Daily WHUFC News - 17th May 2018

West Ham United Statement: David Moyes departs
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. "Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days."

The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed.

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Adrian: All the players gave everything until the end
WHUFC.com

Adrian was proud to have played his part in helping West Ham United retain their Premier League status in style. The Spaniard impressed on his return to the starting XI for the final three weeks of a challenging 2017/18 campaign, keeping two clean sheets as the Hammers collected seven points from victories over Leicester City and Everton and a hard-fought goalless draw with Manchester United. The popular goalkeeper admitted the squad had not hit the targets they set themselves at the start of the season, but was proud of the way they stuck together to secure a 13th-place finish, nine points clear of the bottom three and just two adrift of Newcastle United in tenth. "Of course, when you finish on top, you feel well, and in the last three games we played well," he told West Ham TV. "We kept two clean sheets and then we scored three goals at home in front of our fans in the last game. "I think this is the best way to finish after a season that everyone knows wasn't easy. All the players gave everything until the end. "I have said many times, I was really positive about my players and my teammates because I saw they are great players. We started the season not well enough, then we had many changes and injuries so, at the end of the day, we saved our position in the Premier League, which was the most important thing from the start of the season. "We finished with three points and a win at home, so we now need to enjoy our summer with our families."

Overall, Adrian conceded 29 goals in his 19 Premier League appearances, keeping half-a-dozen clean sheets and ending up on the losing side just six times. "I am happy to finish the season strongly, because this season was not the best for me," he continued. "I was not in the team from the beginning, so I was waiting to play against Man City, then a few more games. "I am happy to be playing and helping my teammates with my saves. That makes me feel proud, as I feel like I'm here helping West Ham, like I have for the last five seasons. That's it. That is my job."

Having hung up his gloves for the next seven weeks, Adrian and his wife and two young sons will fly back to their home city of Seville to spend some welcome time with their families and friends during the close-season. "We need to rest and recover our bodies and minds with our families and friends. I'll go back to Spain, with the good weather there, and relax!"

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Shortest reign ever - official!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Staff Writer

David Moyes' seven-month stay at West Ham United is the shortest reign of any manager in the club's history. Although debate will rage over whether he should be considered, given the nature of the short-term contract he accepted back in November, there is no doubt that Moyes' reign is the shortest of any manager to have taken on a full-time role in the club's history. At just 191 days, Moyes tenure lasted exactly 40 days less than the previous record holder Lou Macari, who was sacked in February 1990 - exactly 231 days after being handed the role vacated by club legend John Lyall. The only other full-time manager to stay in his position for less than a calendar year is Avram Grant, who was fired three weeks shy of his first anniversary. By contrast the longest-serving manager in West Ham United's history is Sid King, who lasted an impressive 30 YEARS in the managerial hotseat!

West Ham's shortest-managerial reigns

1. David Moyes: 191 days, contract expired (2017-18)
2. Lou Macari: 231 days, sacked (1989-90)
3. Avram Grant: 347 days, sacked (2010-11)
4. Franco Zola: 610 days, sacked (2008-10)
5. Alan Curbishley: 631 days, left of own volition (2006-08)
6. Slaven Bilic: 880 days, sacked (2015-17)
7. Glenn Roeder: 838 days, sacked (2001-03)
8. Alan Pardew: 1,149 days, sacked (2003-06)
9. Sam Allardyce: 1,454 days, contract expired (2011-15)
10. Billy Bonds: 1,630 days, left of own volition (1990-94)

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Time to move on, says Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have confirmed that David Moyes has left the club. A brief statement posted via the club's website on Wednesday lunchtime thanked the 55-year-old Scot for his assistance, whilst confirming that he and his back room staff of Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have also departed. "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," co-chairman David Sullivan told whufc.com. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. "They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. "Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days." "The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."

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Now let's see what you are made of Mr.Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
By: Paul Walker

Not really been your day, mate, has it? Not even your last few months really. But let's just concentrate of the week in hand. You may have wanted the eventual departure of David Moyes and all his staff to be a controlled, dignified exit, with you seemingly in full control. Chance would be a fine thing. In fact, it looks like just another day in the circus that is West Ham. No manager, no coaching staff, no director of football/recruitment officer. Not even a board all singing from the same page. Oh, and one of your potential new managers, the one that Jorge Mendes offered up for you on a plate, seems to have decided to stay where he is in war-torn Ukraine, seems safer there than Stratford. All I can say now pal, is you had better have this next bit under control, because the transfer window is about to open and it looks like you are standing on your own at the sharp end of the Titanic singing 'My heart will go on' in best Celine Dion style.

You just knew something was afoot when Ken Dyer's exclusive in the Evening Standard mid-morning said Moyes would tell you to stick any offer of a job because he felt he had been very poorly treated. (At this point I refer you to the KUMB piece last week about saying thanks.) Ken is the best around when it comes to West Ham, he has been covering the club since the more dignified days of John Lyall. So the piece was spot on.

It took what looked like an hour for the club to push out a statement saying Moyes, Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay had also left. And this less than 24 hours after your fellow joint chairman David Gold had said he would be happy if Moyes stayed on because he admired his professionalism. You wonder sometimes who writes these scripts. And no wonder Moyes got the hump. He was dumped out "on the street" as he put it at midnight on Sunday, with the euphoria of the win over Everton still fresh in all our minds.

Probably few of us really expected Moyes to get the gig full time even at that point, so much poison had been put down in previous weeks. But it could have been handled so much better. First we are told, via Sky (who else) that you have had a meeting with Moyes on Monday and it was highly unlikely he would get the job. Some media outlets suggested that the meeting was your usual one of the manager on a Monday, ignoring in fact that you didn't actually employ him any longer.

Other outlets said it was a "thank you" chat and to come back in a week, just in case we hadn't managed to land the big name to take us to the next level. Then we find out it was just a phone call. And guess what, it was leaked. You made that call to Moyes, and guess who was on air that morning, well Jim White of course. Just saying. No wonder Moyes wanted a change of culture. And not long after that call, Paulo Fonseca was being driven into Sullivan Towers for a chat, with Mendes in tow. That may well have been the point when Moyes lost the plot. He knew, however, that he was probably soon to be history on Sunday evening; he's a big boy, he knows the game so nothing should surprise him. Sullivan was looking for a replacement. That's life. But then Gold is on his feet telling folk he would be happy for Moyes to stay. Then the Standard's story followed by West Ham's statement.

Now we have all been wishing and hoping for a brave new world, a top manager, to take us on. Moyes may well have earned another year or two, but that's life, as I said. Fonseca was interesting. No really big time experience, but seemingly well thought of and with a very influential agent who has helped Wolves to win promotion who could easily have opened the way to some decent signings for us.

Fonseca has done well at Shakhtar Donetsk, admittedly with a big club in a very ordinary league. Dynamo Kiev and that's about it. Not able to use their stadium because of the war does not seem to have handicapped Fonseca, who more importantly did well in the Champions League and registered a win over Manchester City. He had an OK spell at Porto before being axed for being third… but then did well to turn Braga into a force. That's the club with the rock face behind one goal, a small town but one that acquired a reputation under Fonseca for flowing, attacking football helped by an abundance of Brazilian talent. But after his chat with Sullivan, Fonseca returned to Ukraine and now there's stories that he has agreed a new two year contract there. Was Sullivan about to appoint him in the wake of Moyes' departure? We will never know.

So now it looks like another crack at Rafa Benitez, with Manuel Pellegini seemingly too expensive and not in the bright, young, exciting category. But then neither is Rafa!

We can only hope that Sullivan now gets this right and has someone with class, integrity and skill in place sometime next week before the World Cup build up starts in earnest. Blimey, there's so much to do. Players going, lots needed, season tickets to sell, experienced old hands at the club to be placated. And Sullivan needs to do one thing, as far as I am concerned. He must dispel the suggestion that he is acting on fans' advice. He is supposed to have told Moyes on Monday that it was the fans who wanted a new face. I have touched on this before, fans' forums, blogs, polls, even pressure from fans' groups, are all well and good.
Polls are fun. We have done one, several of our website colleagues have done them. They are fun. They should not be leading the club's owner by the nose as if he is frightened to make a decision without upsetting someone.

But tomorrow's another day. Another manager as a target, more players being linked. Tedious isn't it?

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

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Manuel Pellegrini team meet West Ham over vacant manager position
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 16/05/18 6:46pm
SSN

West Ham have met with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini but Sky Sports News understands wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed on Wednesday that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. The announcement arrived barely 12 hours after club co-owner David Gold said he hoped 55-year-old former Manchester United and Everton boss, Moyes, would remain in charge. However, it seems former Manchester City boss Pellegrini is firmly on West Ham's radar despite the salary demands. The 64-year-old is currently managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune.
The Chilean spent three years in England as Man City manager, winning the Premier League and two League Cups. He has previously spent time in charge of Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga. Sky Sports News understands Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez and Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca are also on West Ham's shortlist.

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MOYES BECOMES SULLIVAN AND GOLD'S FIFTH MANAGERIAL VICTIM IN EIGHT YEARS
By Dan Coker 16 May 2018 at 12:48
WTID

David Moyes has left the building. The club's official statement reads:

"West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.

"Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: 'I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days.

"The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."

The Evening Standard is reporting that "Moyes ruled himself out of taking the job on a permanent basis after growing unhappy at his situation and treatment by the club".

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'I'm really fearful over what is going to happen' - Tony Cottee slams West Ham United board over managerial mishaps
By Joe Coleman - @JoeColeman1508
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
TalkSport

Former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee has slammed the board for their handling of the current managerial situation. It was confirmed by the club on Tuesday morning that David Moyes would not be getting the job full-time, despite delivering a 13th-place finish after taking control when the club were in the bottom three. To make matters worse, Shakhtar Donestk manager Paulo Fonseca was pictured leaving David Sullivan's plush Essex mansion on Monday after holding talks about taking control of the club – even though Moyes had yet to be officially sacked. And Cottee, who scored 115 times during two spells for the Hammers, could not contain his frustration while appearing on the Hawskbee and Jacobs Show.

"Who on earth is going to appoint the new manager?" Cottee asked. "There is not one person on that board who has got any football experience or any knowledge about football. "They haven't got a Trevor Brooking anymore to advise the board, who is making the decision on who's going to be the next manager? "I'm reading they want a manger to take them to the next level; well the next level is to have some stability at the club, surely? "If you want stability, David Moyes is the man for the job. "I just don't understand it, I really don't understand what is going on at my football club. "And before anyone says anything about me just being a media pundit, I've got two season tickets, I pay a lot of money, I go to watch the team – I've got as much right as the average fan to give an opinion on it. "I'm so fed up of what is going on at my club; it's getting on my nerves now."

Although Moyes' contract had technically expired, the former Manchester United manager was still being considered for the role. Slaven Bilic was sacked in November 2017, with the club firmly entrenched in the bottom three. And although his successor kept the club in the Premier League, Cottee challenged the triumvirate of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady to find someone to take the club to the next level. He said: "We want someone to come in who knows what is expected at the club and can take the club forward. "We don't want someone to come in who's got no idea about English football and perhaps doesn't even speak the language! "Honestly, I'm really fearful about what is going to happen, they're saying ten days. "I'm really fearful over what is going to happen now."

After clashing with the fans and the board, Sam Allardyce was replaced with Bilic – and the success was instant. A seventh-placed finish in the final season at Upton Park seemed to suggest better times were just round the corner with a move to the Olympic Stadium around the corner. The move to the Olympic Stadium has alienated supporters from the club - and seen several flashes of violence But broken promises have left Hammers fans disenchanted with their club, and Cottee is not sure what the future now holds. "Anyone who comes to West Ham has got to be prepared to work with the current board," Cottee added. "I think history has proved that it can be very difficult to work under those board members. "So things aren't going to change, it's not going to happen overnight in terms of the football club changing round. "I think all West Ham fans toady were all scratching their heads and wondering where the club goes from here."

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Joe Hart furious at World Cup snub and blames West Ham manager David Moyes for his failure to earn a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for Russia
Joe Hart has been told that he will not be named in England's World Cup squad
Manchester City goalkeeper Hart spent the season on loan at West Ham United
Hammers boss David Moyes left Hart on the bench for their final three games
Hart is furious at his England snub and believes that Moyes has cost him his spot
By Sami Mokbel and Matt Lawton for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 15 May 2018 | UPDATED: 23:28, 15 May 2018

Joe Hart is furious after being ruthlessly axed from England's World Cup squad. Hart took the call from manager Gareth Southgate graciously, but is devastated by the news. However, the goalkeeper is believed to be angry with West Ham manager David Moyes for leaving him out of the club's final three games of the season — which is understood to be a key reason behind Southgate's shock decision.

England's probable World Cup squad
GOALKEEPERS
Pickford, Butland, Pope

DEFENDERS
Stones, Cahill, Jones, Maguire, Walker, Trippier, Young, Rose

MIDFIELDERS
Dier, Henderson, Alli, Lallana, Loftus-Cheek, Lingard, Sterling, Delph

FORWARDS
Kane, Vardy, Welbeck, Rashford

Hart began qualification for this summer's tournament as first-choice keeper and has won 75 caps during a 10-year international career. He had seemed likely to go as back-up for Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland. But Southgate phoned the 31-year-old on Monday night to inform him he had not made the cut. Hart's absence means that Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope will be rewarded for his excellent breakthrough season. Southgate will also show his ruthless side on Wednesday when he leaves out Jack Wilshere from his 23-man party to travel to Russia next month. The England coach rang the Arsenal midfielder to let him know on Tuesday morning. Although listed in Southgate's larger 35-man squad, which was submitted to FIFA on Monday and revealed by Sportsmail last week, he will not be named on the standby list.
Fabian Delph is also set to be named in the squad following an impressive season for Manchester City. Ashley Young of Manchester United and Danny Rose of Tottenham will be England's recognised left backs, which means Southampton's Ryan Bertrand will be on the standby list. Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace, is set to gain a place in the squad, and Adam Lallana of Liverpool has assured Southgate of his fitness following a hamstring injury and should be named in the final party. Chelsea's Gary Cahill may make it at the expense of West Brom's Jake Livermore, who joins defenders Michael Keane of Everton, James Tarkowski of Burnley and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in the standby group.

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West Ham will not receive extra money from transfer clause if Dimitri Payet wins Europa League with Marseille
Dimitri Payet will represent Marseille in Wednesday night's Europa League final
The 31-year-old is fit to take on Atletico Madrid at the Stade de Lyon in France
Marseille paid West Ham United £25m when Payet moved in January 2017
Deal included performance-related clauses but none related to Europa League
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 00:03, 16 May 2018 | UPDATED: 00:03, 16 May 2018

West Ham will not be due a fee from Marseille for Dimitri Payet reaching or potentially winning the Europa League final because of a lack of clause in his contract.
The 31-year-old playmaker is set to star in the final against Atletico Madrid in Lyon on Wednesday night after leaving the Hammers in 2017. Payet has clauses in his contract but Sportsmail has been told winning Europe's second most prestigious competition is not among them. West Ham got £25million when they sold Payet and he signed a four-and-a-half year deal, with the option of a further year. Payet has scored 15 goals in one and a half seasons since leaving the Hammers. He was seen as a minor fitness doubt for Wednesday's game after sitting out Marseille's 3-3 draw at Guingamp last week, but he trained on the eve of the final.
Speaking on Tuesday, Payet said: 'I feel a lot better. Yes, I feel I can play tomorrow. I've been feeling very good, especially since the beginning of 2018. 'I haven't changed anything except I have been injured less and when you have no injuries it's must easier to play and feel better on the pitch.'

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West Ham rebuffed in attempts to sign Inter Milan wonderkid on loan next season - report
Latest West Ham transfer news includes an update on Yann Karamoh
Football London
By Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
07:00, 16 MAY 2018

West Ham United have reportedly seen a loan bid for Inter Milan forward Yann Karamoh rejected. The 19-year-old joined the Serie A outfit from Caen on a two-year loan spell during last summer's transfer window and has gone on to make a total of 16 first-team appearances across all competitions so far this season.
An injury to club captain and first-choice striker Mauro Icardi at the beginning of the year afforded the teenager more playing time in the senior team. He made his first league start during the 2-1 victory over Bologna back in February and marked the special occasion with the winning goal just after the hour mark at the San Siro. Inter have an obligation to sign Karamoh on a permanent basis once his loan deal expires at the end of next season, but that hasn't stopped talk that the winger could be on the move again this summer. According to According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Hammers have attempted to sign Karamoh on loan for next season. However, it has been claimed that the Nerazzurri have rebuffed those attempts as it is understood that they aren't willing to let the teenager leave even on a temporary basis. The report does go on to state that due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, Inter might just have consider a permanent offer for Karamoh, amid alleged interest from Ligue 1 side Monaco who could look to replace Keita Balde Diao. This would be the second straight summer in which the Irons have missed out on the starlet as it was reported that they had an £8.7m bid rejected from Caen a year ago. It's also been reported that Chelsea and Barcelona are keen admirers of Karamoh and are willing to do battle over the £25million-rated youngster.

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First David Sullivan's sons...now David Gold's daughter is talking about West Ham's transfer business online
HITC
Damien Lucas

One of the biggest grievances of West Ham United fans has been the all too public way the club's affairs are played out in the media. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been criticised for their public profile in the past. The majority of Hammers fans want vice-chairman Karren Brady to cease her column in The Sun where she regularly discusses club affairs and even takes pot shots at supporters. Supporters grew tired of constant interviews on intimate West Ham dealings from Sullivan and Gold and demanded Sullivan's sons Jack and Dave stopped posting about transfers and the like on Twitter. But Brady's column aside things have been awfully quiet from the West Ham boardroom since fans highlighted it as one of their biggest grievances during protests and meetings this season.
However it appears that there is another voice revealing club business online in the form of Jacqueline Gold, the daughter of David. Speculation has been building that West Ham star Manuel Lanzini is interesting Liverpool, as reported by the likes of The Sun. The rumour has been gathering momentum on social media with claims and counter claims that the Argentine would be moving to Anfield today. But Jacqueline Gold took to Twitter to shoot down such talk in what appears to be the first time she has got involved in transfer discussion.

Jacqueline Gold CBE
✔
@Jacqueline_Gold
Not true https://twitter.com/exwhuemployee/status/995358767997947904 …
1:54 PM - May 13, 2018
151

While many fans were exasperated at seeing yet another voice from the club airing business in public at least it was good news on this occasion. Lanzini is arguably West Ham's best player and signed off the season with a brace in the 3-1 win over Everton. Liverpool are believed to be looking for a player to replace Philippe Coutinho and Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the 25-year-old.

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HAMMERS ON HEAT West Ham chase Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart and solve goalkeeper problem
Hammers hoping to nab England star from Burnley after Nick Pope established himself at Turf Moor this season
The Sun
EXCLUSIVE
By Duncan Wright
15th May 2018, 2:10 pm

WEST HAM want England keeper Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart next season. The Hammers have targeted the £10million-rated Burnley star as they look to solve the problem position which has dogged them for the past two years. Hart's season-long loan from Manchester City turned into a major disappointment with the stopper being axed from the side and eventually losing out on a World Cup place this summer. Now West Ham are hoping to finally land a consistent top class stopper by pushing Burnley to let them sign highly-rated Heaton. The 32-year-old started this season as first choice and pushing for a place on the plane to Russia 2018. But he suffered a badly dislocated shoulder in the fourth game of the campaign which sidelined him four five months - handing Nick Pope the chance to come in and establish himself. Boss Sean Dyche would prefer to keep the pair at Turf Moor, especially now the club faces the extra demands of Europa League football having finished seventh this season. But Dyche will struggle to keep both happy, and the Hammers believe they can tempt Heaton to the London Stadium with the offer of being first choice next season. Heaton has two years left on his existing deal and is understood to have been happy to stay at Burnley to see out the remainder of his contract.

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West Ham to table offer for £15m-rated Man City's Patrick Roberts
HITC
Will Butcher

West Ham and Leicester are expected to make bids for the England youth international. The Daily Express have claimed that Premier League duo West Ham United and Leicester City will table bids for Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts in a matter of days. The 21-year-old remains on loan with Scottish champions Celtic and the Hoops face Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday. It is believed that after the match, bids will be made. Celtic are also said to remain keen on keeping the former Fulham ace north of the border with the Hoops, but Roberts admitted himself that he wants to be playing football in the Premier League last week. Now, the Hammers and the Foxes are keen on doing a deal for the £15million-rated trickster, who has failed to replicate the kind of form that saw him shine throughout the 2016-17 campaign. A number of injuries, including a long-term hamstring injury, limiting him to just 18 appearances with the Hoops. But after two and a half years with Celtic, Roberts has been involved in 44 goals in 78 games. Scoring 18, he has provided 26. Despite his injuries this season, Roberts has still managed to lay on five assists and scored a crucial Champions League goal against Anderlecht in the 3-0 win in Belgium. Roberts joined Man City on a permanent basis in 2015 and still has two years on the five-year deal he signed as a teenager. But it remains to be seen if he is in Pep Guardiola's plans, with City boasting plenty of attacking options

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