Monday, July 24

Daily WHUFC News - Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez completes transfer to West Ham United
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £16million. The 29-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star put pen to paper on a three-year deal on Monday afternoon, and will fly out to Germany in the coming days to meet up with Slaven Bilic and his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp. Hernandez, who became Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer earlier this year, is more commonly known to fans as 'Chicharito' – the name he will sport on the back of his 2017/18 West Ham United shirt – and admits he can't wait to get started at London Stadium. "I am very happy to join West Ham United," he said. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan added: "We are delighted to welcome Javier as the latest fantastic addition to the West Ham United squad. "Following the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic, he is another top class professional who brings great experience and quality to the Club. "He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico. "We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."

Born in Guadalajara, on June 1, 1988, Hernandez began his professional career with his hometown club Chivas in 2006, before becoming the first Mexican player to join Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up his services in July 2010. After becoming the first United player since Ruud Van Nistelrooy in 2001-02 to score 20 goals in his debut season, Hernandez went on to score a total of 59 goals for the Red Devils, winning two Premier League titles. In September 2014, he headed to Real Madrid on a season-long loan spell and scored nine goals in 33 appearances for the Galacticos, including the winner in a Champions League quarter-final Madrid derby against Atletico. After returning to Old Trafford at the end of the 2014-15 season, he then completed a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015, and went on to score 39 goals in just 76 games during his two years in Germany.

In February this year, he became the Mexican player with the most appearances in the Champions League with 47, further helping to cement his legendary status in his homeland. After winning his first cap for Mexico against Colombia in September 2009, Hernandez went on to establish himself as a key member of the national team, scoring in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. In 2011, he led Mexico to glory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, finishing top scorer and most valuable player of the tournament, and in May this year he became the nation's all-time top goalscorer with 47 goals when he netted against Croatia in a friendly. Last month he scored his 48th goal against Jose Fonte's Portugal in the Confederations Cup.

His nickname 'Chicharito', which translates into 'Little Pea', originates from his father, Javier Hernandez Gutierrez, a professional footballer himself, who was known as 'Chicharo' (Pea) because of his green eyes.

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14 things you probably didn't know about Chicharito
WHUFC.com

Both Chicharito's father and grandfather were Mexican internationals, and both participated in World Cups with El Tri.

Amazingly, Chicharito scored his first goal in a World Cup against France in South Africa 2010, the same team his father scored against 42 years before in Sweden 1958.

Hernandez was part of the Mexican generation that won the U17 World Cup in 2005, but was cut from the squad only a few weeks before the tournament. The stars of that team, Carlos Vela and Gio dos Santos, also played in the Premier League

His favourite dish is the "tortas ahogadas", a traditional sandwich form his hometown Guadalajara, made with a sort of baguette covered in spicy red sauce.

His favourite shirt number is 14 because his it was the same one his father used when he was a professional player.

Chicharito has scored more goals (eight) against Chelsea than any other team in his career. Wigan Athletic is his next favourite opponent, with six goals, followed by Mainz, Eintracht Frankfurt and Stoke City on five.

In eight career games for Manchester United against the Hammers, he has registered two assists and found the net once himself.

He is the Mexico national team's all-time leading goalscorer, after he surpassed Jared Borgetti's tally of 46 with his strike against Croatia in May of this year.

Chicharito becomes the third two-time Premier League winner to join the Hammers this summer. His titles came in 2010/11 and 2012/13 with Manchester United –
while Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta won the title twice each with Manchester City.

Chicharito (Little Pea) inherited his nickname from his father "Chícharo" (Pea). The reason? Both have green eyes, a not so common trait in Mexico.
Hernandez has also won honours with his national team, claiming the CONCACAF Gold Cup title in 2011 and the CONCACAF Cup in 2015.


In just two years in Germany, he was named Bundesliga Player of the Month on five occasions – and took the honour three times in a row between November 2015 and January 2016.

He made a dream start to life in England in his first Premier League spell, scoring on his Manchester United debut as they defeated Chelsea in the FA Community Shield.

With 37 Premier League goals from 103 matches, with a goal coming every 130.2 minutes, only Sergio Aguero, Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Adam Le Fondre possess a more lethal strike rate than Chicharito.

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HERNANDEZ SET TO BE ANNOUNCED
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 24 JULY 2017 AT 8:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I can say that Mexican international forward and former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Javier Hernandez is set to be announced as a West Ham player on Facebook this evening after he completed his medical today and not tomorrow as was suggested on most other media outlets.

This completes a very long process of scouting, negotiating and signing the prolific goalscorer. We have tracked the player for a number of years and after Slaven Bilic identified him as his number one choice of signing this window we went full steam ahead to sign him. There were some concerns of his wage demands but we have reached an agreement that will make him the highest paid player in our history taking over from another new signing (who held the title for little more than two days) Marko Arnautovic.

This is a transfer I first reported in April and have been confident we would finally conclude this week. It has been a great window so far and there promises to be a couple of more signings yet.

I am delighted to say that on the radio show on Wednesday we have Ryan Archer from West Ham Fan Tv and top youngster Declan Rice. I will also be bringing my transfer news round up this window which so far has been pretty spot on thankfully!

I don't know about you but I am buzzing for the new season, we need to fully back the manager and board after a great window!

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Javier Hernandez: West Ham sign striker from Bayer Leverkusen for £16m
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have completed the £16m signing of striker Javier Hernandez from German club Bayer Leverkusen. The former Manchester United forward has signed a three-year contract. In May, Hernandez - widely known by the nickname Chicharito, which means 'little pea' - became Mexico's all-time leading scorer. "The Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club," he said. Hernandez, 29, scored 59 goals in 156 appearances for United after arriving at Old Trafford in 2010, before joining Leverkusen for £7.3m in August 2015. He netted 39 times in 76 matches for the Bundesliga club. "West Ham is a historic club and very ambitious," he added. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back."
The deal for Hernandez follows the club record signing of Marko Arnautovic, who signed a five-year deal for a fee of £20m, which could rise to £25m. The forward, who has been capped 62 times by Austria, scored seven times in 35 games in all competitions for Stoke City last season. The Hammers signed Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan deal on Tuesday last week. Former City defender Pablo Zabaleta also signed on a free transfer.

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Hernandez signs
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th July 2017
By: Staff Writer

Following weeks of speculation and rumour, Javier Hernandez has completed his move to West Ham. The Mexican international put pen to paper on a three-year contract this afternoon after West Ham and Hernandez's former club, Bayer Leverkusen, agreed a fee in the region of £16million. The 29-year-old striker, colloquially known as 'Chicharito' flew into London earlier today before undergoing a medical at the London Independent Hospital in Stepney Green which he passed with no complications.

Dan smith @smudgersmith77
West Ham's new star man just completed his medical at the independent in Stepney 😍⚒ @ExWHUemployee @Baz1980WHU
4:18 PM - 24 Jul 2017
388 388 Retweets 888 888 likes

"I am very happy to join West Ham United," he told whufc.com. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back."

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West Ham confirm Javier Hernandez signing from Bayer Leverkusen
By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 24/07/17 9:58pm
SSN

West Ham have completed the £16m signing of Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez. The 29-year-old Mexico international arrived in London on Monday to undergo a medical ahead of the transfer and has signed a three-year contract. Sky sources understand the striker will become the highest-paid player in the club's history and is set to be on wages totalling £140,000 a week. "I am very happy to join West Ham United," he said. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is a historic club, and very ambitious - this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."

'Chicharito', as he is known, spent four seasons with Manchester United between 2010 and 2015, where he scored 59 goals in 156 appearances, before going on loan to Real Madrid in the 2014/15 campaign. The two-time Premier League winner left Old Trafford in August 2015 for Germany, where he has been even more prolific, netting 39 times in 76 matches for Leverkusen. Joint-chairman David Sullivan added: "We are delighted to welcome Javier as the latest fantastic addition to the West Ham United squad. "Following the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic, he is another top-class professional who brings great experience and quality to the club. "He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico. "We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."

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West Ham announce signing of former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in £16m deal
The Hammers have been pursuing new front men all summer and have finally secured their No.1 target
The Mirror
BYAARON FLANAGAN
21:21, 24JUL 2017UPDATED21:41, 24 JUL 2017

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen for £16million. The former Manchester United striker has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the London Stadium. It marks the Hammers' fourth summer arrival, following on from the transfers of Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Marko Arnautovic. Slaven Bilic has been looking to strengthen his forward line and has been linked with a number of big strikers throughout the summer. But he has finally got his man after joint-chairman David Sullivan pulled out all the stops to ensure the club beat off interest from a number of rivals to secure Hernandez's signature. Hernandez, 29, who became Mexico's all-time top goalscorer earlier this year, flew to London on Monday in order to thrash out contract details. "I am very happy to join West Ham United," he said. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."
Hernandez represented United between 2010 and 2015, scoring 59 times in his 157 appearances. Former boss Louis van Gaal authorised the sale of Hernandez to Leverkusen, where he notched a further 39 in 76 in all competitions.

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'Buy of the century!' What Manchester United said about new West Ham signing Javier Hernandez
West Ham transfer news is dominated by the arrival of Javier Hernandez and the Mexican has proven a hit in the Premier League before
Football London
BYROB GUEST
22:05, 24 JUL 2017UPDATED22:10, 24 JUL 2017

West Ham have completed the signing of former Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez on a three-year deal. The Mexican's transfer was confirmed by the Hammers, who have got a fantastic deal for a fee of £16million from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. In fact, the signing of the 29-year-old could turn out to be the deal of the summer. The Hammers have lacked goals up front over the past few seasons and Hernandez is likely to give the club what they have been craving for a long time. Hernandez made an instant impact when he joined Manchester United in 2010 and many are excited to see him back in the Premier League. So, with the player having signed on the dotted line at the London Stadium, what can the Hammers expect of the player next season? Well, here is what a number of key figures during his five-year spell at the Red Devils had to say about Chicharito.

Sir Alex Ferguson

"It's been nothing but acceleration. We tell a lot of our young players to take time to settle in, learn the language and develop physically, because it is a physical league. "He's now had his breaking-in period and, although he could speak English, it is now much better. He comes into training every morning at 9am, does his own work in the gym, then stays after training with the rest of the players and practices various parts of his game. "The boy wants to be a player and the footballing tradition of his family has helped. That gives him an extra encouragement and urge to do well, which is sensational."

Gary Neville

"He works so hard and he has done so well since he came to the club, that you get rewards for that. He will score lots and lots of goals for this club. "He's tough. He's grown up in Mexico and what sets him apart for me is his work rate every single day. He's got the right attributes and talent. "You obviously have talent when you come to this club, but his work-rate and his attitude is phenomenal. To be honest, he is one of the most exciting young prospects we've seen at the club for some time."

Ryan Giggs

"It's hard not to get too excited by a player like Javier. We've seen it over the years. You can get excited by players and build them up. But I was genuinely excited in pre-season, seeing what he could do. "Javier's just a natural finisher and they don't come along that often. You saw that when he scored against Valencia, it was just a great goal. His first touch was great as was his finish. It was just instinctive and when you've got that, you'll score an awful lot of goals. "He was only on for about 15 minutes but in that time he hit the post, ran through onto a cross when their keeper saved it, and he's just a dangerous player. "Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] had every finish - left foot, right foot, headers, the lot. And Javier's goal reminded me a little bit of Ole, just because he always used to hit the side netting low and hard, whether it was with his right foot or left foot, and so it was similar in that respect."

Rio Ferdinand

"Not a lot of strikers make the runs he does. It's physically demanding. You have to be really fit to make those movements for 90 minutes. "If I was a coach I would tell every young striker that he should take note of how Javier plays. That is what you have to do if you want to be a top footballer."

Patrice Evra

"Always when he comes on you feel he will score. It's unbelievable."

Paul Scholes

"He looks like an out-and-out goalscorer. That's not to say he can't play outside the box as well, because when the ball comes up to him his touch is good as well.
"But he's a threat in behind defenders, and hopefully he'll score a lot of goals this year. "People say he's like Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], and I thought that the first time I saw him in training. "We did a finishing session and everything was in the bottom corner. He scores whenever he gets a chance.
"He comes on and looks lively. He's adapted to the pace of the game already. He's capable of scoring goals and if he's anything like Ole, we'll take that."

Wayne Rooney

"Great result for us today. Love playing with Hernandez. Buy of the century. Great lad to [sic]."

Michael Owen

"If I was a manager and I could have one substitute in my team in world football, it would be him. "He is dynamite as a substitute. He is so quick, his movement is unbelievable, he has just got a knack of scoring goals."

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Javier Hernandez: West Ham's ambitious summer made it an easy decision to join
JAMES BENGE
Evening Stadnard

Javier Hernandez hailed the ambition West Ham have shown in the summer transfer window after he completed his £16million move back to the Premier League.
Former Manchester United striker Hernandez was unveiled as a West Ham player on Monday, becoming the fourth signing of a transfer window that has seen the club fulfil Slaven Bilic's wishes for experienced Premier League talent.
Hernandez scored 59 goals for Manchester United between 2010 and 2015 before departing for Bayer Leverkusen where he averaged better than a goal every other game. He will now be tasked with firing West Ham back into the top flight after a disappointing debut season at the London Stadium.
The 29-year-old, who has signed a three year contract, joins record signing Marco Arnautovic and former Manchester City team-mates Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart, the latter of whom has arrived on loan, as West Ham's summer recruits and Hernandez declared himself impressed with West Ham's recruitment drive.
"I am very happy to join West Ham United," he told the West Ham website. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain [on loan at Real Madrid] and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."

Chicarito, as Hernandez is also known, becomes the 33rd striker West Ham have signed since David Gold and David Sullivan took over the club in January 2010.
But the latter is convinced Hernandez will prove to be one of the club's more astute signings. "Following the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic, he is another top class professional who brings great experience and quality to the club," Sullivan said of Hernandez. "He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico. "We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 24th July 2017

Marko Arnautovic can't wait to get started with West Ham
WHUFC.com

Marko Arnautovic cannot wait to get started with the Hammers as Slaven
Bilic's men get set for the second leg of their summer European Tour this
week.
Arnautovic completed his Club-record move from Stoke City on Saturday and
will link up with his new teammates when they depart for their training camp
in Germany on Monday. The 28-year-old forward played for Werder Bremen
before heading to England with Stoke City four years ago, and in one of
football's little quirks, his Hammers debut could come up against Bremen
with West Ham taking them on in a Betway Cup double header next weekend.
Looking in from the outside, Arnautovic has been impressed with the quality
in West Ham's squad and now he is itching to take his place in claret and
blue. He said: "The manager gives me a good feeling for the Club and for
myself, that I can improve here. I didn't have to think long to take this
opportunity. "I spoke also to my family and everyone – everyone was happy
that the agreement was done with West Ham and now we can't wait to get
started at this Club. "West Ham have a lot of quality players here. When you
look at the squad, every player is one who is in that bracket. Now, Joe Hart
and Zabaleta have come in as well. They have a lot of experience in the
Premier League, they have played for Man City and are top players. "I think
we are going to make a good season, and I hope that everyone stays healthy,
without injuries and we can show some good football. "I will try to do my
best here and I hope to celebrate some success [at West Ham]."
With three weeks to the start of the Premier League season, Arnautovic is
already looking forward to walking out at London Stadium for the first time.
He added: "The first thing is that I'm happy to join the team on Monday and
fly with them over to Germany. Then, it's come like that that I'll be
playing against my former club first up, but the most important thing is to
get to know the players better and the Club and try to settle as quickly as
possible in the squad. Then everything will go from there. "I've been in
many stadiums, and many nice ones, but when I came to London Stadium to
watch West Ham play Stoke, it was impressive. All the Bubbles, and all the
fans cheering, it was a nice feeling. When you are a player at this Club and
you play in front of 57,000 people every second weekend, it's amazing."

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West Ham United Ladies add eleven new faces
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies have strengthened their squad still further with the
signing of ELEVEN more players for the 2017/18 season!

The Hammers have been rebuilding this summer after formally becoming part of
the West Ham family in October 2016, with general manager Karen Ray and
first-team manager Greg de Carnys scouting far and wide in search of
talented players.

The Ladies had already signed seven players ahead of the new FA Women's
Premier League Southern Division season, including a number who featured in
Claret and Blue last term, before adding eleven more this weekend.

Two of those who committed their future to the Hammers – Kelly Wealthall and
Chloe Burr – were on the scoresheet in a 5-1 pre-season victory at Harlow
Ladies on Sunday, as were recent captures Amber Stobbs, Paige Anderson-James
and Molly Peters.

Here, former West Ham midfielder and current general manager and first-team
coach Ray introduces the latest arrivals:

Hannah Wheeler – A reliable and composed centre-half who will start her
third season at West Ham after joining from Women's Super League 2 side
Millwall Lionesses in 2015. Wheeler has also represented Kent FA and
currently studies at Kent University.

Jasmine Auguste – Another defender who made the move across the River Thames
from Millwall Lionesses, Auguste is a strong, quick and tenacious player who
initially joined the Hammers in summer 2016. She is a very well respected
member of the team and someone who leads both on and off the pitch.

Lottie Ivison – A third former Millwall Lioness, Ivison also joined the
Hammers in summer 2016. A goalkeeper, Ivison has shown great composure with
the ball at her feet and a passion for taking on the responsibility of
commanding the back line.

Demi Brown – A fourth former Lioness, Brown came through the Millwall Centre
of Excellence before joining Long Lane FC 2nd season at WHUL after joining
us from Blackheath-based Long Lane. She is a solid centre-back who is
difficult to beat in a tackle, while her strength and composure makes her a
very reliable player.

Charlotte Long – A versatile, creative and clever player who can play as a
midfielder or defender, Long begins her second season at West Ham after
joining us from fellow FA Women's Premier League Southern Division club C&K
Basildon.

Kelly Wealthall – A home-grown striker, Wealthall is joining the senior
setup from the Hammers' U16 Junior Academy team. A prolific goal-scorer, she
finished the 2016/17 season with 58 goals in the Essex County Girls League.

Tia Bailey – A defender who is strong, quick and tenacious, Tia Bailey is a
young player with an immeasurable amount of potential. She is starting he
second season at West Ham after joining us from Charlton Athletic in 2016.

Whitney Locke – Another who has been at the Club from a young age, Locke is
a talented and hardworking forward. Her blistering pace sees her skip past
oppositions to provide goal scoring opportunities for herself and others.

Stephaney Bent – Bent is in her second season at West Ham after joining the
Club from Women's Super League 2 side Oxford United. A hardworking,
versatile player who makes it difficult for defenders to play, she was voted
Players' Player of the Season last term.

Chloe Burr – Another player starting her second season at West Ham after
joining the Club from Chelsea Ladies Academy, Burr is a versatile player who
can play as a midfielder or forward. She is a very creative and smart player
who dances through the opposition. She also finished as the Hammers' leading
goal scorer last season.

Andreya Ezekiel-Meade – A second forward joining the senior group from the
U16 Junior Academy team, Ezekiel-Meade is another prolific goal scorer who
finished the 2016/17 season with 43 goals in the Essex County Girls League.
Added to her eye for goal, she will also create chances for others.

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Bilic: Arnautovic is a massive signing
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic hailed the arrival of Marko Arnautovic as a 'massive' one for
the Club after the Austrian international sealed his move from Stoke City on
Saturday.
28-year-old Arnautovic has established himself in the Premier League across
four years with the Potters and Bilic is looking forward to tapping into his
experience of English football at his new home. The manager says it is the
Hammers who will benefit from Arnautovic's prime years as he continues to
build his squad for the new campaign following the earlier arrivals of Pablo
Zabaleta and Joe Hart. "It's a great thing for the Club," Bilic said. "It's
a big signing – he is a massive player who knows the league, which is very
important. "He is in his best age, he is very motivated and I know him very
well. He is a top player and he can play all across the front line, so he is
a great signing for the Club. "Like everybody else he has to prove himself,
but I expect him to and he comes into the category of players who don't need
to adjust a lot to the league because he has been here for four years. He
became one of, if not the, best and most important Stoke players. Stoke is
good club, so with all that and knowing that today it's not easy to get top
players, it makes it a great signing for us."

Bilic says the signings of Arnautovic, Hart and Zabaleta have crossed off
three of his major targets and he is delighted at getting the majority of
his business complete at an early stage of pre-season. He added: "I said at
the end of last season that we don't need squad players, but we need top
players, the players who are going to improve the first eleven, and when I
say the first eleven that means the 14 or 15 you need for that game and the
game after. "The players we have brought in are those kind of players. Joe
Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Marko Arnautovic, they are the players who can
bring the quality to our team. "Then with those players, the young ones will
flourish because they are going to learn from them and it will ease the
pressure on them. "Now, the majority of that is done, so congratulations to
the Chairman, to the Board. They have done brilliantly and people from other
clubs have recognised it. "You never know how it is going to click, but we
can for sure say we have done well. Also, it is important that we have done
it early enough in the transfer window."It's a massive achievement – it's
not easy, but we have done it."

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Cottee backs Wilshere bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 23rd July 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham remain keen on tying up a deal for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere
during the current transfer window. The lifelong Hammers fan is back at the
Emirates after spending the 2016/17 campaign on loan at Bournemouth and has
been linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium for some time. And were the
Hammers able to broker a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder, one former
Hammer who would be delighted is Tony Cottee, a self-confessed fan of
Wilshere's.
"Pablo Zabaleta arrived earlier this summer, I said we needed a goal-scorer
and we've got Hernadez to solve that problem. Now there's Arnautovic to
create them," he told the Mail. "All we need to now is sign Jack Wilshere. I
think he'd be a great addition. "You've just got to keep him fit, that's all
you've got to do. He's a £50million player when fit. He's had a lot of
problems and I feel for the boy - but they've just got to keep him fit."
Despite being out of contract next summer, Arsenal have slapped a £20million
price tag on Wilshere. West Ham remain interested in signing him on a
permanent basis, but would only offer a considerably lower fee. Although
several other clubs have also expressed interest, including Serie A side
Sampdoria, only Turkish club Antalyaspor are known to have made an official
approach so far. According to Club President Ali Safak Ozturk, speaking via
A Spor, Arsenal have rejected a bid which was some distance below their
asking price.

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Vic is there
WHUFC.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd July 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have completed the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City. The
Austrian winger becomes the club's record signing, costing the Hammers in
the region of £20million up front with a further £4million to follow
dependent on certain clauses being met. "It feels special to me to be a West
Ham player," Arnautovic told whufc.com. ""Everyone knows that West Ham is a
big club, with big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't
wait to get started.
"I played against West Ham at the old stadium – I didn't play last year at
the new stadium because I was suspended – but I came to the game and I can
only say it is a massive club with a lot of fans. "They are crazy for
football and this is what I like. The club is still growing, getting better
and better and that's why I'm here."Hammers boss Slaven Bilic added that he
was delighted to secure one of his key summer targets. "It's a big signing,"
he said. "Marko is a massive player who knows the league, which is very
important. "He is at his peak, he is very motivated and I know him very
well. He is a top player and he can play all across the front line, so he is
a great signing for the club. He doesn't need to adjust a lot to the league
because he has been here for four years. "He became one of, if not the, best
and most important Stoke players. Stoke is good club, so with all that and
knowing that today it's not easy to get top players, it makes it a great
signing for us."
Chairman David Sullivan, who led the move to sign Arnautovic added: "We're
delighted to have completed Marko's transfer from Stoke City. Marko will
bring plenty of quality to our front line and I'm excited to see him in a
claret and blue shirt."

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Randolph departs for bumper fee
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd July 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's third-choice goalkeeper Darren Randolph has joined
Championship side Middlesbrough on a permanent basis. And the Hammers have
pulled off an extraordinary deal by securing in the region of £5million for
a player who cost them nothing when joining from Birmingham two years ago.
The 30-year-old Irish international made 42 appearances for West Ham during
his time at the club, 22 of which came during the 2016/17 campaign when he
briefly replaced Adrian as Slaven Bilic's first choice 'keeper. "Darren is a
very good goalkeeper, and I didn't want him to leave," said Bilic.
"However, I could not guarantee him regular first team football and, with
the possibility of playing at the World Cup for the Republic of Ireland next
summer, he wanted to take up the offer from Middlesbrough.
"I would like to thank Darren for his service to the club; he has been a
fantastic professional and, as a player and a person, has the respect of
everyone at West Ham."

Randolph now finds battling against 38-year-old Greek international
Dimitrios Konstantopoulos - rather than England number one Joe Hart and
Adrian - for a first team spot. And maintaining his number one spot will be
his primary target in the final season before next summer's 2018 World Cup
Finals. "Competition is what you need, and it brings out the best in
everybody," he told mfc.co.uk, following confirmation of his arrival in the
North East. "I remember playing against Dimi when I was with Birmingham,
and Connor [Ripley] went to one of my old clubs Motherwell a few years back
and did very well. I've got hopes and aspirations of playing at the World
Cup, and playing games will be key. I can't wait to get started."

Ranbdolph becomes new 'Boro boss Garry Monk's sixth signing since 'Boro's
relegation from the top flight was confirmed.

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Javier Hernandez to fly to London on Tuesday to seal West Ham move
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 23/07/17 7:19pm
SSN

Javier Hernandez will fly to London on Tuesday to have a medical and
complete his move to West Ham, Sky sources understand. The 29-year-old
Mexico international will become the highest-paid player in the club's
history and is set to be on wages totalling £140,000 a week. The Hammers
agreed terms with Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, releasing a statement
confirming the forward was due in London "in the coming days" to complete
the formalities of his move.
'Chicharito', as he is known, spent four seasons with Manchester United
between 2010 and 2015, where he scored 59 goals in 156 appearances, before
going on loan to Real Madrid in the 2014/15 campaign. The two-time Premier
League winner left Old Trafford in August 2015 for Germany, where he has
been even more prolific, netting 39 times in 76 matches for Leverkusen. West
Ham have made three signings so far this summer, confirming Stoke midfielder
Marko Arnautovic for a club-record fee on Saturday, while Pablo Zabaleta
joined on a free transfer and Joe Hart on a season-long loan from Manchester
City.

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WEST HAM'S DEAL TO SIGN RAUL JIMENEZ 'PRACTICALLY COMPLETED'
RYAN DARBY @RyanDarby_
ReadWestHam

A deal for West Ham to sign Benfica striker Raul Jimenez is 'practically
completed' according to reports in Mexico. O Jogo, who cite the reports
claim that the Hammers are close to completing a deal to sign the forward
after missing out on the player in 2015. The striker left Atletico Madrid
in 2015 and was widely expected to join West Ham, but reportedly over slept
and missed his scheduled medical before eventually joining Benfica. The
striker is yet to return to Benfica for pre-season training after being
granted extra time off as he competed in the Confederations Cup this summer.
The 26-year-old scored 11 goals in all competitions last season for the
Portuguese side, seven of which came domestically. West Ham are also close
to announcing the signing of fellow Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from
Bayer Leverkusen. The former Manchester United striker is due for a medical
at the club after the two clubs agreed on a fee for the forward.

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Marko Arnautovic says it was an easy decision to sign for West Ham - 'I
didn't have to think long'
GEORGE ELEK
Evening Standard

Marko Arnautovic says it was an easy decision to move to swap Stoke City for
West Ham after completing his club record signing on Saturday. The Austrian
international spent four seasons at Stoke, scoring 22 goals and grabbing 23
assists in his 125 Premier League appearances. The 28-year old, who can
play across the front line, is especially looking forward to working under
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. "The manager gives me a good feeling for the
Club and for myself, that I can improve here. I didn't have to think long to
take this opportunity." Arnautovic told the club site. "I spoke also to my
family and everyone – everyone was happy that the agreement was done with
West Ham and now we can't wait to get started at this club."
Arnautovic is also impressed with the other summer recruits that West Ham
have managed to bring in so far. "West Ham have a lot of quality players
here. When you look at the squad, every player is one who is in that
bracket. Now, Joe Hart and Zabaleta have come in as well. They have a lot of
experience in the Premier League, they have played for Man City and are top
players," he added. "I think we are going to make a good season, and I hope
that everyone stays healthy, without injuries and we can show some good
football. "I will try to do my best here and I hope to celebrate some
success."

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PSG officials meet family of West Ham starlet Domingos Quina as French side
eye Portuguese starlet
Quina, 17, was on the bench 13 times in the Premier League last term
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
00:29, 23 JUL 2017

French giants Paris Saint-Germain have made a shock move for West Ham
wonderkid Domingos Quina. PSG head of recruitment Joao Luis Afonso
instructed a party led by his brother Nuno to meet 17-year-old Quina's
family. Portuguese midfielder Quina is regarded as one of the hottest
teenage prospects and West Ham pulled off a major coup to sign him ahead of
Arsenal and Manchester United. But Quina has found it difficult to make an
impact in a struggling team and was a substitute 13 times last season in the
Premier League. PSG's head of recruitment Afonso and new technical director
Antero Henrique are both Portuguese and they saw Quina at the under-19
championships. That has not deterred PSG who are seriously interested and
their meeting in London underlines their interest.

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Mexico's Juan Carlos Osorio thrilled with Chicharito's move to West Ham
12:15 AM BST
Tom Marshall
ESPN FC

LOS ANGELES -- Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio laid down a challenge to El
Tri's Confederations Cup squad to challenge themselves as much as possible
at their club sides ahead of the next year's World Cup. And the Colombian
believes striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has done just that by moving
to West Ham United from Bayer Leverkusen. "He'll be in a great league with
very good teams," said Osorio in a news conference on the even of Mexico's
Gold Cup semifinal with Jamaica at the Rose Bowl. "He'll get minutes and the
plus with that league is that it's maybe the only in the world in which last
place can defeat first place. He'll have the opportunity to compete with the
best in very good games."

Osorio and his coaching staff asked the players to try to find a away of
being involved in at least 10 "high level" games before Russia 2018, with
Mexico still having relatively few players in the best European leagues
compared to most top nations. The former Atletico Nacional coach is also
happy with Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado's transfer from PSV Eindhoven
to Real Betis. "He's in a league where he'll play the derby against Sevilla
and games against [Real] Madrid and Barcelona," stated Osorio, who also
talked up Hirving Lozano's opportunity with PSV in the Eredivisie.

The Mexico manager stressed that the current Gold Cup squad has 10 players
between the ages of 19 and 24 and said he's enjoying the challenge of
bringing them through to challenge for a place in the full El Tri squad.
"The biggest motivation to continue [as Mexico coach after the next World
Cup] is to see these youngsters consolidate themselves," said Osorio. "If
time allows me that or not is not my decision."

One of those young players is Chivas midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro, who has
already made a big domestic move from Pachuca in his fledgling career, but
he hopes one day to be joining the likes of Hernandez and Guardado in
Europe. "It's always been my dream to be in Europe, hopefully in the future
the opportunity will come," Pizarro said in the same news conference. Osorio
also talked about Sunday's match against Jamaica, a team El Tri could only
draw 0-0 in the group stage of the Gold Cup. The Colombian said that there
will be changes in the starting lineup compared to the 1-0 quarterfinal win
over Honduras and praised the "athletic" and "fast" Reggae Boyz. Jesus
Molina and Cesar Montes are injury doubts for Mexico, according to Osorio,
while Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore indicated that Portland Timbers
striker striker Darren Mattocks is on the treatment table and struggling to
make the game.

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West Ham discuss move for £8m Badou N'Diaye as fears grow over Cheikhou
Kouyate's injury
West Ham in talks to sign Senegalese midfielder Badou N'Diaye
The 26-year-old plays for Turkish team Osmanlispor and is valued at £8m
The Irons have been charting his progress for more than 12 months
Concerns rise over Cheikhou Kouyate's knee injury sustained during Austria
trip
By Simon Jones for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 18:29 EDT, 22 July 2017 | UPDATED: 18:29 EDT, 22 July 2017

West Ham are discussing a move for Badou N'Diaye amid concerns over Cheikhou
Kouyate's injury. Kouyate will at miss the first three games of the season
after injuring his knee in training during the club's pre-season trip to
Austria. N'Diaye is a midfielder West Ham have been watching for the past
year but are aware Galatasaray and Newcastle United have also shown an
interest recently. Senegal international N'Diaye plays for Osmanlispor and
is valued around £8million. West Ham, who completed the £24m signing of
Marko Arnautovic and sold goalkeeper Darren Randolph to Middlesbrough
yesterday, are also considering Jack Wilshere at Arsenal but would prefer a
loan deal. Mexican striker Javier Hernandez is due to have his medical at
the start of the week prior to his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

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West Ham offer confirmed by club president, other bids made too
By Gareth McKnight - July 23, 2017143 0
Ninetyminutesonline.com

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has confirmed that the Serie A side have
received an offer for Keita Balde Diao from West Ham United – but there are
other suitors for the versatile attacker. The Hammers are on a roll at the
minute, having taken the number of summer signings to four with the recent
additions of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, pending a medical. The
attacking duo join Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta as new faces at the London
Stadium, with West Ham supporters starting to get excited ahead of the new
Premier League season. Adding strength in depth in the final third has been
a priority for the Hammers over the last 12 months, with injuries to Andy
Carroll and Diafra Sakho leaving Slaven Bilic's men short of options in
2016-17.
Keita would be an exciting addition for West Ham if they can convince him to
move to the Premier League, but the London outfit face competition for the
star's signature. "Many bids have come on his account, now it is up to him
to decide what to do, I'm waiting," Lotito told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Which
offers? West Ham is public, then there are others from abroad, all
responding to our requests. Inter, Juve? No, neither of them have come up
with a proposal."

Keita had a superb season in 2016-17, scoring 16 Serie A goals in 31 outings
for Lazio and impressing with his speed and clinical finishing in front of
goal.
Capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, the 22-year-old is a
rare talent and would be an exciting addition for West Ham if they were able
to land him before the transfer window closes. The Hammers fans will be
weighing up just how Bilic's first-choice attack will set-up next season,
with Arnautovic and Hernandez sure to play.
With Andre Ayew, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini all key men for the
Premier League side, the West Ham boss has an enviable amount of options now
available to him in the final third. The Irons' summer business will also
pose questions over the future of Carroll, who can be devastating when fit
and firing – but those days have been too few and far between during his
tenure in the capital.

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