Daily WHUFC News - 15th July 2017

Bilic confident of adding quality
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic says he is confident of adding one or two influential new players to his squad in the very near future. Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and Head of Recruitment Tony Henry have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to capture the manager's primary targets and, with a month to go until the 2017/18 Premier League campaign kicks off, Slaven is happy with how things are progressing. "We are pretty close, but I prefer not to talk transfers, I prefer to work transfers," said the Hammers boss. "Make no mistake, we are working hard every day, but it is not easy. Some clubs, like Everton, are signing a lot of players, some are signing a couple of players, and some haven't signed any. "But that doesn't mean they are not trying. I'm sure everybody is working, and everybody is trying to sign players."

Slaven also emphasised the approach of the Club in this summer's transfer window to place quality above quantity, and the need to remain patient in order to ensure that any new recruit is right for West Ham United and will improve not just the squad, but the starting line-up. "It is important to remember that, towards the end of last season, we played without nine players who were injured, and still to be fair we did quite well, points wise and performance," he said. "So we have a squad. What we want is to bring in the quality that is going to improve our first 11. We have Pablo [Zabaleta] and I am really expecting to add a couple more soon. "Everybody is talking about a striker, but it is very hard to find them," added the Croatian. "We are working on it, but we are not going to get someone that we are not sure about. "Especially as we are not looking at bringing them in to be just in or around the squad, or expect them to come good in a couple of years.
"We want someone to come in, put the jersey on, and play. And we are going to do it. We are working very hard, especially the chairman, but we are going to get someone that we really want."

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West Ham United and Royal London continue winning partnership
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Royal London have signed a new agreement to continue as the Club's Official Timing Partner. Royal London, who began their association with West Ham United in 2015, are a British brand with a truly global presence, having long been a favourite of jewellers and watch sellers in the UK and throughout the world. Following a hugely successful two-year partnership, in which they have been on board for two historic seasons – the final year at the Boleyn Ground and our debut campaign at London Stadium – Royal London have now extended their agreement as a new and exciting era for West Ham United continues to grow. The deal will enable to Royal London to further enhance its clear synergy with West Ham United and London Stadium, while Hammers fans will also be able to continue to buy a range of co-branded watches from the official West Ham United retail stores and online store.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "I am thrilled that we are to continue our strong and successful relationship with Royal London. "Since welcoming them to the West Ham United family in 2015, they have shared our drive and ambition for the future and remained valued partners throughout two momentous seasons for the Club. "Like West Ham United, Royal London's reputation and status continues to grow on a global scale, and I look forward to strengthening our relationship even further in the coming years."

Royal London Managing Director Narshi Bhoja said: "We are absolutely delighted to have signed an extension to our sponsorship agreement with West Ham United, a club whose trajectory matches that of ours. "Over the last couple of years the partnership has allowed us to break into a number of key markets, including China which, in a couple of years, will be our biggest export market."

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U23s kick-off pre-season with Barnet clash
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's U23 squad return to action when their pre-season schedule kicks-off at Barnet on Saturday. Terry Westley's Hammers enjoyed a successful 2016/17 campaign, winning promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 via a thrilling Play-Off win over Newcastle United in May. West Ham's young professionals face a busy season ahead, with Westley's squad competing in Premier League 2, Checkatrade Trophy, Premier League International Cup and Premier League Cup – but the Academy Director believes his players need to be tested if they are to develop into top-class professionals. "We are trying to give them the best opportunity to play against the strongest possible opposition and that is why we have set up pre-season matches against teams like Barnet," Westley confirmed. "We are making it as tough as we can because they need to be tested."

Barnet will compete in EFL League Two this season and have kicked-off their own pre-season in impressive fashion, beating Premier League Swansea City at The Hive in midweek. Tickets for the fixture will be available on matchday in the North Stand and East Stand (blocks F-H), priced at £10 for Adults, £5 for O65s and 18-21s and just £1 for U17s. Alternatively, supporters can book online here until 2.30pm on Saturday 15 July.

After Saturday's fixture, the U23s will travel to Barnet's League Two rivals Colchester United on Tuesday 18 July at 7.45pm, before making the short trip to National League side Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday 22 July at 3pm. Westley will use the pre-season matches to assess his playing squad, with a view to which remain with the U23s and which are allowed to leave the Hammers on loan. "Those who do go out on loan will go to clubs in the Championship or League One, as playing at that level will benefit their development," he confirmed. "As always, it is about finding the right club for each player. "With others, we will take the decision that they will stay with us as we feel they will benefit more from our own games programme, and give them the opportunity to prove they can play U23 football. "All in, it is a very exciting time and there is more for our youngsters to look forward to than ever this season."

Finally, Westley wished Academy stars Nathan Trott and Domingos Quina luck as the duo prepare for Saturday's UEFA Euro U19 final between England and Portugal. "Nathan and Domingos played a big part in our promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 last season and they now have the chance to enjoy more success," he observed. "Obviously only one of them can end on the winning side, but they can both be proud of their efforts and achievements."

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West Ham's Trott sets sights on European glory
WHUFC.com

West Ham United goalkeeper Nathan Trott is aiming to become the ninth Hammer to win the UEFA European U19 Championship with England. The Young Lions booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win over Czech Republic on Wednesday and will take on fellow Hammer Domingos Quina's Portugal – who beat the Netherlands – in Georgia on Saturday evening. Trott has yet to feature in the tournament, as he has played the role of back-up to AFC Bournemouth stopper Aaron Ramsdale, but he is relishing being part of the squad which has a chance to be crowned champions of Europe. "It's always a great feeling to have such success and be part of one of the best teams in Europe so now we want to make that final step," said the 18-year-old, who will follow in the footsteps of John Sissons, John Charles, Martin Britt, Harry Redknapp, John Ayris, Kevin Lock, Alan Curbishley and Paul Allen should England triumph. "Hopefully we can go all the way and become champions. The journey has been great for us all so far, and we've been really focused in everything that we've done. "We've had our minds on one thing and one aim throughout and that was to go all the way in Georgia and win. That's still the aim and what we want to do on Saturday. "The atmosphere has been really good in the camp, and everyone is always enjoying themselves and working really hard and pushing each other. We're ready."

West Ham youngsters have starred in previous finals, with winger Sissons scoring in victories over Northern Ireland and Spain in 1963 and 1964 respectively, Ayris netting in the 1971 win over Portugal and Allen doing likewise in the 1980 success against Poland. Unlike previous finals, however, Trott will face a fellow Hammer in the final in the shape of attacker and friend Quina, who has started all four matches for Portugal. "I've spoken to Dom a number of times throughout the tournament," Trott continued. "He's doing really well in the tournament personally, obviously as are his team. "He's in great spirits. It's always weird playing against one of your Club teammates internationally, but it doesn't change my feeling towards wanting to win!"

The final, which is being played in Gori and kicks off at 5pm BST, will be broadcast live on British Eurosport 1.

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Sheringham: I loved my time at West Ham
WHUFC.com

Teddy Sheringham has told whufc.com he will always cherish the three years he spent playing for his boyhood club. The lifelong Hammer was born in Waltham Forest and grew up watching the likes of Billy Bonds, Alan Devonshire and Trevor Brooking win two FA Cups and excite football fans everywhere. However, it was not until the England international had passed his 38th birthday that he returned to east London and pulled on a Claret and Blue shirt for the first time in August 2004. Over the next three seasons, Sheringham inspired West Ham to promotion to the Premier League and an FA Cup final, won the Hammer of the Year award and was part of the Club's great escape from relegation in 2007. "At the age I was then, I was hoping things would still go well playing for my boyhood club, after supporting them and coming to games with my brother when I was eight or nine," West Ham's oldest debutant, who joined 13 years ago this week, recalled.
"I was a little bit apprehensive about doing that, but it worked out fine and I had a fantastic time playing for West Ham. I loved it."

Having achieved so much in such a relatively short period of time, at the end of such a successful career, and scored 30 goals in 87 appearances, picking one standout moment was a difficult task for the now-51-year-old. "I think getting promoted back to the Premier League for West Ham [via the Play-Offs in 2005] was a big factor," said Sheringham, who scored 20 goals in 33 Championship appearances that season. "I could say playing in the FA Cup final in 2006, but it's all about achieving things and winning things as footballers and I look back on great times and being part of getting back to the top of the heap."

Sheringham returned to West Ham as a coach under Sam Allardyce in summer 2014, spending a season working with many members of the current squad, including Mark Noble and Andy Carroll. After departing two summers ago, he enjoyed a stint as manager of Stevenage and has recently been announced as manager of reigning Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata - a challenge he is hugely looking forward to. "I've just signed to go to manage in India and the season starts in the middle of November," he confirmed. "I had three or four interviews for jobs in England and thought I had a chance of getting each one, but they didn't seem to materialise. "It was proving tough to get another job. I really enjoyed my time at Stevenage, which was an eye-opening experience, and I wanted to be involved in it more. "I've had to go further afield than I wanted to, going to India, but I need the experience to get better. It's the Indian Super League club in Calcutta, so now we'll set about getting some new players before the start of the new season."

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Ex-Hammer spared jailed for 'treasure hunt'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th July 2017
By: Staff Writer

A former West Ham United star has avoided a custodial sentence for burglary - despite being caught red-handed. Shaun Newton, who West Ham famously signed from Charlton for just £10,0000 - thus earning him the nickname 10k during his spell at the club in the late 1990s - was nicked attempting to steal a set of keys from a flat in Mitcham, Surrey. However the former England Under 21 - who was said to be both under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs at the time of his arrest - avoided prison as a result of telling the jury that he believed he was on a 'treasure hunt' at the time. "It was a long weekend," he told Bow Court. "I was tired and disorientated and confused by the tricks that were played on me at the time. "I was led to believe there was a car, a Range Rover or whatever, and I was hunting for it. I pulled apart my whole house looking for keys. There were things in my house leading me to number plates, stuff like that and I was led to believe I had to do certain things like break glass."

Newton - whose legal representative told the court that his client lives "a day-to-day, hand-to-mouth existence" - was given 100 hours' community service by Recorder Ian Peddle QC, who stressed that he was lucky nothing had actually been stolen during the break-in. "It's clear you were high on cocaine and alcohol and maybe that's why you committed the burglary," he said. "Fortunately nothing was taken and in the witness box you gave a bizarre account of your actions, enough to cause the jury and myself to be concerned about your mental health."

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Manuel Lanzini says West Ham have signed one of the Premier League's best right-backs in Pablo Zabaleta
EXCLUSIVE
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Manuel Lanzini is convinced that West Ham have snared one of the league's top right-backs in Pablo Zabaleta. The Argentine defender joined the Hammers on a free transfer earlier this summer after nine seasons at Manchester City. Zabaleta won two Premier League titles at the Etihad but knee injuries curtailed his involvement over his final years at Manchester City. However Lanzini is convinced that the 32-year-old still has a bright future ahead of him at the London Stadium and backed Zabaleta to make a major impact on West Ham's shaky defence. Lanzini told Standard Sport: "It is very good for me to have someone from Argentina join the club! We have spoken many times, he is a very good person and a very good player. "I think he is one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, he has been here for nine years, which is amazing. "His experience will be very important to us. He has played for a very big club in Manchester City and I think he will be very good for us."
​Zabaleta may not be the only former Manchester City player lining up in Slaven Bilic's defence next season, with West Ham confident of tying up a deal for England goalkeeper Joe Hart before the end of the week. Whilst co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan look to add to Bilic's squad, with Stoke wide man Marko Arnautovic the subject of two rejected bids, the Hammers first team are in Austria for their summer training camp. New head of medical services Gary Lewin has the Hammers on a gruelling schedule of double sessions in their camp at Bad Waltersdorf but Lanzini is enjoying the chance to be back among friends. "It's very good to see the team again. I spent some good time with my family and friends over the summer but I was looking forward to coming back to training and to see my team-mates. "Pre-season is a good time to spend together as a group – we can talk together about our holidays and our families. It's good for the team and it helps with our work. "We are working very hard but it is also very important to enjoy it."

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West Ham end pursuit of Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud
By Kaveh Solhekol
Last Updated: 14/07/17 11:14am
SSN

West Ham are no longer interested in signing Olivier Giroud, Sky sources understand. The Hammers decided to end talks after they were told they were not Giroud's first choice destination. Giroud, who is a target for Everton and Marseille, is facing an uncertain future after Arsenal signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for a club record £52m. West Ham are in the market to sign at least one striker this summer. They were close to signing Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City for £25m but ended their interest after manager Slaven Bilic decided against completing the deal. They remain in talks to sign former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen, but the deal is being delayed because he is asking for £140,000 a week. West Ham were also interested in signing Cologne striker Anthony Modeste - who has now joined Tianjin Quanjian - and Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu. Meanwhile, West Ham remain confident of completing deals for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic.

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Slaven Bilic says West Ham are 'pretty close' to making new signings
Last Updated: 14/07/17 12:34pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he is "pretty close" to adding to his squad. The Hammers have ended their interest in signing Olivier Giroud after being informed they are not the French striker's first-choice destination if he does leave Arsenal. They remain in talks to sign former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen, but the deal is being delayed because he is asking for £140,000 a week. They are also confident of completing deals for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic. And Bilic, who has so far brought in full-back Pablo Zabaleta from City, told the club website: "We are pretty close, but I prefer not to talk transfers, I prefer to work transfers. "Make no mistake, we are working hard every day, but it is not easy. Some clubs, like Everton, are signing a lot of players, some are signing a couple of players, and some haven't signed any. "But that doesn't mean they are not trying. I'm sure everybody is working, and everybody is trying to sign players. "What we want is to bring in the quality that is going to improve our first XI. We have Pablo Zabaleta and I am really expecting to add a couple more soon."
Bilic is desperate to sign a forward after injuries to Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho meant West Ham ended last season with on-loan Jonathan Calleri, who scored one deflected goal in 19 appearances, playing in attack. "Everybody is talking about a striker, but it is very hard to find them," added Bilic. "We are working on it, but we are not going to get someone that we are not sure about - especially as we are not looking at bringing them in to be just in or around the squad, or expect them to come good in a couple of years. "We want someone to come in, put the jersey on, and play. And we are going to do it. We are working very hard, especially the chairman, but we are going to get someone that we really want."

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West Ham release Bermudian forward
Colin Thompson
Published Jul 14, 2017 at 8:00 am (Updated Jul 13, 2017 at 11:22 pm)

Djair Parfitt-Williams is pondering his next move after parting company with English Premier League side West Ham United. The 20-year-old Bermudian forward is a free agent after his two-year contract expired at the club last month and was not renewed, according to reports. Parfitt-Williams signed his first professional contract with West Ham in June of 2015 after a string of impressive performances with the club's under-18 squad, whom he led in scoring with nine goals.
He was recommended to the East London club by former West Ham striker Clyde Best, who spotted something special in the player, who was then 14, during a training session with Somerset Trojans. He had been playing for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy when his grandfather Lynn Wade contacted Best, who starred for West Ham between 1968 and 1976, to run the rule over the youngster. Parfitt-Williams featured twice for the club's first team against Lusitanos of Andorra in the Europa League qualifiers in 2015 and was also an unused substitute in four Barclays Premier League matches. He was a member of West Ham's team that won the Under-21 Premier League Cup after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory away to Hull City during the 2015-16 campaign. West Ham won the first leg of the two-legged final 1-0 at home, with Parfitt-Williams coming off the bench to grab a late winner. The former PHC youth player finished as the competition's joint leading goalscorer with five goals along with Hull striker Greg Olley. Parfitt-Williams was once touted as one of the best under-21 forwards in Britain and is believed to be now exploring his options. He had been developing his skills at West Ham alongside compatriot and goalkeeper Nathan Trott.
Trott, who is a member of the England Under-19 squad that will meet Portugal in the final of the Under-19 European Championships in Georgia tomorrow, signed an initial 2½-year deal with West Ham in January 2016 which has since been extended until 2020. Trott, a former BAA player, has had to be content with a place on the England bench during the group stage victories over Bulgaria, Holland and Germany. Aaron Ramsdale of Bournemouth has been the preferred first-choice goalkeeper of head coach Keith Dowling.

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MIDDLESBROUGH MAKE £5M BID FOR WEST HAM UNITED MAN
Date: 14th July 2017 at 10:06am
Written by: Samuel Preston

Middlesbrough have reportedly bid £5m for West Ham United's Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Darren Randolph, reports Sam Inkersole of Football London.

Sam Inkersole ✔ @Sam_InkersoleTM
Boro have bid £5m for Randolph. #WHUFC are mulling it over.
4:39 PM - 13 Jul 2017
23 23 Retweets 33 33 likes
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As Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart reportedly nears a loan move to the London Stadium, the Hammers will look to offload either Randolph or Adrian. Garry Monk's recently-relegated Teesiders are looking to benefit from West Ham's surplus of goalkeepers by swooping for the 30-year-old to boost his own goalkeeping options. Victor Valdes and Brad Guzan departed the Riverside Stadium, following Middlesbrough's relegation to the Championship, leaving after just one season apiece in the North East. That leaves Monk with experienced and popular Greek stopper Dimi Konstantopoulos and young Englishman Connor Ripley as his only two realistic options between the sticks. With two keepers at either end of the spectrum in terms of age and experience, Monk has been on the hunt throughout the summer for a keeper who has the perfect mix of the two. A bid for Karl Darlow – also worth £5m – was rejected by Newcastle earlier this month, but the sudden development in the saga regarding the future of England number one Hart has handed Monk an unexpected chance to pounce. Inkersole added that West Ham are considering the bid for Randolph, but have also received a bid from fellow London club Crystal Palace for Adrian. It appears likely that one stopper will be retained as Hart's deputy, while the other will be free to leave.

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WEST HAM INTERESTED IN WEST BROM'S SALOMON RONDON
JOSHUA HARDY @joshuahardy_
ReadWestHam

Rondon signed for West Brom in August 2015 for £12m, which at the time was The Baggies' record transfer fee, on a four-year-deal but only two years into his time at The Hawthorns he has been linked with a move away. There is no secret that West Ham and Slaven Bilic are looking to sign a striker this summer, with the likes of Javier Hernandez, Olivier Giroud and Kelechi Iheanacho all being previously linked with a move to The Hammers. No contact has been made between the two clubs about Rondon's future and this deal could be unlikely as he is the main striker at West Brom and he is one of only three frontmen at the club. West Brom also rejected a £32m bid from Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian in the January transfer window so if that's anything to go by then West Ham would have to bid around that price to even get a chance of signing the Venezuelan. Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Rondon over the last year. Rondon scored eight goals for West Brom last season which is not a great tally, especially when West Ham fans have been promised a "20 goal-a-season striker" and Rondon doesn't look like he fits that role.

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BILIC CONFIDENT OF ADDING ONE OR TWO PLAYERS SOON
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam

Despite being thousands of miles away from home in Austria as the club continue their pre-season, Slaven Bilic is still working tirelessly to bring new players to West Ham this summer, and his endeavours are close to being rewarded. With Pablo Zabaleta the only addition to the squad so far, fans are getting restless as they wait on some big-name additions, especially in attack. Speaking to the official site, Slaven Bilic admits the club are close to bringing in one or two influential players to his squad. We are pretty close, but I prefer not to talk transfers, I prefer to work transfers. Make no mistake, we are working hard every day, but it is not easy. Some clubs, like Everton, are signing a lot of players, some are signing a couple of players, and some haven't signed any. But that doesn't mean they are not trying. I'm sure everybody is working, and everybody is trying to sign players. In the last 24 hours, reports have surfaced the club are close to agreeing a deal to bring Joe Hart in on loan from Manchester City which could see Adrian or Daren Randolph leave the club with Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough interested in them respectively. Bilic confirms that the club want to improve the starting eleven and that remains his focus in the transfer window, admitting he expects to add a couple of quality players soon.
What we want is to bring in the quality that is going to improve our first 11. We have Pablo [Zabaleta] and I am really expecting to add a couple more soon.
It's well-documented that the club want a striker or two this summer as well, but Bilic does not want to take a risk on someone who isn't proven or still needs to develop, he wants someone who can make an impact from day one. We are working on it, but we are not going to get someone that we are not sure about.
Especially as we are not looking at bringing them in to be just in or around the squad, or expect them to come good in a couple of years. We want someone to come in, put the jersey on, and play. And we are going to do it. We are working very hard, especially the chairman, but we are going to get someone that we really want. This seems to confirm reports that West Ham pulled out of a move for Kelechi Iheanacho because Bilic didn't feel the 20-year-old was proven enough. Andre Gray and Javier Hernandez are also reported targets for the Hammers.

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WAGE DEMANDS STALLING JAVIER HERNANDEZ MOVE TO WEST HAM
ABDULLAH MULLA @AbzMulla6
ReadWestHam

West Ham United's move for Mexican forward Javier Hernandez is stalling due to the striker demanding a whopping £140,000-a-week to play for the Hammers, according to a report on Sky Sports. The London club are desperately looking to sign at least one striker in this summer's transfer window as manager Slaven Bilic looks to bolster his attacking options following a disappointing campaign in front of goal last season. The Hammers opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the possible transfer of Hernandez and the Bundesliga club have been open to the idea of selling the striker but his wage demands are the only thing holding up the deal at the moment. The former Manchester United striker could be available for as little as £13m this summer and West Ham are keen to beat any other club to his signature. Hernandez is open to a move back to the Premier League where he made his name as a natural finisher inside the box. Hernandez has been a steady goalscorer for the German Bundesliga side and has managed to get his name on the scoresheet 39 times in 76 appearances for the club. The 29-year-old struck 11 times in the league last season and his goalscoring trait is what impresses Bilic as he looks to secure his primary target. The Hammers are yet to decide what to do about Hernandez' wage demands but swift action is required as Everton are monitoring the situation.

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FOUR WEEKS UNTIL THE SEASON STARTS AND STILL NO NEW STRIKERS - OR INDEED ANYONE
By Iain Dale 14 Jul 2017 at 08:00
WTID

This week has seen transfer speculation build up to a new level, but still we only have Pablo Zabaleta as a new face in the squad. This week Enner Valencia finally signed for the Mexican side Tigres. We only got around £7 million for him, but it's another £40k off the wage bill. There are two players who are being heavily linked with us at the moment – Stoke City's Marko Arnautovic and England goalkeeper Joe Hart. Given that our needs are for two strikers, this is slightly perplexing.

The key in signing any player is to be able to answer the question: If we sign this player, does it improve on what we already have? Let's look at Joe Hart first.

In theory Joe Hart ought to be at the top of his game. He's 30 and has a good six or seven years in him. However, he was frozen out of Manchester City by Guardiola and spent last season at Torino. Manchester City prefer to sell him rather than loan him, but West Ham want to do it the other way around, but only if Man City meet some of his £140k a week wages. Hart himself also wants a permanent move. The fee would be around £20 million. While that may be quite high for a thirty year old keeper, he's an international class goalkeeper. Is he better than what we already have? Yes. He does make the odd howler, but we have two goalkeepers who do that too. I see no point in taking him on loan. If we need a top class goalkeeper, he doesn't need a try out. He's the real deal. Let's go get him, and then sell one of our other two keepers for as much as we can get. Adrian has got to be worth £8-10 million and Randolph would fetch £3-4 million surely.

The case for signing Marko Arnautovic is less clear. We could have signed him a couple of years ago for £2 million but he chose to go for Stoke City instead. He's done OK there but seems to be the type of player that can be brilliant on his day and when he's in the mood, but has too many off-days. If you look at the comparison between Arnautovic and Andre Ayew on KUMB HERE, you'd have to say that we might as well keep Ayew. And I say that who is someone who would happily sell him. West Bromwich Albion are looking to swap him with Chadli – a deal I think we should go nowhere near. Yes, sell Ayew for what we paid for him £20 million) but we don't need any more average players like Snodgrass or Feghouli. Stoke have turned down a third bid of £20 million. We should go no higher. It's rumoured Stoke are insisting on £30 million, as they have to give 20% of the fee to his previous clun, Werder Bremen. £30 million is more than we sold Payet for. And Arnautovic is no Payet.

All has gone quiet on a striker. Batshuayi, Giroud and Walcott all remain possibilities, but the trail seems to have gone cold, although Giroud has indicated today that he realises his time at Arsenal is up. It's only a month until the season starts. Time to get serious.

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