exciting forward Henry Onyekuru because they want to sell him to a more "prestigious club", according to Belgian reporter Kristof Terreur.

The 20-year-old striker seemed to be convinced by the Hammers to move to the Premier League to join them as he had been given the promise of first team football, however, his club looks like they don't want to sell to West Ham and would rather sell to the likes of London rivals Arsenal.

The Nigerian International scored a whopping 25 goals last season and registered 14 assists, which has attracted interest from major European clubs. Arsenal were in pole position before West Ham registered their interest in Onyekuru and it seemed a move to the Hammers was on the cards but Eupen are not keen to sell to them.

Onyekuru can operate anywhere in the front-line, however, he does prefer the left side as if offers him space to run with the ball at his feet. He likes to cut in on his stronger right foot and shoot but he can also go down the line and use his weaker foot to deliver the ball into the box.

His quick feet have been a nightmare for defenders in the Belgian league this season and with Hammers boss Slaven Bilic looking to add firepower up front, he seemed to be the perfect man.

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