Daily WHUFC News - 30th May 2018

Chicharito and Mexico frustrated in Wales stalemate
WHUFC.com

Chicharito endured a frustrating evening on his 101st appearance for Mexico
as El Tri were held to a goalless draw by Wales on Monday night. The West
Ham United striker was named in the starting XI at the Rose Bowl in
Pasadena, California, but the huge 82,345-strong crowd, the vast majority of
whom were supporting Mexico, did not have a goal to cheer about thanks in
large part to Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The Crystal Palace stopper
made a number of important saves and interventions to help Ryan Giggs' young
side secure a deserved share of the spoils. One of just two regular starters
to be named in Juan Carlos Osorio's XI, the Hammers forward was withdrawn
after 59 minutes, with Oribe Peralta replacing him for the final half-hour.
The 29-year-old and his teammates will hope for better luck in front of goal
when they return home to Mexico City to face Scotland at the Azteca Stadium
on Saturday evening. The two matches against British opposition, and a third
against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday 9 June, will help Mexico prepare
for the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, where they face Germany,
South Korea and Sweden in the group stage.

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Hammers star Rice makes second Ireland start in France defeat
WHUFC.com

West Ham United teenager Declan Rice continued his football education by
making his second senior start for the Republic of Ireland in Monday's
defeat by France.
The 19-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout 2017/18 season in Claret and Blue,
was named in central midfield by Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, pitting him
against the likes of Juventus' Blaise Matuidi, Bayern Munich's Corentin
Tolisso and Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi. While Ireland lost 2-0 in a rain-swept
Paris, Rice was again impressive, patrolling in front of the back four on a
night when the Irish struggled to keep possession against a strong French
team. The goals came in a four-minute spell just before half-time, with both
owing a little to luck. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, powering a
trademark header towards goal from a corner, only to see Ireland captain
Seamus Coleman block his effort with inches to spare. The ball eluded
goalkeeper Colin Doyle and fell to the Chelsea forward, who prodded over the
line at the second attempt. Even then, Coleman made a heroic effort to keep
the ball out, but Giroud ultimately prevailed. Then, a minute before
half-time, Nabil Fekir collected the ball on the left corner of the Ireland
penalty area and cut onto his right foot. Rice attempted to close down the
Lyon forward, but when Fekir got his shot away, Doyle was unable to deal
with it, parrying the ball into the air before seeing it loop agonisingly
into the net. Ireland blooded a number of other young players during the
second half at the Stade de France, with Rice reverting to a central
defensive role for the final 20 minutes and helping keep the scoreline more
than respectable.

The West Ham youngster and his international teammates will complete the
season on Saturday, when the United States – who beat Bolivia 3-0 later on
Monday – visit the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the second time.

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Andy Carroll 'honoured' to take part in Dirk Kuyt Testimonial
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll has spoken of his pride at making a goalscoring appearance in
former Liverpool teammate Dirk Kuyt's star-studded Testimonial. The West Ham
United centre forward was one of dozens of top names to take part in the
event, which saw Team Friends of Dirk take on Team Feyenoord – the Dutch
club where Kuyt enjoyed two successful spells – and a Netherlands all-star
line-up named Team Oranje in Rotterdam.

Carroll, who spent 18 months playing alongside the recently-retired
Netherlands forward at Anfield between January 2011 and May 2012, was joined
in the Team Friends of Dirk XI by, among others, ex-Hammers and Reds players
Yossi Benayoun and Craig Bellamy and Liverpool heroes Steven Gerrard, Jamie
Carragher, Jerzy Dudek and Luis Garcia.

Team Oranje featured Dutch greats Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder,
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Memphis Depay, Robin van Persie, Phillip Cocu and
Edwin van der Sar, while Team Feyenoord numbered Pierre van Hooijdonk, Ryan
Babbel and Ron Vlaar.

The teams were coached by Dutch management royalty in Ruud Gullit, Ronald
Koeman and Louis van Gaal, while Kuyt himself turned out for all three!

The Hammers' No9 was only too happy to be part of Kuyt's celebrations in
front of a capacity crowd at Feyenoord's De Kuip stadium. "It was a great
turnout for Dirk, to be fair," said Carroll. "There were some absolute
legends there, so it was an honour to be invited to be there with Dirk, his
family and so many top players. It was nice to score a goal to top it off,
too! "I had a great time playing alongside Dirk at Liverpool as we linked up
well together and helped the team get some good results, including winning
the League Cup in 2012. He was one of my best pals in the dressing room, he
always backed me as a player and we also had lots of laughs together. He's a
good mate. "He's had an amazing career, getting over 100 caps for Holland,
scoring hundreds of goals and winning titles wherever he has been. The
players who turned out for his Testimonial show just how much respect
everyone has for him as a player and as a person."

Fittingly, Carroll marked his appearance with a goal as Team Friends of Dirk
beat Team Feyenoord 3-2. Van Persie then scored twice as Team Oranje beat
Team Feyenoord by the same scoreline, but not before Kuyt had scored a
last-minute penalty to end the event on a memorable high. The Testimonial
raised funds for the Dirk Kuyt Foundation, an organisation set up by the
former Liverpool player to promote sporting events across his home country.

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All you need to know about West Ham's summer internationals
WHUFC.com

While the summer holidays have begun for the majority of professional
footballers, a number of West Ham United players are instead looking forward
to a summer of international action. Seven senior players have jetted off to
represent their respective nations, with Declan Rice, Cheikhou Kouyate,
Manuel Lanzini, Edimilson Fernandes, Marko Arnautovic, Chicharito and Sead
Haksabanovic all in action. Three of the seven are definitely off to the
FIFA World Cup finals in Russia while a fourth, Fernandes, could join them
if he is named in Switzerland's final 23-man squad. With three Academy
prospects also receiving call-ups, we've got the full details of who will be
playing and where over the next few weeks...

Which Hammers have been called-up for international duty?

A total of ten West Ham players have been called-up by their respective
nations, including seven at senior level and a further three at age-group
level. They are…

Marko Arnautovic (Austria), Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Chicharito (Mexico),
Edimilson Fernandes (Switzerland), Sead Haksabanovic (Montenegro), Cheikhou
Kouyate (Senegal), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland), Nathan Trott (England
U21) Martin Samuelsen (Norway U21) and Domingos Quina (Portugal U19).

Who is off to the FIFA World Cup finals and who will they play against?

Senegal captain Kouyate, Argentina midfielder Lanzini and Mexico's all-time
leading goalscorer Chicharito have all been named in their country's final
23-man squads for Russia 2018.

Lanzini could be the first Hammer in action at the World Cup as Argentina
kick-off their Group D campaign by facing debutants Iceland at the Spartak
Stadium in Moscow on Saturday 16 June at 2pm UK time.

The following day, Sunday 17 June, Chicharito will face the daunting
challenge of breaching the back line of defending champions Germany, who
they face in their Group F opener at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium at 4pm UK
time.

Kouyate's Lions of Teranga will begin their World Cup quest on Tuesday 19
June, when they face Poland at Spartak Stadium in Group H, with kick-off at
4pm UK time.

The second round of fixtures will see Argentina tackle Croatia in Nizhny
Novgorod at 5pm on Thursday 21 June, Mexico face South Korea in
Rostov-On-Don at 4pm on Saturday 23 June and Senegal take on Japan in
Ekaterinburg on Sunday 24 June at 4pm.

The final round of group-stage games will see Argentina up against Nigeria
in St Petersburg at 7pm on Tuesday 26 June, Mexico take on Sweden in
Ekaterinburg at 3pm the following afternoon and Senegal tackle Colombia in
Samara at 3pm on Thursday 28 June.

What about Edmilson Fernandes?

Well, he has been named in Switzerland's provisional 26-man squad, three of
which will be cut after the warm-up fixture with Spain in Villarreal on
Sunday 3 June.

With four goalkeepers in Vladimir Petkovic's preliminary squad, Fernandes
will be hoping to join his cousin and namesake Gelson and former West Ham
United midfielder Valon Behrami on the plane to Russia, where they will face
Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E.

Joao Mario, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham
from Inter Milan, is in Portugal's final 23-man squad alongside former
Hammer Jose Fonte.

What about the other senior internationals?

Hammer of the Year Marko Arnautovic and Austria have a trio of international
friendly matches against World Cup qualifiers in Russia, Germany and Brazil.

The 69-cap, 19-goal forward welcomes the World Cup hosts to the Tivoli
Stadion in Innsbruck on Wednesday 30 May before Germany visit the
Worthersee-Stadion in Klagenfurt on Saturday 2 June. The Germany game will
be shown live in the UK by BT Sport 2, with kick-off at 4.45pm.

Finally, five-times World Cup winners Brazil will be the visitors to the
Ernst Happel Stadion in Arnautovic's home city of Vienna on Sunday 10 June.

Elsewhere, Rice earned his second Republic of Ireland cap in a 2-0 friendly
defeat in France on Monday 28 May, and could win his third when the United
States visit Dublin on Saturday 2 June.

And finally, teenage attacker Haksabanovic was an unused substitute as
Montenegro drew 0-0 in Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday 28 May, and will hope
for minutes when they host Slovenia in Podgorica on Saturday 2 June.

What about the younger lads?

Ajibola Alese's summer commitments are already over, as the defender played
his part in helping England reach the semi-finals of the UEFA European U17
Championships.

Elsewhere, Nathan Trott has joined England U21s at the Toulon Tournament in
France, but in a training-only capacity, while Martin Samuelsen is with
Norway U21s for a training camp and friendly with Eliteserien club Valerenga
in Oslo on Tuesday 5 June.

Domingos Quina is with Portugal U19s at the Toulon Tournament, where he
started his country's opening 0-0 draw with Canada on Monday 28 May. The
Portuguese will take on Japan on Thursday 31 May and Turkey on Sunday 3
June.

What's the full list of fixtures for the West Ham players involved in this
month's internationals?

(All times GMT)

Wednesday 30 May 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Haiti, Friendly, Buenos Aires, 12.00am
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Russia, Friendly, Innsbruck, 7.45pm

Thursday 31 May 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Luxembourg v Senegal, Friendly, Luxembourg, 7pm
Domingos Quina, Portugal v Japan, Toulon Tournament, Vitrolles, 5pm

Saturday 2 June 2018
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Germany, Friendly, Klagenfurt, 5pm
Sead Haksabanovic, Montenegro v Slovenia, Podgorica, 7.15pm
Declan Rice, Republic of Ireland v United States, Friendly, Dublin, 8.08pm

Sunday 3 June 2018
Chicharito, Mexico v Scotland, Friendly, Mexico City, 1am
Domingos Quina, Portugal v Turkey, Toulon Tournament, Fos, 5.30pm
Edimilson Fernandes, Spain v Switzerland, Friendly, Villarreal, 8pm

Tuesday 5 June 2018
Martin Samuelsen, Norway U21 v Valerenga, Friendly, TBC

Saturday 9 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Israel v Argentina, Friendly, TBC
Chicharito, Denmark v Mexico, Friendly, Copenhagen, 8pm

Sunday 10 June
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Brazil, Friendly, Vienna, 3pm

Saturday 16 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Iceland, FIFA World Cup Group D, Moscow, 2pm

Sunday 17 June 2018
Chicharito, Germany v Mexico, FIFA World Cup Group F, Moscow, 4pm

Tuesday 19 June 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Poland, FIFA World Cup Group H, Moscow, 4pm

Thursday 21 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Croatia, FIFA World Cup Groupd D, Nizhny
Novgorod, 5pm

Saturday 23 June 2018
Chicharito, Mexico v South Korea, FIFA World Cup Group F, Rostov-On-Don, 4pm

Sunday 24 June 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Japan, FIFA World Cup Group H, Ekaterinburg, 4pm

Tuesday 26 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Nigeria, FIFA World Cup Group D, St Petersburg,
7pm

Wednesday 27 June 2018
Chicharito, Mexico v Sweden, FIFA World Cup Group F, Ekaterinburg, 3pm

Thursday 28 June 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Colombia, FIFA World Cup Group H, Samara, 3pm

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Betis talk is premature, says Adrian
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th May 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's only senior goalkeeper has dismissed reports linking him with a
return to his former club. Speaking in an interview with Radio Marca
Sevilla, West Ham's Spanish goalkeeper Adrian admitted that he was honoured
to be linked with a return to Real Betis - the club from whom West Ham
signed him in 2013.
However he refused to discuss the possibility of returning to La Liga this
summer, stating that he intended to see out the final year of his contract
at West Ham before making a decision on his long term future. I have one
more year left on my contract [at West Ham] and first I have to listen to
the opinion of my club and see whether they trust me," he said. "The
rumours regarding Betis have always been there. There have been quite a few
movements [at West Ham] since last season ended, they are refreshing the
team which is perhaps good for us. "Now I need to learn Pellegrini's
opinion of me. We have to to sit down and arrive at the best decision for
everyone, to see if they trust me and give me the opportunity to continue
playing. "I've been at West Ham for five seasons and I do not have to anyone
the level I'm at. However at the moment, they have not told me anything."
The 31-year-old signed for West Ham on a free transfer in the summer of
2013, initially signing a two year deal with the option of a further two
years. In 2015 when he was awarded an identical 'two plus two' contract,
with the additional two-year clause -keeping him at West Ham until the
summer of 2019 - triggered by West Ham last summer.

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West Ham keen on Genoa's Armando Izzo and Barcelona's Marlon Santos
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 29/05/18 7:18pm
SSN

West Ham are in talks to sign Genoa defender Armando Izzo and are also
interested in Barcelona's Marlon Santos, Sky sources understand. Izzo joined
Genoa from Serie B side Avellino in 2014 after beginning his career with
hometown club Napoli. The 26-year-old's impressive performances this season
have seen him linked with a number of Serie A clubs despite his current deal
running until 2022. But West Ham, who appointed Manuel Pellegrini as their
new boss last week, are also keen to land the defender to help shore up
their backline.
Sky sources understand West Ham are also interested in signing Barcelona
centre-back Marlon Santos who spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side
Nice. Former Manchester City head coach Pellegrini penned a three-year deal
to succeed David Moyes as Hammers boss. The Chilean said he wanted to play
attacking football and was hopeful of bringing in "four or five players" in
order to strengthen the team for next season. West Ham finished 13th last
season but had the joint-worst defence in the Premier League along with
Stoke, conceding 68 goals in 38 matches.

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West Ham United should look to sign Adama Traore this summer, with his
asking-price halved
HITC
John Verrall

West Ham United have been linked with the Middlesbrough man in recent times.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Middlesbrough value Adama Traore at
£15 million, which makes him look a much more appealing prospect for West
Ham United. The Daily Mirror claimed that West Ham wanted Traore, but at £30
million he looked like a risky signing. The Boro man may have all the
attributes to become a star, but he still has a lot of developing to do,
before he fulfils his potential. At £30 million, the transfer looked
extremely expensive, and would have to have been considered a gamble.
However, for half that fee, Traore could be a superb addition for the
Hammers. Traore looks to have the ability to be worth much more than £15
million, if West Ham can unlock his potential. The winger is blessed with so
much power and pace, that he is nightmare to defend against. There has been
times where Traore's feet have worked quicker than his brain, but the former
Barcelona man has started to look a real threat at Championship level this
season. And at £15 million, he is starting to look a bargain, considering
his mammoth asking price when West Ham were first linked.

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What could West Ham's reported interest in Marlon mean for Oxford?
HITC
Vincent Ralph

West Ham United have been linked with the Brazilian but could it prevent the
Hammers youngster from belatedly breaking through? If Spanish publication
Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, West Ham United are planning a summer
swoop for Barcelona centre-back Marlon Santos, but what could that mean for
a current Hammers player desperate for a belated breakthrough? Reece Oxford
looked to have made his mark when he was only 16, starring in a Premier
League victory against Arsenal and reinforcing the old adage about youth and
talent. However, fast-forward a few years and the now-19-year-old is
seemingly no nearer the West Ham first-team, spending this season on loan at
Borussia Monchengladbach but managing only eight senior outings in the
process. The appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as new Hammers boss gives
Oxford a new man to impress but, despite confirming his return to London at
the end of his stint in the Bundesliga, the teenager is likely to be keeping
a close eye on the gossip columns in the months ahead. At just 22, Marlon is
an exciting and talented centre-back in his own right, as his successful
loan spell at Nice emphatically proved and, were he to arrive at the London
Stadium, he could be the latest roadblock in Oxford's path towards
first-team recognition. With Declan Rice excelling this season and Marlon so
young, a move for the latter could be the decision that ultimately ends
Oxford's stay at West Ham. Conversely he could see it as the challenge to
prove his worth to Pellegrini and ensure he remains at the Hammers for years
to come. Whatever happens, expect it to be a very interesting summer for
West Ham's players and fans alike.

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The Pellegrini & Husillos axis had success at Malaga and the signs are good
for West Ham
The Argentine is expected to be named as West Ham's next head of recruitment
and joining new manager Manuel Pellegrini once again
By Colin Millar
Football London
14:30, 29 MAY 2018

The outcome had no significance, yet on a typically sunny afternoon along
Spain's Costa del Sol, this felt like the nadir for Malaga. They were
hosting mid-table Real Sociedad but despite five matches remaining in the
campaign, the Andalusians were relegated. Levante's last-minute winner three
days earlier had put the club out of their misery, less than five years
after reaching the Champions League quarter-final. The Fonda Sur section –
reserved for the most vocally supportive element within Malaga's La Rosaleda
stadium – lay empty for the first five minutes as a form of protest against
the running of the club. Swathes of empty seats elsewhere captured the
apathy. As fans slowly re-entered in the fifth minute, the chants started:
"Al Thani vete ya", sang the fans, requesting the club's president – a
member of Qatari's ruling family – leaves the club. Then it turned to "Jose
vete ya", in reference to the club's coach Jose Gonzalez. The players were
not exempt from the criticism: "Jugadores mercinarios" (mercenary players),
sang the fans. Finally, there was a scattering of 'Husillos vete ya' – the
club's sporting director Mario Husillos also must go.
Malaga won the game 2-0 amidst a poisonous atmosphere. Their fifth win of
the season, but they were whistled off with white handkerchiefs. They failed
to pick up a point in their remaining four games. The undeniable feeling
around the club was that relegation must prompt a total clear out from the
top down, starting with president Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani. Husillos had
returned to the club six months earlier, following the dismissal of
predecessor Franscesc Arnau. Remarkably, it was the sixth time the Argentine
had joined the club – he signed for three separate spells in his playing
career, went on to coach their B side and this was his third stint as
transfer guru. His first spell in the role coincided with new West Ham boss
Manuel Pellegrini's final season at Malaga, when the club reached the
Champions League last eight. Only unfortunate officiating decisions
prevented Los Boquerones, who had never before competed in the competition,
from reaching the last eight.
Within Spain, Husillos forged a strong reputation in working together with
club academies and helping build bridges to help their progression into the
first-team squad. He was particularly valued at Malaga for his ability to
negotiate big profits on player sales, as he demonstrated when sanctioning
moves to Arsenal for Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal. Pellegrini's departure
to Manchester City also saw a change in sporting director – who are hired
and fired regularly across Spain – but he was return to La Rosaleda six
months later. Al Thani was overseeing major cutbacks at the club; despite an
initial wave of investment he was seemingly getting cold feet and wanted to
draw upon the skills of Husillos to stop the outward flow of cash.
The sporting director secured cut-price deals for Moroccan forward Nordin
Amrabat, Ivorian defender Arthur Boka, Venezuelan Roberto Rosales,
midfielder Ricardo Horta from Portugal and Mexican shot-stopper Guillermo
Ochoa. The money generated from the exits of Isco, Joaquin, Jeremy Toulalan
and Sergi Darder was not reinvested back into the first-team squad. Despite
a perceived regression in ability, Malaga defied the odds to secure
successive top-half finishes. The era of Al Thani austerity had appeared to
extinguish any hopes of further European exploits yet equally, a flourishing
youth system and astute transfer policy appeared to be establishing their
status within Spain's top flight.
Last season, they finished 15 points clear of relegation but this time it
all went wrong. Husillos had left his role in December 2015, making way for
Arnau. However, the former Barca goalkeeper was used as a human bodyguard by
Al Thani and took the heat for a weak 2017 transfer window which in turn led
to a disastrous start to the season. Top scorer Sandro Ramirez, midfield
powerhouse Ignacio Camacho and Spain international Pablo Fornals – whose
development, alongside his current Villarreal teammate Samu Castillejo, is
credited to Husillos – all departed. In October, Husillos was quoted by
Spanish media as returning to the club yet again: "I'm joining Malaga with
all the enthusiasm in the world and I'm very happy."
His work could not start until January, when the club had amassed just 11
points from 19 matches and sat rock bottom of La Liga. Eight players arrived
yet only one – Arsenal youth player Ignasi Miquel – commanded a transfer
fee. The Malaga ship had long since been sunk thanks to the administration
not only tightening their belts but also failing to provide any direction or
coherence off the pitch. This was at such stark contrast to the early days
of Al Thani's rein, when Pellegrini and Husillos combined to guide the club
to remarkable European nights.

The challenge at West Ham may prove just as tough.

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WEST HAM WANT TO SIGN BORINI – REPORTFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2018 at 2:41pm
Written by: Wayne Howard
Forever WestHam

West Ham are reportedly in the hunt to sign AC Milan striker Fabio Borini
this summer – and fans have taken to Twitter to deliver an emphatic
thumbs-down.
The Italian transfer site Calcio Mercato claim the Hammers are keen to land
the former Liverpool, Sunderland and Chelsea forward even though he has just
converted a loan to Milan into a permanent move. It is said that West Ham
are closely monitoring Borini's situation but face competition from Napoli,
whose new manager Carlo Ancelotti knows the player from their Chelsea days.
The Italy international was a mainstay for Milan in the recently completed
domestic season, netting five goals and supplying seven assists from 44
matches in all competitions. West Ham fans have taken to social media to
criticise the striker link, claiming he struggled in the Premier League and
lacks the quality needed to spearhead their attack next season.

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Nice president claims £18m bid made for West Ham target Marlon Santos
HITC
Danny Owen

Premier League duo West Ham United and Leicester City are reportedly keen on
Marlon Santos - who has been on loan at Nice from Barca. West Ham fans were
rightly disgusted by the treatment of James Collins, the long-serving
defender who was released after a decade of loyal service without ceremony
or even a testimonial. But at least supporters can take comfort in knowing
that a club frequently accused of lacking ambition seem intent on replacing
a 34-year-old with a far younger model. According to The Mail, West Ham are
interested in Barcelona's 22-year-old Brazilian Marlon Santos, who impressed
during a loan spell at Nice last season. It is understood that Marlon, who
moved to the Camp Nou from Fluminense in 2016 but has made just two La Liga
appearances since, faces an uncertain future at Barca. And, according to The
Sun, Leicester City are also keen on the £18 million-rated former Brazil U20
ace. And, speaking to Nice Martin, Nice president Jean-Pierre Riviere has
confirmed that an £18 million offer has been made for Marlon. The talented
centre-back is halfway through a two-year loan spell in France but seems
unlikely to return to Nice next season now. "Barcelona have received a 20
million euros offer for Marlon, so he should leave OGC Nice," Riviere told
Nice-Matin of Marlon, who started 22 Ligue 1 games last season as Nice
finished eighth under the new Dortmund boss Lucian Favre. It remains to be
seen, however, whether the offer came from West Ham or Leicester. An
excellent passer of the ball who boasts impressive athleticism and speed
across the ground, Marlon would be an excellent investment for West Ham and
a big upgrade on Collins.

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LONDON STADIUM WANTED BY CONSORTIUM
Date: 29th May 2018 at 11:22am
Written by: Guy Giles
Forever West Ham

A consortium of cash-rich American investors are lining up a bid to buy the
London Stadium, according to Claret and Hugh. The Hammers insider website
report that the deal would take the ground out of state ownership, much like
the proposed deal from Shahid Khan to buy Wembley. Claret and Hugh claim
that the taxpayer could end up with a bill totalling £1billion in operating
losses over the Hammers' lease, with the investors potentially wiping that
debt out by buying the stadium at a fraction of it's building cost. It is
said however that the stadium could not be sold without the club's
permission, with an insider quoted as saying: "They can only sell to a
government department under our agreement."

West Ham may therefore have a big decision to make in the near future as the
ownership of the stadium comes under question in this new twist in the saga.


This is an interesting turn of events at the London Stadium, which has
caused far more problems than it has solved so far for the club. The move to
the 60,000-seater ground was seen as the next step in the club's evolution,
but so far it has turned out to be a poor move from the club after they
encountered endless teething problems following the move from Upton Park.
Most Hammers fans are still to be convinced about the London Stadium, with
the club giving up one of England's greatest football stadiums to move to a
lifeless shell of an arena. This latest development may end up causing
further problems for the club, who have a favourable deal in place at the
moment. While it is claimed that the stadium could not be sold without the
club's permission, it is not exactly known how far the club can go in
preventing this from happening.

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GALATASARAY JOIN WEST HAM IN THE RACE TO SIGN SAMUEL BASTIEN
STE HOARE @Stehoare
readWestHam

Galatasaray have joined West Ham in the race to sign Chievo Verona star
Samuel Bastien, according to L'Equipe. Everton, Nice and Napoli are also
interested in the 21-year-old, so the Hammers will have to beat off a lot of
competition in order to secure a deal for the Belgian midfielder. The
Belgian U21 international has less than a year remaining on his contract
with Verona, so the Serie A side could look to sell him this summer, rather
than losing him for free in 2019. Whilst West Ham are keen to bring Bastien
to the London Stadium, both Galatasaray and Napoli can offer him Champions
League football, which the Hammers obviously can not, and that could prove
to be a major stumbling block in any potential deal. However, West Ham look
like they'll still pursue a move for the Belgian, in the hope that he
decides that a transfer to the Hammers is the best move he can make at this
time.

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WEST HAM MUST GET CARVALHO ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
Date: 29th May 2018 at 10:52am
ReadWestHam

West Ham must find a way to leap over the hurdle that is stopping them from
welcoming Sporting's William Carvalho to the London Stadium this summer.
Football.London reported during a West Ham fan Q&A on Monday with the site,
that signing Carvalho would all come down to whether the two sides could
agree on deal for the midfielder after the transfer saga regarding the
player dragged on last summer. The Hammers unsuccessfully pursued the
26-year-old back in August, even making a £27million bid according to the
Daily Mail, only for Sporting to prove difficult to negotiate with. However
after another impressive season at the Portuguese giants it's clear that
Carvalho would be an impressive signing and a necessary one as he's exactly
what the Hammers currently lack. Manuel Pellegrini's side are short of
midfield options and need players capable of not just being a young pair of
legs in midfield, but must find someone capable of consistently winning the
battle for the ball in that area of the pitch. Carvalho ticks those boxes
and then several more on top. The enforcer featured 38 times across all
competitions in his recent campaign, making five appearances in the
prestigious Champions League, and his arrival would instantly take the
Hammers to the next level. Given the fact he's experienced in playing in
tournaments such as the Champions League and the fact he even helped his
nation, Portugal, lift the Euro 2016 trophy. Therefore even though Sporting
are no doubt still difficult to deal with in this transfer window, the
Hammers have to find away to strike a deal for the midfielder they so
desperately need.

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RICE'S VERSATILITY PAINTS BRIGHT FUTUREFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2018 at 10:13am
Written by: Laura OLeary
ForeverWestHam

West Ham defender Declan Rice has already shone brighter than many expected
after his antics in the 2017/18 season and yet he continues to progress at
an impressive rate. The blindingly bright Hammers talent may have only been
participating in a friendly match against France for the Republic of Ireland
on Monday, but his performance deserves having a spotlight thrust upon it.
Rice was utilised as a defensive midfielder, a position he has only played
in seven times for the Hammers, and looked able to cope with world-class
opponents more often than not. The 19-year-old was able to effectively tick
off another box on his development as he was able to prove that he could
cope with the likes of Lyon's Nabil Fekir and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian
Mbappe despite their immense quality.
While his nation may have slipped to a 2-0 defeat, it wasn't down to Rice's
participation in the game as he oozed maturity in an unfamiliar role that
few do in their natural position.
Of course there were moments the teen could have done better in the game but
if you were to guess his level of experience, you would have suggested that
he had featured in the Premier League more than the 27 times he actually
has. The teen's immediate future at the London Stadium may see him be a lock
at centre-back but after seeing his potential in midfield, Manuel Pellegrini
must be aware he has options when it comes to Rice. The teen proved with his
latest display that he is a fresh option for the new boss to regularly take
in midfield, as he has only dabbled there in the past, without the manager
splashing the cash on a new recruit, as he ticked off another box by
performing so well against such talented opposition. Rice proved on Monday
night that his talent paints a sparkling picture of the Hammers' future as
not only is he able to excel in one position, he looks capable of
flourishing just as much in another.

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West Ham United could benefit from Riyad Mahrez proposed transfer from
Leicester City
HITC
John Verrall

West Ham United may have been concerned that they were set to miss out on
Patrick Roberts. According to a report in the Daily Mail, Manchester City
are set to pay £75 million to land Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City, and
that could be good news for West Ham United. Leicester had been considered
West Ham's main rival for Roberts, who is a transfer target of Manuel
Pellegrini, according to The Sun. At first it seemed Leicester had the
upper hand, as they were reportedly set to demand Roberts in a swap deal for
Mahrez. However, City appear to be on the verge of paying £75 million in
outright cash of the Algerian winger, which means Roberts could remain in
the market. If West Ham now want the youngster, they have a strong chance of
landing him. Leicester may have other targets on their radar, if they have
not requested Roberts in a deal for Mahrez. And West Ham could be able to
sign the 21-year-old without as much competition as first thought, if they
do make a move for the England youth international this summer.

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An in-depth look at new West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini's tactical
excellence
The manager introduced a much-vaunted 4-2-2-2 formation at Villarreal and
has stuck with it
By Sam Inkersole
West Ham Correspondent
09:44, 29 MAY 2018UPDATED09:55, 29 MAY 2018

Manuel Pellegrini is known as having a sharp tactical mind throughout his
career as a manager having arrived in Europe in 2004 having managed in
Argentina and his homeland of Chile. In July 2004 he arrived at Villarreal
and during his stay there, achieved a third place finish in La Liga in his
first season, a Champions League semi final the next season and a second
place league finish in 2007/08. He also transformed Malaga, taking them to
the Champions League quarter finals and had a stint at Real Marid for a
season, amassing 99 points but finishing second in his sole season.
Pellegrini is an advocate of getting the best out of an building around his
more creative players, at Villarreal that was Juan Roman Riquelme and at
Malaga, Isco.
"The Engineer" favoured this 4-2-2-2 formation he has made his own, often
mistaken for 4-4-2, at the Yellow Submarines which allowed Riquelme to
really flourish but was built on fullbacks bombing forward and acting as
wingers, which allowed the wide men to move inside an act as, essentially,
attacking midfielders. At Villarreal, he had Joan Capdevilla and Javi Venta
who were his fullbacks, at the time two of the best at getting forward but
also being defensively sound. Defensive midfielders Marcos Senna and Josico
covered for them if they did bomb forward. Riquelme took one of the
"striker" roles despite really being a midfielder as Santi Cazorla and Juan
Pablo Sorin occupied the "flanks" but drifted inside as fullbacks got
forward.
When Pellegerini left Villarreal to join Malaga, he took Cazorla with him
and it was incoming West Ham director of football and head of recruitment
Mario Husillos that made the masterstroke of brining back Isco to his
hometown when he was languishing in the Valencia B team and turned the now
Real Madrid man into a superstar. Isco was the main focal point of the
midfield, deployed on the left hand side but more often than not, drifting
inside and allowing the fullbacks to get forward, just like Pellegrini did
at Villarreal. Either Santi Cazorla or Joaquin took up the other flank, with
supplying Julio Baptista or Javier Saviola as the strikers.

With Pellegrini's 4-2-2-2 formation, it allows flexibility when playing
against possession-based teams (Man City under Pep Guardiola the prime
example) and allows him to easily switch to a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 or even
4-5-1. Speaking of Manchester City, Pellegrini arrived at the Etihad in 2013
and went on to win the Premier League in Manchester City with a vibrant,
attacking and free-flowing style of football that followed him from Spain to
England. It was often Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov deployed as his
wing-backs/wingers, with those those wingers moving into the interior of the
midfield in the shape of Samir Nasri and David Silva, supporting Sergio
Aguero and Alvaro Negredo or Edin Dzeko.

When it comes to the Hammers, Pellegrini has players at his disposal but he
may need to dip into the transfer market to make sure he can get those
disciplined enough. Pablo Zabaleta is unlikely to be able to do the job he
did for the Chilean at the Etihad these days, he certainly has the
capability over on the left though with Arthur Masuaku. Pedro Obiang should
be one of those covering midfielders but who lines up alongside him is up
for debate, it could be Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate, Edimilson Fernandes,
or someone new. The wide men shifting inside is likely to be Manuel Lanzini
and potentially Marko Arnautovic if Pellegrini prefers him out there as
opposed to a straight up centre forward, with Javier Hernandez (if he stays
at the club) and another striker - potentially Andy Carroll, you never know
- or a new face. Michail Antonio could also play in one of the wide
positions that allows Arnautovic to play in a role he was accustomed to
under David Moyes and excelled in for the second half of last season.

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West Ham's Adrian doesn't have to prove 'anything to anyone' with future in
balance
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport

West Ham goalkeeper Adrian says he has nothing left to prove at London
Stadium and will sit down with new manager Manuel Pellegrini to discuss his
future at the club. The Spaniard, who has been left out of his country's
World Cup squad following an inconsistent season, has a year remaining on
his deal and will be the only remaining senior 'keeper with the Hammers
unlikely to make Joe Hart's loan deal permanent. The two exchanged the No1
spot under David Moyes, with Adrian ending the season as first choice and in
good form. With Pellegrini expected to have an unprecedented budget this
summer, there remains a lot to be decided with regards to his squad, but
Adrian remains relaxed over his position. "I have one more year left on my
contract. First, I have to listen to the opinion of my team and if they
trust me," the 31-year-old told Marca. "There have been quite a few
movements since we have been on holiday and they are refreshing the squad
that perhaps is what they wanted. "Now I must see Pellegrini's opinion of
me," he continued. "We have to sit down and arrive at the best decision for
everyone. Let's see if they trust me and give me the opportunity to continue
playing. "I've been there for five seasons and I do not have to prove
anything to anyone. At the moment they have not told me anything."

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STICK OR TWIST: THE CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
By Iain Dale 29 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID

The narrative seems to be that we need to strengthen in central midfield.
The two players we have most been linked with are William Cavalho and
Leonander Dendoncker – both are central midfielders who can also play in
central defence. The question is, are they better than what we have got?

Mark Noble
Mr Dependable certainly didn't let us down last season. In fact, he wasn't
far off getting the Hammer of the Year award. Just when people write him off
he bounces back. he played 29 games, scoring 4 goals, including that
incredible volley. His pace is never going to improve but he reads the game
so well. He's also a great captain. At some stage he's going to run out of
gas, but let's hope he's got at least a couple of seasons left in him at the
top level. It would be almost sacriligious if Pellegrini were to dispose of
his services.

Cheikhou Kouyate
OK, perhaps Kouyate didn't have his best season in a West Ham shirt but
anyone who wants rid of him needs their head read. He's a midfield
powerhouse, scores the occasional great goal and is an inspiration to the
rest of the team. He's at 28 and should be at his peak. I think we have more
to see from Kouyate and I'd be hugely disappointed if he left.

Pedro Obiang
Obiang had become a regular in the team before his major injury bit it was
good to see him back in the last game. In his three seasons with us he has
appeared 24, 22 and 21 times. Had he remained uninjured I have no doubt he'd
have played at least 30 games this season. His goalscoring record isn't
amazing. He has only scored three times, including the goal that bagged him
this year's goal of the season. There have been rumours of a move back to
Italy. I'd be sad if it happened, and if it does, surely he'd fetch £20
million. He's probably expendable if we can sign someone proven and better.

Josh Cullen
Josh has been almost ever present on the bench this season, appearing only
twice in the League and three times in cup games. But he's played well
whenever called upon and is still maybe one for the future. If we sold him
there would be a queue of Championship clubs who would want to buy him for
anything up to £4 million I'd have thought.

Edimilson Fernandes
I really think we need to hang on to Fernandes. It's a shame he spent aa
large part of the season injured, but whenever he's played he oozes
potential. He can tackle, he can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass. What
more does anyone want from a youngster? He may not be ready to start the
majority of games, but as a utility player he is without exception and can
play in any of the five midfield positions. If we did sell him we'd make a
decent return on the £5 million Slaven Bilic paid for him. There'd be no
shortage of takers.

Sead Haksobanovic
We haven't seen enough of the 19 year old to reallu judge his potential,
having only made two appearances in the cups. However, when he played
against Bolton I have to say I liked what I saw. One for the future,
hopefully.

Domingos Quina
Four cup appearances and a host of Premier League bench placements, but
there is still an air of unfulfilled potential about Quina. He needs to grab
his chances when they are presented to him. I still think he can make it.

Martin Samuelsen
It seems odd to say the least that Martin Samuelsen has played three times
for Norway but has yet to appear for West Ham. He's spent the last three
seasons out on loan to lower league clubs including Burton Albion for the
last half of season, where he played 9 times without troubling the scorers.
He is said to have really impressed. He's a tricky, skilful player, in the
Lanzini mold. He's 21 now. If he's to make the breakthrough it needs to be
soon.

Marcus Browne
I'm really excited about Marcus. He scored a hattrick for the Under 23s in
the last few weeks of the season, which will have given him a huge amount of
confidence. But he's 20 and next season will be crucial.

Conclusion
I suspect one or two of the youngsters will find their paths blocked and be
moved on before the end of August, and of the others Pedro Obiang looks the
most vulnerable. We definitely need one, maybe two big midfield signings.

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