Hart will bring 'winning mentality' - Slaven Bilic
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes Joe Hart's 'winning mentality' will help to bring out the best in his new West Ham United team-mates. The England goalkeeper completed his season-long loan move from Manchester City on Tuesday afternoon, and will fly out to Austria immediately to join the Hammers' squad at their pre-season camp in Bad Waltersdorf. The 30-year-old follows his former City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta as the second new arrival at London Stadium this summer, and Bilic spoke exclusively to whufc.com out in Austria once the deal was confirmed. "I am delighted to welcome Joe to West Ham," said the Hammers boss. "It has taken a few days to get everything sorted out but I am very happy now that it is done. "Once we found out there was a possibility that Joe might be available, everyone agreed that it was a fantastic opportunity for us as a Club. "He is the England number one, he has great experience but, at 30-years-old, he is still in his prime as a goalkeeper and can be at the top of his game in the next few years. "Like Pablo Zabaleta, he has a winning mentality, he is hungry, and as a manager you want that to rub off on the rest of the squad and bring out the best in everyone."
That includes the two senior goalkeepers already in his squad, who are both well-versed in the unique situation of working closely with each other in training every day while battling fiercely for the one position available, and Bilic has no doubt that Adrian and Darren Randolph will respond to Hart's arrival in the right way.
"We are very lucky – we now have three very good goalkeepers," he said. "When we found out that Joe was definitely going to sign, I spoke to both Adrian and Randy and explained the situation. "They are both great professionals. Of course, in an ideal world, I would like everyone to be happy but, as a football manager, that is not possible. "We will always try to do things the right and correct way but, at the end of the day, my job is to do what I think is best for the football club, and that is what I will do. "I said a few days ago that we wanted to sign players who are going to improve our starting eleven. But that doesn't mean that they walk straight into the team. It means that they improve the level of competition for those places. That competition is crucial."
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Bilic: 'It was a competitive game'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic declared himself satisfied with the physical condition of his players after Monday evening's 0-0 draw against Sturm Graz II in the first warm-up match of the pre-season campaign. The Hammers boss gave each of his players a 45-minute work-out against a young and energetic opposition, and was happy to see everyone come through it unscathed, although admitted that his team will need to improve in front of goal. "It was as we planned – two sets of 45 minutes as a part of the training programme," said Slaven. "We trained this morning before the game and the guys have also done a bit of extra running after playing this evening. "It was a competitive game – Sturm Graz were a very lively team and they can play football. Of course they are at a different level, and we should have scored maybe five or six goals. "But, to be fair, we are not scoring enough goals in training at the moment, so it was the same in the game, but running-wise it was a good session for us. "It was a good opponent for this stage but if we are looking strictly at the game, we have to score goals."
While he hopes to see that side of his team's game improve in the weeks to come, for now the Croatian is focused fully on increasing fitness levels and is set to give each of his players another 45-minute session against Fulham on Thursday in Graz. "We planned this part of the pre-season in Austria completely based and focused on the training, so the two games here are a part of the training," he said. "On Thursday we have a better opponent in Fulham, but the approach is still the same and it fits around our training. In Germany, we are still going to train hard there but it is going to be based more on the games."
The boss also revealed that Senegalese midfielder Cheikou Kouyate picked up a knee injury in training last week which is still being assessed but, overall, the trip is going completely to plan. "The only one problem we've had is with Cheikhou, who injured his knee in a very strange and awkward way during training, but apart from that I'm happy with everything," said Slaven. "The boys are training hard, they are pushing really hard, the facilities are really good and it is a great place to be."
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Zabaleta: I'm feeling good after first Hammers run-out
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta was in a positive frame of mind after his first taste of action in a West Ham United shirt on Monday evening. The Argentine defender made his first appearance for the Club with a 45-minute run-out in the 0-0 draw against Sturm Graz II at Bad Waltersdorf in Austria, and insisted the encounter provided the ideal physical test at this early stage of the team's pre-season preparations. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, he said: "It felt good. It was a shame not to win the game – you always want a victory – but of course the main thing is to get the minutes. "That was our first 45 minutes after 10 days of hard work, and it was good for the team to build up the fitness levels. "The game was good, obviously we didn't score but we created a few good chances and their goalkeeper was fantastic. "It is early days, we have got plenty of time to keep working and be more focused on tactics. "We have another game on Thursday against Fulham, and it will be a good test for us to keep improving as a team and increase the confidence."
Having now spent a full week with his new team-mates at the Club's training camp in Austria, Zabaleta admitted he has settled in perfectly to life as a Hammer and is looking forward to what the new campaign brings. "I'm really enjoying myself," he said. "All the lads are fantastic, every single person around the Club has been great, so I'm very pleased. "I can't wait for the start of the season. Hopefully we can bring in a few more players to improve the squad, and there are still a few to come back soon from injury, so we all aim to be at 100% for the start of the season."
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Tunji Akinola enjoying Football League tests in pre-season
WHUFC.com
Defender Tunji Akinola is relishing the tests being provided to the U23s so far as the Hammers youngsters prepare for their second pre-season match. Terry Westley's group were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Sky Bet League Two side Barnet on Saturday and come up against the Bees' league counterparts Colchester United on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick-off). After a long summer break, Akinola is enjoying being thrown in the deep end as he prepares to compete in four different competitions - Premier League 2, Premier International Cup, Premier League Cup and Checkatrade Trophy - with the U23 this season. "It was a long time off but obviously we needed the break," Akinola admitted. "I'm very happy to be back and we can start getting our fitness back. "It was a nice time off. I spent time with family and friends and just chilled with them but obviously I missed playing so that makes me very keen to be back. "They [Barnet] are a League Two team and they had lots of experienced players. At the end of the day, we're going to be up against those sorts of test when we move up to mens football. It was good to see how our guys responded to that and I think we did very well."
Akinola played a key role as the U23s clinched promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 last season and he is targeting more improvements this year. "I think my focus at the minute is trying to play every week for the U23s and get lots of minutes under my belt," he continued. "Then after Christmas, depending on how I've done, I can look to go out on loan. We'll see what happens."
The U23 have two more pre-season friendlies before jetting off to Slovakia on Sunday for a training camp. Dagenham and Redbridge await on Sunday, but before that Akinola and co face arguably their toughest assignment in Colchester. The Us missed out on the League Two play-offs by the smallest of margins last season and Akinola is looking forward to another difficult test. "I think Colchester will be a lot tougher than Barnet because they finished higher last season but it's the kind of test we want and hopefully we can do well."
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Arnautovic says goodbye to Stoke
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic has bid farewell to his team mates at Stoke ahead of a record-breaking move to West Ham. The club's existing transfer record of £20million, paid to Swansea for Andre Ayew last summer is about to be smashed after the two clubs agreed a fee of circa £23million for the Austrian international. According to the Stoke Sentinel, Arnautovic said goodbye to his current team mates at the Potters' Clayton Wood training complex this morning after City reluctantly accepted a third bid from West Ham for the crowd favourite. Arnautovic, 28, cost Stoke just £2million when moving from Werder Bremen two years ago and was under contract until 2020, hence the vast rise in transfer fee.
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Hammers eyeing Lazio star
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are attempting to hammer out a deal for Lazio forward Keita Balde. The highly-rated Senegal international has been linked with a string of top clubs around Europe this summer but the Hammers are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by putting a deal together for the 22-year-old, according to a KUMB source. Chelsea, Everton, Juventus and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the starlet, who is currently refusing to sign a new contract with Lazio. The Serie A side are reported to have reluctantly agreed to cash in on his this summer, valuing Balde around the £20-£25million mark. He has also been linked with Tottenham, who have scouts in Italy at present, but reports elsewhere suggest he has rejected the opportunity to move to White Hart Lane.
Born in Spain, Balde spent seven years at Barcelona as a youngster before joining Lazio on a full-time basis in 2013 for just €300,000. Although eligible to play for his country of birth, he opted to play for Senegal and made his full international debut last year.
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Two on their way as Hammers make their move
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
It's a busy day for West Ham in the transfer window, with news that two of the club's prime pre-season targets are on their way... Goalkeeper Joe Hart has arrived in Austria having successfully completed a medical in London yesterday afternoon ahead of his season-long loan switch from Manchester City. The 30-year-old England international will have approximately half of his £100,000+ p/w wages paid by his parent club, who will also receive a £2million loan fee from West Ham.
And elsewhere the Hammers are reported to have finally agreed a fee with Stoke City for Marko Arnautovic, who the Hammers have been chasing for some considerable time. The fee for ther 29-year-old Austrian winger is understood to be in the region of £23million - a huge mark-up on the £2million fee Stoke paid for Arnautovic when signing him from Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen in 2015. It is hoped that both will be unveiled by the club within the next 48 hours.
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Bayer chief preparing for life without Chicharito?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
Bayer Leverkusen's new head coach Heiko Herrlich has been speaking about the possibility of selling star striker - and key West Ham target - Javier Hernandez.
Hernandez is reported to be available for circa £13million and talks continue to take place between the Mexican international's representatives and thier counterparts from West Ham. However Herrlich admitted today for the first time that Chicharito, as he is perhaps more commonly known could be on his way our of the club. When asked during a press conference about the recent sale of Hakan Calhanoglu to Ac Milan, he replied: "Hakan, of course, has huge quality, as do Kevin Kampl and Chicharito. "But ultimately it's important that the players that you have available identify 100 per cent with the club. Things will soon be clear - then we'll see more. "Chicharito has given great performances in his two years here, but so have many others. You can only achieve success as a team. "I think a club like Bayer Leverkusen will never find themselves depending on just one player."
29-year-old Hernandez, who moved to Bayer from Manchester United in 2015 for £7.3million is reported to be seeking a salary worth around £7.5million per year to join the Hammers.
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Di Canio: West Ham til I die
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
Paolo Di Canio says that he still hopes to return to West Ham in some capacity. The 49-year-old, who still lives in England with his family, has revealed that his one burning ambition is to renew his career at West Ham. "I have always said it is my destiny to come back to West Ham - and I never change my opinion," he said.
"Until I die, I hope to have a role at West Ham, because it would be fantastic before finishing my life. I will never give up, but obviously I know that the club have their own programme. "I follow them with all respect, with my heart and am full of passion for West Ham. I will follow them until I die, whether I get a chance to go back or not. I belong to the family."
However the Italian legend remains sceptical about the club's new ground, which he described as "too big" with "too much space around the field" - even though he feels the team are now beginning to settle into their new surroundings. "It was difficult for everyone to move stadium," he added. "For the fans and even the players who had only played at Upton Park for six months, because that's all you needed to absorb the atmosphere. "The shock of leaving Upton Park, the atmosphere; they paid the price. "It was a place of history and tradition - of Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking, Geoff Hurst, Billy Bonds. The atmosphere can never be the same [at the Olympic Stadium], but in the end they have done a good job."
Di Canio was speaking from the Star Sixes tournament, where he was representing Italy. Although they qualified for the knockout phase having finished runners-up to Brazil in Group B, Di Canio and his fellow Italians were sent crashing out of the competition by France, who won their quarter final tie 4-2 before going on to win the tournament.
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West Ham hope to seal Javier Hernandez transfer
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 18/07/17 11:08am
SSN
West Ham are hoping to complete a deal to sign forward Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen this week, according to Sky sources. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic is eager to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season and Sky Sports News understands a deal for the Mexico international is edging closer. Hernandez, who spent five years at Manchester United between 2010 and 2015, has a £13m release clause in his contract at Leverkusen. Sky Sports News revealed earlier this month that West Ham had held talks with the 29-year-old about a move to the London Stadium, with the club intent on signing at least one forward this summer. Hernandez has scored 39 times during two seasons with Leverkusen. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Joe Hart has passed his medical ahead of his loan move from Manchester City to West Ham. Sky Sports News understands City will fund part of the England international's wages and that West Ham will have the option of making the move permanent next summer.
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Paolo Di Canio still dreaming of a West Ham return
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 17/07/17 5:30pm
SSN
Paolo Di Canio speaks to Sky Sports about his enduring love of English football and his determination to return to West Ham in the future. Paolo Di Canio was back in east London to play for Italy in the Star Sixes tournament at the O2 Arena last week. The legs are heavier than they were, but even at 49 years old, there were glimpses of the audacity and skill that made him such an iconic figure just a few miles away at Upton Park. There was a perfectly executed volley in one game and a smooth feint and finish in another. The Italian team eventually went out to France in the quarter-finals, but Di Canio provided plenty of entertainment along the way. In between the smiles, he even found time to argue with the referee. "It's great to be back," he told Sky Sports afterwards. "You could see lots of children in the crowd who were not even born when I finished my career, but still they chanted for me. It means their fathers are delivering the message and the history. That kind of thing only happens in England."
This summer marks the 20th anniversary of Di Canio's arrival in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday. His time at Hillsborough ended with his infamous shove on referee Paul Alcock, but he made the most of a second chance at West Ham. In between the moments of controversy that would later follow him into his coaching career, there were 52 goals in 141 games. Di Canio still has close ties to England and deep affection for its football. "This is my second home," he says. "I have got my daughters living in England, one in Cambridge, one in Bath, so it really is a second home to me and my family. In terms of football, though, it's my first home. English football is in my blood. I belong to English football."
Di Canio made an indelible mark in West Ham's history between 1999 and 2003 but the club can only dream of having another player like him now. The Hammers moved from Upton Park to the London Stadium last summer with visions of gate-crashing the Premier League elite, but a stormy debut season in their new arena saw them drop four places to 11th. "Obviously I hope this year we can do better," says Di Canio. "At the end of the season [Slaven] Bilic was right to change a few things on the field and improve results. Hopefully that can change the direction for the club, but it was difficult at the beginning. The shock of leaving Upton Park, the atmosphere. They paid the price. "It was difficult for everyone to move stadium, for the fans and even the players who had only played at Upton Park for six months, because that's all you needed to absorb the atmosphere. It was a place of history and tradition, of Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking, Geoff Hurst, Billy Bonds…" Di Canio trails off but he might have listed his own name among those legends. "To go into a new stadium that looked nothing like the old one was not easy," he continues. "It felt too big, there was too much space around the field and the atmosphere can never be the same. It was not easy, but in the end they have done a good job. They got some good results, especially the 1-0 win against Spurs. That should be the beginning of a new history for West Ham."
Di Canio would dearly love to be a part of it. The Italian has not worked in management since his bruising spell in charge of Sunderland in 2013, instead filling his time as a television pundit for Sky Sports in Italy, but he still hopes to return to West Ham in some capacity in the future. "I have always said it is my destiny to come back to West Ham and I never change my opinion," he says. "Until I die, I hope to have a role at West Ham, because it would be fantastic before finishing my life. I will never give up, but obviously I know that the club have their own programme. "I follow them with all respect, with my heart and full of passion for West Ham. I will follow them until I die, whether I get a chance to go back or not. I belong to the family." Seeing Di Canio back in east London was a reminder of that. Whatever happens next, those memories will live on.
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West Ham held by Strum Graz II in first pre-season friendly ahead of Joe Hart loan arrival
ALEX YOUNG
Evening Standard
West Ham began their pre-season preparations with a dour goalless draw with Sturm Graz II in Austria ahead of the expected loan arrival of Joe Hart. The Hammers have made just one signing this summer, with Pablo Zabaleta - also from Manchester City - joining on a free transfer. Zabaleta, 32, made his first appearance on Monday against Sturm Graz II, who play in the Austrian third tier, as Bilic gave all of his players at least a 45-minute run-out. Hart, meanwhile, is said to be close to committing to a season-long loan in London, which could eventually become permanent as his future now appears to lie away from the Etihad Stadium. The 30-year-old, who spent the previous campaign with Italian club Torino, should head out to Austria later this week once the formalities of the move have been signed off. His arrival will, however, leave the position of current West Ham stopper Adrian uncertain. The Hammers are also looking for attacking reinforcements, but have so far seen their efforts to sign Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic for £20million prove unsuccessful, while Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud and Bayer Leverkusen's Javier Hernandez are further reported targets. Bilic will now prepare his squad for Thursday's friendly meeting with Sky Bet Championship side Fulham before heading to Germany, which will host two matches against Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen in the Betway Cup. West Ham start their new Premier League season away at Manchester United on August 13.
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Marko Arnautovic to complete West Ham move in the next 48 hours for club-record £23m transfer fee
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham's search for strikers should be rewarded in the next 48 hours, with the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City. Standard Sport understands that a £23 million deal for the 28-year-old Austrian international has been agreed and that the player himself has settled personal terms. West Ham had earlier had two bids, the first for £15 million and the second for £20 million, rejected by Stoke but it has proved third time lucky for manager Slaven Bilic, who is desperate to add some fire power up front for his West Ham team next season, particularly with Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho still out injured. Stoke were keen to clear £20 million as they are obliged, under the terms of a contract signed when the player joined them from Werder Bremen four seasons, ago to pay the German club 20 per cent of any further transfer fee. Arnautovic, who injured a knee in a pre-season match for Stoke last week, is expected to undergo a medical and then join the West Ham squad at their training camp in Austria. Bilic emphasised the need for striking reinforcements following the 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz last night when he said: "We should have scored five or six goals but to be fair we are not scoring in training so it was the same in the game." West Ham are also assessing a knee injury to midfield player Cheikhou Kouyate, picked up in training. England goalkeeper Joe Hart meanwhile, who is joining West Ham on a season-long loan from Manchester City, passed a medical in London on Monday night.
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West Ham near deal to sign Marko Arnautovic from Stoke
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 18/07/17 2:19pm
SSN
West Ham are close to agreeing a deal to sign Marko Arnautovic from Stoke, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports News understands the deal to take the Austria winger to London Stadium is likely to be completed this week. The 28-year-old has expressed a desire to join West Ham this summer and last week handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a move. West Ham have so far failed with two bids for Arnautovic, the first at £15m and the second at £20m, but were expected to return with a third offer. Arnautovic has not featured for Stoke since suffering a suspected knee injury in their 1-0 pre-season victory over Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax last week. He joined Stoke from Werder Bremen for £2m in 2013 and scored 26 goals in over 100 appearances for the club. Goalkeeper Joe Hart has passed his medical ahead of his loan move from Manchester City to West Ham, while the Hammers are hoping to complete a deal to sign forward Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen.
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West Ham agree £24m fee with Stoke for Marko Arnautovic
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 18/07/17 7:20pm
SSN
West Ham United have agreed a £24m fee with Stoke City for forward Marko Arnautovic, according to Sky sources. The 28-year-old has expressed a desire to join West Ham this summer and last week handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a move. West Ham had failed with two bids for Arnautovic, the first at £15m and the second at £20m, but were expected to return with a third offer. Arnautovic has not featured for Stoke since suffering a suspected knee injury in their 1-0 pre-season victory over Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax last week. He joined Stoke from Werder Bremen for £2m in 2013 and scored 26 goals in over 100 appearances for the club. Arnautovic would become West Ham's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of defender Pablo Zabaleta and England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City on Tuesday. The Hammers are also hoping to complete a deal to sign forward Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen this week.
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Marko Arnautovic: West Ham agree £24m deal for Stoke City and Austria forward
By Juliette Ferrington
BBC Sport
West Ham have agreed a deal with Stoke City for the signing of Austria forward Marko Arnautovic. The Hammers had already seen two bids rejected but it is understood Stoke have now accepted a fee in the region of £24m. Arnautovic, 28, joined Stoke from Werder Bremen four years ago and is just 12 months into a four-year contract with the Potters. He scored seven times in 35 games in all competitions last season.
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WEST HAM AGREE €32M FEE FOR CHELSEA AND INTER TARGET
RYAN DARBY @RyanDarby_
ReadWestHam
West Ham and Lazio have agreed on a €32 million fee for Chelsea and Inter Milan target Keita Balde, according to Goal. The report suggests that the fee has been agreed but the two clubs remain in talks as to how it will be paid. With the fee agreed, it is now down to the player, who was widely expected to leave Lazio this summer, to decide whether or not he wants to move to the Premier League or hold out for a move to Inter Milan. The report suggests that West Ham, who have been in talks with the club for some time, are offering €27 million up front with €5 million in add-ons. Wages of 3 million a year are reportedly on the table for Keita, who was one of the most impressive players in Serie A last season. The 22-year-old scored 16 league goals in Serie A during the last campaign and also registered a further three assists for Lazio.
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Six academy youngsters played for West Ham against Sturm Graz II but how did they get on?
The kids had a chance to impress Slaven Bilic in the first pre-season friendly of the summer on Monday evening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
14:21, 18 JUL 2017UPDATED14:26, 18 JUL 2017
With many West Ham fans clamouring to see the club's young stars get some game time, their wishes were granted on Monday night when all of them got 45 minutes on the pitch. Academy graduates Nathan Holland and Reece Burke got the nod in the first half as they all lined up alongside the more established first teamers. Declan Rice, Josh Cullen, Toni Martinez and Moses Makasi got their chance to shine in the second half as the Hammers drew 0-0 with the Graz reserves in Bad Waltersdorf. So, how did each of the youngsters get on? It's hard to judge on just 45 minutes and you expect they will all get another chance to shine.
Here, we break down each of their performances.
Nathan Holland
He's enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since signing from Everton in January and starred for the U23s as they won the PL2 Division Two play-offs. Holland has been training with the first team previously and got his chance last night, He looked lively when he had the ball and had a decent chance to open the scoring in the first half but snatched at the ball and the chance was gone. Certainly didn't do anything wrong but there's no doubt he'd have liked to have been involved a bit more but he outshone his more established team mate in Robert Snodgrass who operated on the other wing.
Reece Burke
Looked very calm and assured alongside James Collins at centre half, he couldn't have had a much better partner back there. Pablo Zabaleta on his shoulder as well helped massively as the Argentine fed him the ball a lot to get him into the game. He wasn't overly tested by the Graz II backline but dealt with the high ball well and also showed a good range of passing during the first 45 minutes.
Declan Rice
Played the second 45 minutes and much like Burke, didn't look out of place. Was keen to run the ball out of defence a lot more than his team mates but showed a great ability to deal with the high ball. Rice often drifted into a defensive midfield role which looks like it could suit him well as he is suprisingly strong despite his slight frame. A good 45 for the Irishman.
Josh Cullen
Showed some nice touches but was overshadowed a bit by Edimilson Fernandes, who saw a lot more of the ball than Cullen and played some superb raking passes. He's been hyped up a lot thanks to his excellent loan spells at Bradford so the pressure is on him more than most but that's not his fault. Didn't do anything wrong in his time on the pitch, he always made himself available, but didn't get a lot of chances to show us what he can do.
Moses Makasi
Didn't quite happen for him but to be fair to Makasi, he was playing out of position wide right and sometimes off the striker, whereas he is normally a defensive midfielder by trade. Showed signs of frustrations midway through the half when booting the ball against an advertising hoarding as things didn't go his way. Gave the ball away cheaply and didn't really make much of an impression.
Toni Martinez
Barely had a sniff to be honest but in his defence, the greediness of Sofiane Feghouli at times didn't help the young Spaniard whatsoever. On a number of occasions, he had worked into some space and wasn't found, not just by Feghouli but by others, as he cut a frustrated figure. Had a chance late on but was denied by an excellent challenge.
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'A sad state of affairs' The view from Stoke as Arnautovic closes in on £23m West Ham switch
West Ham transfer news sees the Austria international closing in on a club record move to the London Stadium
Football London
BYCHARLES WATTS
20:30, 18 JUL 2017
Marko Arnautovic's Stoke exit in 'inevitable' as West Ham step up their plans to land the Austria international. That is the view from the Potteries on a transfer saga that's conclusion seems increasingly likely to end in a happy one for the Hammers. Slaven Bilic has endured some frustration in the transfer market so far this summer, especially in his pursuit of a striker. But with Joe Hart now on board things are looking a bit more positive at the London Stadium and Arnautovic could soon join the England keeper in east London. West Ham are confident they can get a deal tied up for the Austrian within the next 48 hours after submitting a third bid for the winger, thought to be a club-record £23m. Personal terms are understood to have been agreed already, with wages of £85,000 a week plus add-ons on the table.
Arnautovic wants the move and the deal could be done by the weekend, with the player due to have a medical at the Hammers imminently. So what do they think of the imminent transfer up in Stoke? Well is seems to be being viewed with a sense of inevitably now - as a column by Martin Smith in the Stoke Sentinel describes. Focusing on the attacker's exit, Smith states: "He's someone who's been very important to the club over the past couple of seasons, having been involved in the scoring and creating of more goals than any other Stoke player, and he did commit to the club last summer when many had predicted he would leave. "His departure now seems inevitable though and all we're doing is wrangling the best possible price out of West Ham. It's a very sad state of affairs but if he doesn't want to stay then he can go. "Arnie's whole game is based around the heart he puts into his efforts and if that heart no longer beats for the red and white stripes then there's no point in him being with us. "The fact that he signed on again last year means that we can negotiate his departure now from a position of real strength and we may as well cash in while we have someone keen enough to pay top price for him. "It'll be extra funds in the bank and, of course, it'll be exactly the type of opportunity which Ramadan Sobhi has been waiting for."
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Javier Hernandez to West Ham: Deal soon, debut against Manchester United - Dharmesh Sheth
JAVIER HERNANDEZ is set to join West Ham in the next few days and looks likely to make his debut against former club Manchester United, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
By LEWIS WINTER
PUBLISHED: 13:27, Tue, Jul 18, 2017 | UPDATED: 13:33, Tue, Jul 18, 2017
Express.co.uk
Bayer Leverkusen forward Hernandez has a £13million release clause which West Ham look set to activate. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has been on the market for a new striker for a while, with the likes of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho suffering with injury problems. Hernandez had five years at Old Trafford, scoring 37 goals in 103 Premier League appearances, winning the title on two occasions under Sir Alex Ferguson. And he could be set for a reunion with United fans on August 13.
"One move that is edging closer is the striker Javier Hernandez," Sheth said on Sky Sports News. "It's our information a move from Bayer Leverkusen could be finalised in the next week. "West Ham's opening game, yep, is at Hernandez's former club Manchester United."
West Ham are also in the market for Stoke's Marko Arnautovic and are set to make a third bid this week. "We are told this morning talks continue between the clubs," Sheth said on the move for Arnautovic. 'West Ham have had two bids rejected, the latest being £20million. "We expect a third offer and expect it soon."
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Sofiane Feghouli set to seal move to Turkish giants Galatasaray
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
West Ham flop Sofiane Feghouli is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Feghouli, 27, struggled during his first season in the Premier League making 27 appearances in all competitions and netting just four times. And, according to Turkish news outlet Fanatik, the Algeria international is expected in Istanbul this week to finalise the transfer. The move could be completed by the end of the week, as Hammers boss Slaven Bilic reshuffles his squad after an underwhelming campaign last season. Feghouli was not expected to feature prominently for the Londoners this term and has been allowed to move on in search of regular first-team football. Galatasaray are also understood to be closing in on the signing of another Premier League midfielder - Manchester City's Fernando.
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WEST HAM FAVOURITES FOR WILSHERE – BUT PALACE AND SAMPDORIA KEEN TOO
Ladbrokes
18 July 2017
Whatever Jack Wilshere's next move is, it had better be a good one, as the Englishman's career risks drifting into obscurity. The midfielder spent last season on-loan at Bournemouth, and while he proved his fitness, he didn't exactly grab any headlines on the south coast. Now he's entering the final 12 months of his Arsenal contract, and needs to make a big decision in the near future. West Ham United are the 9/4 favourites to land Wilshere, and the move makes a lot of sense for both player and club. It would mean Wilshere doesn't have to up sticks and leave the capital, while West Ham could and should be on the up in the coming seasons after their move to the London Stadium. However, as last season proved the Hammers can often be a difficult place in which to succeed, and the loss of Dimitri Payet was a blow to their hopes of acquiring top European talent. According to reports in Italy, Sampdoria are throwing their hat in the ring. Sky Italia claim the Serie A side are offering the Gunners £6m, and Wilshere the chance to kick-start his career away from the limelight. The Genoa-based outfit certainly have their credentials, having spent 13 of the past 14 campaigns in the top-flight, entering Europe five times in that spell – including the Champions League. Those reports from the continent have seen Sampdoria leap into contention as 4/1 second favourites.
Newcastle United (6/1) and Huddersfield Town (9/1) are the other two sides shorter than 10/1, but concerns surround both sides as viable options. The other possibility for Wilshere, according to the press, is a loan move to Crystal Palace. The Eagles were close to acquiring the 25-year-old last year, only to be beaten by Bournemouth. But they remain keen under new boss Frank de Boer. Arsenal are unlikely to be impressed by a loan offering however, as it effectively means they're giving him away for nothing a year early. Whether Palace change their tune and offer up the £6m remains to be seen.
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Man City player Joe Hart's loan to West Ham - the financial breakdown
England goalkeeper is due to complete his temporary deal with the Hammers today, but who will foot his wages bill?
Manchester Evening News
BYSTUART BRENNAN
09:03, 18 JUL 2017UPDATED09:13, 18 JUL 2017
Joe Hart will not cost Manchester City a penny in wages when he plays on loan at West Ham next season … but the Blues will make a small loss on the deal. The England goalkeeper is expected to complete a temporary move to the Hammers on Tuesday, but there will be obligation for a permanent deal next year. Hart, who is not wanted by Pep Guardiola , reported back for training at City last week but was missing from the tour party which flew to Houston yesterday after t aking a train to London on Sunday. With Claudio Bravo still on holiday, Ederson is the only senior keeper on tour, backed up by youngsters Danny Grimshaw and Aro Muric. He passed his medical yesterday but some minor details in the agreement between the clubs mean his announcement as a West Ham player has been delayed by 24 hours.
City will pay around £2million of Hart's £4.5million annual salary during his season at West Ham, with the London club meeting the rest. But that £2million is covered by the cost of the loan deal, which means West Ham will pay the Blues exactly £2million for the keeper's services. City will still be obliged to pay Hart an amount for the player's image rights, but it is not thought to be close to the £2.9million claimed elsewhere. So, while City will make a small loss on loaning out a top international keeper, they hope to profit in the long run by the loan boosting his sale value next summer. City sources refused to discuss the details of the financial arrangement but confirmed that they will break even on wages. Hart has been out in the cold at City since Guardiola walked through the door last summer, and decided that he wanted a keeper who is better with his feet. The Blues brought in Bravo last summer but his failure means they have splashed out £35million for Ederson and are now looking at a deal for Napoli's former Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina. Hart spent a season on loan at Torino but his form there killed the Blues' hopes of raising a big transfer fee from his sale. Now the Blues hope that a successful season with the Hammers will restore his former market value ahead of a sale next year.
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Newcastle and Crystal Palace battle to sign West Ham keeper Adrian
Adrian is set to leave the Hammers following the arrival of England keeper Joe Hart
The Mirror
BYADRIAN KAJUMBA
15:45, 18 JUL 2017
Newcastle and Crystal Palace are considering moves for West Ham goalkeeper Adrian. The Spaniard is set to be squeezed out at the London Stadium when Joe Hart arrives on loan from Manchester City. Adrian, 30, finished the season as first choice keeper and the Hammers' activated a clause to extend his contract by two years. But boss Slaven Bilic spoke to Adrian yesterday to confirm Hart was on his way and two of West Ham's Premier League rivals are now ready to pounce.
Adrian has been told he needs to be playing regularly to stand any chance of making Spain's squad for next summer's World Cup. Newcastle missed out on Hart and also have another West Ham stopper, Darren Randolph, on their list. Palace have made space in their goalkeeping department after Steve Mandanda rejoined Marseille last week.
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Pablo Zabaleta showed in 45 minutes why he will be a brilliant signing for West Ham
The Argentine made his debut for the Hammers and looked every inch the class act
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
09:22, 18 JUL 2017
He only got 45 minutes of action against Sturm Graz II - the same as everyone else - but Pablo Zabaleta showed in that short time why he will be the perfect signing for West Ham. The 32-year-old started at his familiar position of right back as West Ham's first half side played a 4-5-1 formation and Slaven Bilic shrewdly slotted Reece Burke on the right of the two centre halves so he'd be alongside Zabaleta. Within the first few minutes, the only summer signing so far had touched the ball more than any other Hammers player and he repeatedly fed the ball to Burke to build his confidence up. Then, as the half wore on, Zabaleta became more adventurous down the right wing and started to push forward and it was midway through the half we saw something we hadn't seen for the majority of last season. The former Man City man won the ball off a Graz defender in line with the Austrian sides 18-yard-box, harassing and annoying the defender and although the ball eventually went out of play, we'd seen enough.
Luke. @ItReallyIsLuke
I like Zabaleta already
10:25 PM - 17 Jul 2017
Retweets 2 2 likes
⚒⚒⚒ @ClinicalAntonio
Replying to @ClinicalAntonio
Zabaleta didn't do anything wrong as far as I could see, our RB situation finally sorted.
9:24 PM - 17 Jul 2017
Retweets likes
Zabaleta also showed signs of frustrations with Robert Snodgrass, who struggled in the first half as his influence is already growing on the team. We know Zabaleta will accept nothing but 100 per cent from his team mates, he's used to success from his time at Man City and won't tolerate a lack of effort. Zabaleta also tried to find Nathan Holland as much as he possibly could, with the youngster no doubt keen to impress Bilic in his first 45 minutes of pre-season, though the youngster tried to do a little bit too much at times. He also chased down a mis-placed pass from Mark Noble to great effect and win the ball back, plus showed exactly how to run down the right wing as a defender should. We knew Zabaleta would be a solid signing for the Hammers who will bring a level head to proceedings on the training ground but demand perfection on it. That's exactly what he displayed on Monday evening. Sure, it was essentially a training game and the 0-0 draw reflects the somewhat walking-paced nature of the game at points, but Zabaleta stood out in the first half.
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THE HYPOCRISY OF SPURS AND DANIEL LEVY OVER £76M OF STATE AID
By Sean Whetstone 18 Jul 2017 at 08:00
WTIS
In 2011 Spurs led by Chairman Daniel Levy initiated a wave of legal challenges to seek a Judicial review of Newham's Council's £40m loan as part of a West Ham bid for the former Olympic Stadium with the aim of derailing the Hammers occupancy of the London Stadium which he had lost out on.
As each legal challenge was rejected by the courts they started a new one challenging the loan in a different way until finally, they were permitted a hearing in August 2011. Spurs later offered to withdraw their legal challenge if West Ham agreed to drop allegations of criminal conduct against them over phone hacking of Karren Brady but the Hammers refused.
In December 2013: Three investigators found guilty of illegally obtaining Karren Brady's phone records during the initial battle for the stadium. The lead investigator worked for accountants PKF, who were engaged by Spurs. The company and Spurs both denied any knowledge of illegal activities.
At a high court hearing in 2011 lawyers for Karren Brady and West Ham won an order requiring accountants PKF, hired by Spurs to conduct "due diligence" on the first bidding process for the Olympic Stadium, to hand over "unlawfully obtained" copies of Brady's itemised phone bills.
In 2013 Three men were pleaded guilty. Richard Forrest pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to obtaining personal data contrary to the Data Protection Act 1998 was fined £10,000. Lee Stewart was fined £13,250 after admitting the same charge. Howard Hill employed Spurs accountants was given a £100,000 fine.
Spurs finally agreed to withdraw their legal challenges after the initial tender process collapsed after a complaint by Architect Steve Lawrence to the European commission over potential state aid.
The legal challenges were seen by many as attempts to get more political leverage to get planning and funding to redevelop White Hart Lane.
In September 2011 the then London mayor Boris Johnson frustrated at Spurs legal threats and game playing threatened to withdraw an offer of £17 million of public support to Tottenham's new stadium development if Spurs did not commit to their stadium project in the next three weeks.
In February 2012 Spurs were permitted to go back on an obligation of £16m of funding for the community as part of its new stadium project.
The section 106 money was to be used by Haringey council for social housing, school places and other road and transport links but the club said the commitment was not viable and were allowed remove it.
At the time Richard Wilson, leader of Haringey Liberal Democrats, said the council was so "desperate" to get the club's investment it had not stood up for residents and council taxpayers. He said "not a single affordable home" will now be built and yet there are 3,000 people on council waiting lists.
In 2012 Haringey Council also agreed to fund Spurs with £5m towards a podium outside the stadium and a further £3m for what they called heritage improvements.
Fast forward four years and in February 2016 the then London Mayor Boris Johnson agreed on a £18m investment in the Stadium project from a £28m fund for the Tottenham area. £3.5m was promised to improve roads around the new stadium, £8.5m on improvements to High road adjacent to the new stadium and £3.5m to improve Tottenham Hale Station to allow for increased footfall. Haringey Council also offered an additional £9m to help improve Tottenham Hale station.
This weekend a blog by 'Haringey Defend Council Housing' revealed Spurs are now asking for £30.5m to fund the podium area outside their Stadium.
Publishing slides from an official council presentation to an external auditor the blog claims the Council is to use dedicated Housing Funding to give Tottenham Hotspur Football Club £30.5 million towards the cost of a Podium (a raised public space) at its new football stadium.The blog also claims that Spurs has purchased many additional sites around the area, using its land as ransom holdings to influence Council redevelopment plans
The blog continues: "Spurs has repeatedly pressed for public subsidy for its new ground, and has pressed for exemption from planning policy on affordable housing. The new ground includes 585 new homes which are to be 0% affordable. The justification for this at the Planning Sub Committee in December 2015 was that the development costing between £675 and £750 million had an expected rate of return of just 1.2%. It was suggested at the time that further public subsidy would be required, to fill a viability funding gap which we estimated at £60 million."
"Now Haringey are planning to give Spurs £30.5 million for the podium from Housing Zone funding which has been provided by the Greater London Authority to support housing regeneration in Tottenham. The money could be borrowed at a fixed rate of 2.2% over 12 years, loading additional costs onto this huge subsidy to one of the world's richest football clubs."
"Haringey has an alternative source for part of the £30.5 million – a £23 million surplus which has been created in the cash flow for High Road West, a plan to demolish council housing opposite the Spurs Ground."
"The Slides reveal that contrary to GLA Guidance demolished social housing will not be replaced in full."
"212 rented Council dwellings at the Love Lane estate will be replaced by only 145 social rented homes, in a huge mainly private new housing development."
"Spurs have bought up 14% of the redevelopment area, and the £30.5 million subsidy is tied to Spurs being prepared to sell these 'ransom' land holdings to allow land assembly for High Road West."
"The £30.5 million subsidy proposal will need to be ratified by the Haringey Cabinet."
Source: https://haringeydefendcouncilhousingblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/14/haringey-council-to-give-30-5-million-housing-funding-to-spurs-for-its-new-stadium/
Presentation: https://haringeydefendcouncilhousingblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/audit-presentation-19th-april-2017-jw.pdf
Harrrigey Council quickly released a press statement over the weekend denying the extra £30m was in place but it is difficult for them to deny it has been proposed after the publication of the presentation.
Haringey Press Statement: http://www.haringey.gov.uk/news/response-stories-funding-given-tottenham-hotspur-football-club
Post note:
By my calculation Spurs have already benefited by over £50m of committed public funding and are now looking for a further £25.5m to take
the total subsidy to £76m!
So Where are the legal challenges and judicial reviews by outraged football clubs? Where is the public outcry from other clubs supporters?
Where is Dan Roan and his BBC documentary team to under cover this use of tax payers money?
One rule for one, and another of others. I will leave it there…
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Manchester City 'to pay £55,000-a-week towards Joe Hart's £175,000 West Ham wages'
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Manchester City will pay £55,000-a-week toward Joe Hart's wages to push through his move to West Ham. The unwanted keeper is heading to the London Stadium where he will pick up an additional £120,000-a-week to make him, by far, the best-paid Hammers player. The payment from City comes as part of his image rights deal with the club, despite not having played for them since August last year, accoriding to The Sun. Hart will sign a one-year loan deal with the east London club after completing his medical on Monday. The move has been given the seal of approval by Hammers captain Mark Noble, who knows Hart from their time on international duty. "I've known Joe for a long time, we played for England U21s together years ago," Noble told Sky Sports News HQ. "He is obviously a fantastic goalie but at the minute he is not our player. We have got two really good goalies [Adrian and Darren Randolph] here so it would be more competition for them.
"In my opinion, he [Hart] has been a little bit hard done by in recent years. He has been fantastic for England and for his club for the last 10 years and he probably deserves a little bit more respect."
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The new 'West Ham way': Transfer incompetence?
Date published: Tuesday 18th July 2017 7:45
Football 365
"It's clear to most fans that we are desperate for centre-forwards. You have to spend your money wisely but it must be on strikers, particularly strikers that have had experience with Premier League football – the very best we can afford. We have got to find the money" – David Gold.
The search, in every sense, continues. West Ham's infamous co-owners, Davids Gold and Sullivan, have a penchant for embarrassing and counter-productive public declarations. Only last May the former stated that the club "are good enough to win" the Europa League; they were knocked out in the play-off round within three months by Astra Giurgiu, who went on to finish sixth in Romania's top flight.
But this was different. This was Gold, speaking at the end of June, with a frank admission that West Ham had to do better, that another summer of posturing and then panicking would not suffice.
Considering the monumental mess that he and his colleagues helped oversee 12 months ago, the bar had hardly been lifted off the ground. The Hammers signed 13 players last summer. The three loanees have returned to their parent clubs and two more who have since departed, with another, Galatasaray-bound Sofiane Feghouli, set to join them. Of the remaining seven, only one started more than 16 Premier League games. The outlier, Manuel Lanzini, had already spent a season on loan at the club.
West Ham spent months pursuing a variety of different players, from Christian Benteke and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Carlos Bacca, Alexandre Lacazette and Jamie Vardy. They were looking to win the striker lottery, but ended up with the £1 losing scratchcard that was Simone Zaza.
Instead of learning from the harsh lessons of a subsequent Premier League relegation battle, a managerial future cast into disarray and an eventual mid-table finish, West Ham are intent on resitting the exact same exams with the exact same lack of preparation. The need for a striker has been clearly identified, but the solution remains a mystery.
Gold seemingly thought he had cracked the case three weeks ago. "We had a very difficult season because players we brought in from Europe didn't make the grade and we paid the price," he stated without doubt. "That is why we have got to bring in players with Premier League experience and that is what we are working on now."
And yet it emerged a day later that club-record bids had been rejected for two strikers. Cedric Bakambu of Villarreal has approximately zero experience of England's top flight, while Anthony Modeste's nine appearances for a relegated Blackburn side in 2012 certainly call into question the threshold of ever-important 'Premier League experience'.
Add Bakambu and Modeste to a list featuring Olivier Giroud, Martin Braithwaite, Henry Onyekuru, Michy Batshuayi and Kelechi Iheanacho of strikers the club have openly and aimlessly chased, and there is a distinct stench of déjà vu emanating from East London.
The deal for Iheanacho in particular is a bone of contention. The London Evening Standard reported two weeks ago that the club had negotiated a deal 'for more than a month and were ready to meet City's £25million valuation', yet the official line is that the move was vetoed in its final stages by manager Slaven Bilic.
Back in May, the club offered a valuable insight into how they conduct transfers. "We make sure we have six or seven, eight, nine reports on players," said Tony Henry, Director of Player Recruitment. "We then sit down with the manager, with the staff, and we go through them, and we'll have a group of let's say strikers, and we look at the one we think would be the best in that position."
Quite how West Ham, with that structure, pursued a player for a month and agreed a fee before the manager overruled the deal when it was nearing its completion would be unfathomable, were it not for a glut of similarly amateurish actions.
In that same interview, Henry added that the club "need two or three, maximum" signings. Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart are pieces of the jigsaw, but the entire middle is missing as long as the laborious search for a striker continues.
Three Premier League clubs are yet to spend any money so far this summer. Tottenham are playing a different transfer game, while Stoke have been similarly resistant to the winds of transfer change.
Along with the son of a co-owner who continues to flagrantly discuss the intricacies of ongoing negotiations on social media, it all sums up the miscommunication, mixed messages and ineptitude that have come to typify a transfer window at the London Stadium.
The 'West Ham way' is clearly no longer prioritising the development of young players; it is transfer incompetence.
Matt Stead
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The Javier Hernandez stats which will have West Ham fans drooling
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are reportedly close to signing Javier Hernandez and these stats will have fans drooling. The Hammers have made the former Manchester United striker their prime striker target as Slaven Bilic looks to add "game-changer" signings to his team. The East Londoners have signed Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer from Manchester City and are said to be close to completing a season-long loan deal for his former teammate Joe Hart. Bilic is also keen to bring in Stoke City's Marko Arnautovic to supply Mexico's all-time top scorer Hernandez, who The Mirror claim is close to agreeing a move to the London Stadium. Hammers fans are understandably excited at the prospect of Chicarito finally ending their long search for a top quality striker. And the stats show they should be too, as they are getting one of the most potent finishers around. If Bilic does manage to land Hernandez, West Ham should finally have a player capable of getting the 20 goals a season they have craved. Hernandez has a superb goals to game record, particularly in the league and for his country. The striker was adored by Red Devils fans and it is easy to see why, as he notched 37 league goals in just 49 league starts for the club. A loan to Real Madrid saw Hernandez get less game time but he maintained his amazing ratio, notching seven goals in as many league starts. At Bayer Leverkusen he has hit 28 league goals in 45 starts to give him a total of 72 goals in just 101 league starts, a ratio of a goal every 1.4 games. Hernandez also has a record 48 goals in 96 appearances for Mexico. Even if that slips to a goal every two games for the Hammers in the increasingly competitive Premier League, West Ham fans are in for a real treat... and possibly a new hero.
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West Ham confidence on Javier Hernandez transfer growing despite Chelsea interest - report
West Ham transfer news is dominated by Javier Hernandez's potential move to the London Stadium this summer
Football London
BYTOM MARSHALL-BAILEY
07:00, 18 JUL 2017
West Ham are growing increasingly confident of securing the signing of Javier Hernandez this summer, according to reports in our sister publication Mirror Football.
The Hammers have been linked with moves for numerous strikers so far this close season, but manager Slaven Bilic appears to have settled on Hernandez as his No.1 choice for the lone striker role. Bilic is hopeful of exercising Hernandez's £13m release clause and bringing the 29-year-old to the London Stadium as the Hammers boss desperately attempts to bolster his striker options ahead of the 2017/18 season. Chelsea have also been in the hunt for a player who proved their scourge at times during his five-year spell with United and the Blues are eyeing him up as a cut-price alternative to some of their other targets, which include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sergio Aguero. The Mexico international would favour guaranteed first-team football, however, and West Ham would be prepared to build the attack around him, something which is far from assured at Stamford Bridge. The report adds that senior Hammers officials are plotting more discussions with the Mexican's advisors though any announcement over a deal is unlikely to be made until at least the back end of this week. Olivier Giroud and Kelechi Iheanacho were just two strikers linked with moves to the Hammers earlier this summer, but the Arsenal frontman is likely to go to either Borussia Dortmund or Everton if he leaves the Gunners while Iheanacho is seemingly Leicester-bound. Hernandez's signing would add to the arrival of Joe Hart, with announcement on a transfer due imminently while the Hammers are also still exploring the possibility of signing Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City.
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Javier Hernandez to West Ham: Announcement possible by weekend, deal edging closer
WEST HAM are reportedly confident Javier Hernandez will sign from Bayer Leverkusen.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 05:30, Tue, Jul 18, 2017
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have turned their attentions to landing the Bayer Leverkusen star to solve their problems up front. Slaven Bilic has eyed an array of strikers this summer, but Hernandez now looks the most likely arrival. West Ham will meet his £13million buy-out clause and are willing to make the 29-year-old their highest-paid player. Chelsea are also interested in the former Manchester United goalscorer. But according to the Mirror, West Ham hope to finalise a move and are closer to securing Chicharito's services. The Hammers believe Hernandez will be playing at the London Stadium this season. And senior club officials are set for more talks with his advisors, which are expected today. An agreement is edging nearer to bring the Mexico international back to the Premier League where he has unfinished business. Following a two-year stint in Germany, Leverkusen are resigned to losing Hernandez, who is set to follow Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart to east London. The Mirror add an announcement is not imminent but could happen by the end of the week. A move for Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic is still being pursued too as Slaven Bilic looks to strengthen his attack. Should they land Hernandez, West Ham may even try to add another striker later in the window, with Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi still wanted. Meanwhile, Hart has passed his medical with his loan announcement expected today, and former Hammers midfielder Jack Collison has confirmed he is returning to the club as Under-14s and Under-16s head coach.
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West Ham move step closer to agreeing big money move for former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez
Slaven Bilic is keen to bring in a big name forward and hopes to win the race to sign the prolific forward from Bayer Leverkusen
The Mirror
BYMARC ISAACS
18:52, 17 JUL 2017UPDATED18:55, 17 JUL 2017
West Ham hope to finalise a move for Javier Hernandez as the former Manchester United striker moves a step closer to making a big money move back to the Premier League. Hernandez has been strongly linked with a move to the Hammers as Slaven Bilic looks to bring in a big name forward during the summer.
The former United star has a £13million release clause in his contract with Bayer Leverkusen and the Hammers are willing to make him the highest paid player at the club, even though Chelsea are also in the market to clinch his signature. The Mexico international still has unfinished business in the Premier League following his memorable five-year spell at Old Trafford where he became a fans favourite at Old Trafford. The Hammers remain confident that Hernandez will be playing at London Stadium next season and senior officials are planning more talks with his advisors. Mirror sources suggest a deal for the former United and Real Madrid forward is edging closer, but any announcement is not expected until the end of the week. West Ham have been linked with a number of high profile forwards during the summer including Olivier Giroud and Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho. But it now appears that Hernandez will follow in the footsteps of Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart and become the third major signing of the summer for the east London club.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 19
Tuesday, July 18
Daily WHUFC News - Joe Hart
West Ham United catch England goalkeeper Joe Hart
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of England's No1 goalkeeper Joe Hart. Capped 71 times by his country, two-time Premier League champion Hart joins the Hammers on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Hart cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United jersey and put on a show for the Claret and Blue Army. "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he told West Ham TV. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the Club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the Club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart is relishing the opportunity to return to the Premier League with the Hammers after a season on loan with Italian Serie A side Torino. "It was a fun year and I did enjoy being part of Serie A and part of Torino, but I'm ready to come back and looking forward to being part of this fantastic league again," said Hart, who has won the Premier League's Golden Glove on four occasions. Hart could face his parent club, with whom he was twice voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, in a pre-season match in Iceland on 4 August, before kicking-off his Premier League career with West Ham in a mouth-watering fixture at Manchester United nine days later. "I'd like to think I've obviously left Manchester City on loan this season, but the club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me," said Hart. "I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me. "It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford."
An outstanding goalkeeper, the 30-year-old has been at the top of the game for more than a decade and recognised as England's first-choice stopper since 2010. Born in Shropshire, Hart impressed as a teenager for Shrewsbury Town before Manchester City swooped to sign him in summer 2006. Since then, the popular gloveman has gone from strength to strength, making more than 300 Premier League appearances and playing starring roles as the Citizens won the Premier League title in 2012 and 2014 and FA Cup in 2011. After excelling England at U21 level, where he played regularly alongside Mark Noble, it was no surprise when Fabio Capello handed the prodigious Hart a senior Three Lions debut against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008, just two months past his 21st birthday. Since then, Hart has travelled to all four major tournaments with England and will spend the upcoming season with the Hammers in anticipation of a fifth, the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Joe to London Stadium and wish him every success in his career in Claret and Blue. You can follow our new goalkeeper on Instagram here.
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Joe Hart: Manchester City keeper joins West Ham on loan
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Goalkeeper Joe Hart spent last season on loan at Torino, making 36 appearances for the Italian club. Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has completed a season-long loan move to West Ham. Hart had been told he could find another club by City boss Pep Guardiola after spending last season at Torino.
The 30-year-old made it clear to City his preference was to join West Ham, and they facilitated that. There is no option to buy in the deal and, should West Ham want Hart next summer, they will have to bid for him like any other club. City have agreed to fund part of Hart's wages but West Ham are also paying a loan fee, believed to be £4.5m. Hart, whose City contract is not due to expire until 2019, is expected to join West Ham's squad on their pre-season tour of Austria. "It's important for me to play football, and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he said. Hart won the Premier League twice with Manchester City, and has been capped 71 times by England, but fell out of favour after Pep Guardiola took over as manager. Although he will not play against City in the league, Hart could face his parent club as soon as 4 August in a pre-season friendly match in Iceland. West Ham's season starts against Manchester United at Old Trafford nine days later.
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Hart reflects on 'awesome' opportunity
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
New Hammer Joe Hart says he can't wait to pull on a West Ham shirt for the first time. The England international has joined West Ham on a season-long loan, although the Hammers are yet to clarify whether or not the arrangement includes an option to make the deal permanent in 12 months' time. "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," Hart told West Ham's website. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into the Olympic Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart, who has made 71 appearances for England will climb above both Adrian and Darren Randolph in the pecking order, meaning that at least one in likely to move on before the start of the 2017/18 campaign. Current first choice 'keeper Adrian has been linked with both Crystal Palace and Newcastle in the last 24 hours.
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Joe Hart joins West Ham on loan from Manchester City
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 18/07/17 7:05pm
SSN
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has joined West Ham on a season-long loan. Sky Sports News understands West Ham will pay City £4.5m to take Hart to the London Stadium for next season. That sum covers a contribution to the player's wages and a loan fee. Hart, who passed his medical on Monday, becomes manager Slaven Bilic's second signing ahead of the new Premier League season and joins former City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta at the London Stadium. And the 30-year-old, who will compete with fellow goalkeepers Adrian and Darren Randolph for a starting berth, is looking forward to working with Bilic. "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he told West Ham TV. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the Club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the Club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart had been expected to leave City this summer after returning from a season-long loan at Serie A side Torino and admitted in May that he was "more than likely" to move to another Premier League club. "It was a fun year and I did enjoy being part of Serie A and part of Torino, but I'm ready to come back and looking forward to being part of this fantastic league again," said Hart. City have signed two goalkeepers since Pep Guardiola became manager last summer, with Claudio Bravo and Ederson arriving at the Etihad, leaving Hart surplus to requirements. Hart could face his parent club on August 4 when West Ham taken on City in a pre-season friendly in Iceland. "It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford," Hart added.
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West Ham sign England keeper Joe Hart on season-long loan with a view to a permanent move
Hart is keen to get his career back on track in the Premier League after being shipped out on loan to Torino last season
The Mirror
BYMARC ISAACSADRIAN KAJUMBA
17:00, 18 JUL 2017UPDATED18:47, 18 JUL 2017
West Ham have signed England keeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City. Hart has struggled to make any impact under Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard's arrival at the Etihad Stadium last summer and was sent out on loan to Torino last season. With the summer signing of Ederson from Benfica, Hart knew his days were numbered at the Etihad Stadium and was allowed the chance to join another Premier League outfit. The Hammers beat off interest from Newcastle to land his signature and will have first option on making the deal a permanent one next summer.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
We have just completed the signing of England goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season long loan deal. Welcome to West Ham United Joe. dg
5:02 PM - 18 Jul 2017
511 511 Retweets 1,485 1,485 likes
Hart, speaking to West Ham TV, said: "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot of history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. "He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart will get an early chance to come up against his former club when the Hammers play Manchester City in a pre-season game in Iceland on August 4. The 30-year-old will then make a return to Manchester for the opening Premier League game of the season when his new side travel to Old Trafford and he is expecting an interesting reception from the United supporters! Hart added: "I'd like to think I've obviously left Manchester City on loan this season, but the club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me. "I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me. "It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford."
West Ham will pay a £2m loan fee and put £2.5m towards Hart's wages over the course of his season-long loan. That will then cover the full cost and mean that City will not have to subsidise Hart's wages during his stint in London. There is no clause in the loan to make the deal permanent. The 30-year-old will head straight out to Austria to meet up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp. Hart is keen to show he is still one of the best keepers in the top flight and with the World Cup taking place next summer, he is determined to secure regular first-team football.
Slaven Bilic has been waiting patiently in his attempts to strengthen the squad, but is thrilled that the club have been able to sign one of the biggest names in the top flight. Hart's arrival is bad news for fellow keeper Adrian, who is now ready to quit the London Stadium and a target for Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
Republic of Ireland international Darren Randolph, who also secured the number one spot for a chunk of last season looks set to be pushed down the pecking order, and is also in the frame to go to the Magpies.
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"He's a marquee signing" - West Ham fans are very happy after sealing Joe Hart on loan from Man City
The Hammers have finally announced Joe Hart as a West Ham player
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
17:31, 18 JUL 2017UPDATED17:32, 18 JUL 2017
West Ham have completed their second signing of the summer - and a second from Manchester City - as they have announced the season-long loan deal for Joe Hart. The 30-year-old is expected to head out to Austria imminently to join up with his new team mates are their training camp in Bad Waltersdorf and could feature in Thursday's pre-season friendly against Fulham. The keeper, who has won two Premier League titles with City, said h has always loved the club in his first interview with West Ham TV, adding: "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season.
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Joe Hart: I've always loved West Ham, there's a lot of history at this club
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Joe Hart says he has always held a strong affection for West Ham after completing his switch to the capital. The England international today completed a loan move to the capital from Manchester City having found himself frozen out under Pep Guardiola. Hart spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino but was keen to return to the Premier League ahead of a World Cup year as he battles to hold on to his No.1 jersey with the national team West Ham will have the option of signing Hart on a permanent basis should he impress during his loan spell at the London Stadium and the 30-year-old seemed to suggest that he would welcome a lengthy spell at a club he has "always loved". "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he told West Ham TV. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart could face his parent club before the new season has even kicked off, with a pre-season friendly scheduled between Manchester City and West Ham in Iceland on August 4. The shot-stopper remains a popular figure in Manchester, with many fans disappointed to have seen him depart last summer to make way for Claudio Bravo, whose own future appears to be in doubt after City paid £35million to bring Ederson in from Benfica. Though it appears likely that he has played his final game for City, who he joined from Shrewsbury Town in 2006, Hart paid tribute to his former side. "The club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me. I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me. "It'll be fun to play against them [in pre-season] because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford."
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Joe Hart's arrival is exactly the kind of high-profile signing West Ham needed
By Adam Leatherbarrow - Jul 18, 2017 0
ReadWestHam
West Ham united have officially announced a season long-loan deal for England No.1 goalkeeper Joe Hart.
In my opinion, getting the country's leading keeper to play in claret and blue this season is a major coup for the club. Joe Hart had been ever present for City before Pep Guardiola arrived and has won FA Cups, League Cups and Premier League titles.
West Ham have lacked a true leader from the back for many years and Hart will install vast and much needed experience to support our defensive line.
With all due respect, Adrian and Darren Randolph are good shot stoppers, but their decision making and timing (along with defensive errors) have led to the club losing over 20 points from winning positions.
There is no denying that Hart does makes mistakes, all keepers do, but Joe will make less mistakes and his very vocal communication skills will help the defence become more organised.
In the words of Arthur Guinness, "Good things come to those who wait," and boy us fans have waited long enough!
More high profile signings are expected in the coming weeks and when you compare the team of last term to this forthcoming season, it will be a major improvement.
Joe Hart is a West Ham player, something I thought was impossible a few years ago. I'm very excited by this transfer and with the recruitment of Pablo Zabaleta, we are already starting to build a formidable team for the forthcoming season – something Tony Henry has said he would do last month.
So far he is keeping his word.
Kelechi Iheanacho who?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of England's No1 goalkeeper Joe Hart. Capped 71 times by his country, two-time Premier League champion Hart joins the Hammers on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Hart cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United jersey and put on a show for the Claret and Blue Army. "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he told West Ham TV. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the Club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the Club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart is relishing the opportunity to return to the Premier League with the Hammers after a season on loan with Italian Serie A side Torino. "It was a fun year and I did enjoy being part of Serie A and part of Torino, but I'm ready to come back and looking forward to being part of this fantastic league again," said Hart, who has won the Premier League's Golden Glove on four occasions. Hart could face his parent club, with whom he was twice voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, in a pre-season match in Iceland on 4 August, before kicking-off his Premier League career with West Ham in a mouth-watering fixture at Manchester United nine days later. "I'd like to think I've obviously left Manchester City on loan this season, but the club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me," said Hart. "I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me. "It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford."
An outstanding goalkeeper, the 30-year-old has been at the top of the game for more than a decade and recognised as England's first-choice stopper since 2010. Born in Shropshire, Hart impressed as a teenager for Shrewsbury Town before Manchester City swooped to sign him in summer 2006. Since then, the popular gloveman has gone from strength to strength, making more than 300 Premier League appearances and playing starring roles as the Citizens won the Premier League title in 2012 and 2014 and FA Cup in 2011. After excelling England at U21 level, where he played regularly alongside Mark Noble, it was no surprise when Fabio Capello handed the prodigious Hart a senior Three Lions debut against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008, just two months past his 21st birthday. Since then, Hart has travelled to all four major tournaments with England and will spend the upcoming season with the Hammers in anticipation of a fifth, the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Joe to London Stadium and wish him every success in his career in Claret and Blue. You can follow our new goalkeeper on Instagram here.
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Joe Hart: Manchester City keeper joins West Ham on loan
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Goalkeeper Joe Hart spent last season on loan at Torino, making 36 appearances for the Italian club. Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has completed a season-long loan move to West Ham. Hart had been told he could find another club by City boss Pep Guardiola after spending last season at Torino.
The 30-year-old made it clear to City his preference was to join West Ham, and they facilitated that. There is no option to buy in the deal and, should West Ham want Hart next summer, they will have to bid for him like any other club. City have agreed to fund part of Hart's wages but West Ham are also paying a loan fee, believed to be £4.5m. Hart, whose City contract is not due to expire until 2019, is expected to join West Ham's squad on their pre-season tour of Austria. "It's important for me to play football, and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he said. Hart won the Premier League twice with Manchester City, and has been capped 71 times by England, but fell out of favour after Pep Guardiola took over as manager. Although he will not play against City in the league, Hart could face his parent club as soon as 4 August in a pre-season friendly match in Iceland. West Ham's season starts against Manchester United at Old Trafford nine days later.
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Hart reflects on 'awesome' opportunity
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
New Hammer Joe Hart says he can't wait to pull on a West Ham shirt for the first time. The England international has joined West Ham on a season-long loan, although the Hammers are yet to clarify whether or not the arrangement includes an option to make the deal permanent in 12 months' time. "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," Hart told West Ham's website. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into the Olympic Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart, who has made 71 appearances for England will climb above both Adrian and Darren Randolph in the pecking order, meaning that at least one in likely to move on before the start of the 2017/18 campaign. Current first choice 'keeper Adrian has been linked with both Crystal Palace and Newcastle in the last 24 hours.
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Joe Hart joins West Ham on loan from Manchester City
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 18/07/17 7:05pm
SSN
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has joined West Ham on a season-long loan. Sky Sports News understands West Ham will pay City £4.5m to take Hart to the London Stadium for next season. That sum covers a contribution to the player's wages and a loan fee. Hart, who passed his medical on Monday, becomes manager Slaven Bilic's second signing ahead of the new Premier League season and joins former City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta at the London Stadium. And the 30-year-old, who will compete with fellow goalkeepers Adrian and Darren Randolph for a starting berth, is looking forward to working with Bilic. "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he told West Ham TV. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the Club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the Club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart had been expected to leave City this summer after returning from a season-long loan at Serie A side Torino and admitted in May that he was "more than likely" to move to another Premier League club. "It was a fun year and I did enjoy being part of Serie A and part of Torino, but I'm ready to come back and looking forward to being part of this fantastic league again," said Hart. City have signed two goalkeepers since Pep Guardiola became manager last summer, with Claudio Bravo and Ederson arriving at the Etihad, leaving Hart surplus to requirements. Hart could face his parent club on August 4 when West Ham taken on City in a pre-season friendly in Iceland. "It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford," Hart added.
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West Ham sign England keeper Joe Hart on season-long loan with a view to a permanent move
Hart is keen to get his career back on track in the Premier League after being shipped out on loan to Torino last season
The Mirror
BYMARC ISAACSADRIAN KAJUMBA
17:00, 18 JUL 2017UPDATED18:47, 18 JUL 2017
West Ham have signed England keeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City. Hart has struggled to make any impact under Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard's arrival at the Etihad Stadium last summer and was sent out on loan to Torino last season. With the summer signing of Ederson from Benfica, Hart knew his days were numbered at the Etihad Stadium and was allowed the chance to join another Premier League outfit. The Hammers beat off interest from Newcastle to land his signature and will have first option on making the deal a permanent one next summer.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
We have just completed the signing of England goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season long loan deal. Welcome to West Ham United Joe. dg
5:02 PM - 18 Jul 2017
511 511 Retweets 1,485 1,485 likes
Hart, speaking to West Ham TV, said: "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot of history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. "He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart will get an early chance to come up against his former club when the Hammers play Manchester City in a pre-season game in Iceland on August 4. The 30-year-old will then make a return to Manchester for the opening Premier League game of the season when his new side travel to Old Trafford and he is expecting an interesting reception from the United supporters! Hart added: "I'd like to think I've obviously left Manchester City on loan this season, but the club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me. "I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me. "It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford."
West Ham will pay a £2m loan fee and put £2.5m towards Hart's wages over the course of his season-long loan. That will then cover the full cost and mean that City will not have to subsidise Hart's wages during his stint in London. There is no clause in the loan to make the deal permanent. The 30-year-old will head straight out to Austria to meet up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp. Hart is keen to show he is still one of the best keepers in the top flight and with the World Cup taking place next summer, he is determined to secure regular first-team football.
Slaven Bilic has been waiting patiently in his attempts to strengthen the squad, but is thrilled that the club have been able to sign one of the biggest names in the top flight. Hart's arrival is bad news for fellow keeper Adrian, who is now ready to quit the London Stadium and a target for Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
Republic of Ireland international Darren Randolph, who also secured the number one spot for a chunk of last season looks set to be pushed down the pecking order, and is also in the frame to go to the Magpies.
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"He's a marquee signing" - West Ham fans are very happy after sealing Joe Hart on loan from Man City
The Hammers have finally announced Joe Hart as a West Ham player
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
17:31, 18 JUL 2017UPDATED17:32, 18 JUL 2017
West Ham have completed their second signing of the summer - and a second from Manchester City - as they have announced the season-long loan deal for Joe Hart. The 30-year-old is expected to head out to Austria imminently to join up with his new team mates are their training camp in Bad Waltersdorf and could feature in Thursday's pre-season friendly against Fulham. The keeper, who has won two Premier League titles with City, said h has always loved the club in his first interview with West Ham TV, adding: "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season.
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Joe Hart: I've always loved West Ham, there's a lot of history at this club
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Joe Hart says he has always held a strong affection for West Ham after completing his switch to the capital. The England international today completed a loan move to the capital from Manchester City having found himself frozen out under Pep Guardiola. Hart spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino but was keen to return to the Premier League ahead of a World Cup year as he battles to hold on to his No.1 jersey with the national team West Ham will have the option of signing Hart on a permanent basis should he impress during his loan spell at the London Stadium and the 30-year-old seemed to suggest that he would welcome a lengthy spell at a club he has "always loved". "It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome," he told West Ham TV. "To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season. "I've always loved the club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham. "We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart could face his parent club before the new season has even kicked off, with a pre-season friendly scheduled between Manchester City and West Ham in Iceland on August 4. The shot-stopper remains a popular figure in Manchester, with many fans disappointed to have seen him depart last summer to make way for Claudio Bravo, whose own future appears to be in doubt after City paid £35million to bring Ederson in from Benfica. Though it appears likely that he has played his final game for City, who he joined from Shrewsbury Town in 2006, Hart paid tribute to his former side. "The club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me. I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me. "It'll be fun to play against them [in pre-season] because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Hart's arrival is exactly the kind of high-profile signing West Ham needed
By Adam Leatherbarrow - Jul 18, 2017 0
ReadWestHam
West Ham united have officially announced a season long-loan deal for England No.1 goalkeeper Joe Hart.
In my opinion, getting the country's leading keeper to play in claret and blue this season is a major coup for the club. Joe Hart had been ever present for City before Pep Guardiola arrived and has won FA Cups, League Cups and Premier League titles.
West Ham have lacked a true leader from the back for many years and Hart will install vast and much needed experience to support our defensive line.
With all due respect, Adrian and Darren Randolph are good shot stoppers, but their decision making and timing (along with defensive errors) have led to the club losing over 20 points from winning positions.
There is no denying that Hart does makes mistakes, all keepers do, but Joe will make less mistakes and his very vocal communication skills will help the defence become more organised.
In the words of Arthur Guinness, "Good things come to those who wait," and boy us fans have waited long enough!
More high profile signings are expected in the coming weeks and when you compare the team of last term to this forthcoming season, it will be a major improvement.
Joe Hart is a West Ham player, something I thought was impossible a few years ago. I'm very excited by this transfer and with the recruitment of Pablo Zabaleta, we are already starting to build a formidable team for the forthcoming season – something Tony Henry has said he would do last month.
So far he is keeping his word.
Kelechi Iheanacho who?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 18th July 2017
Hammers draw with Sturm Graz II in Austria
image: http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GettyImages-816307908.jpg
Pedro Obiang
West Ham United 0-0 SK Sturm Graz II
Pre-season match, Thermenstadion, Bad Waltersdorf, Austria, Monday 17 July 2017
West Ham United kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 0-0 draw against Sturm Graz II in Bad Waltersdorf on Monday evening.
Despite creating several chances in both halves, Slaven Bilic's men couldn't find a breakthrough up against young and spirited opponents.
More pleasing for the Hammers boss, however, was the fact that 22 of his players came through the encounter unscathed and made a positive step forward in their fitness programme during the eleven-day training camp out in Austria.
Bilic went with a blend of youth and experience in each half, as he gave every fit member of his squad a 45-minute run-out.
Debutant Pablo Zabaleta started at right-back in a 4-5-1 formation, with Ashley Fletcher up top supported by Andre Ayew from the left and Robert Snodgrass wide on the right.
image: http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zaba_726_0.jpg
Pablo Zabaleta
Pablo Zabaleta appeared in a Claret and Blue shirt for the first time
The youthful Austrians, who play in the third tier Regionalliga Mitte, began brightly and had an effort chalked off for offside in the eighth minute, before the Hammers began to find their rhythm and dictate the tempo, with Zabaleta and Arthur Masuaku getting forward at every opportunity.
In the 15th minute, young midfielder Nathan Holland found an opening on the right but saw his clipped effort deflected just wide by a defender. Ten minutes later, Holland went close again, as his left-foot strike from the edge of the box was parried by goalkeeper Tobias Schutzenauer and Ayew could only divert the rebound back into his arms.
On the half-hour mark, Sturm broke away on the counter-attack and created their best chance of the half, but winger Romano Schmid saw his low effort saved by the legs of Adrian.
As the half wore on, Hammers' experience began to tell and Sturm had Schutzenauer to thank for keeping the score goalless, as the keeper made two excellent point-blank stops from Ayew in the space of four minutes.
The final chance of the half came when Holland was fouled on the edge of the box, but skipper Mark Noble saw his curling free-kick deflected over the bar.
image: http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GettyImages-816307926.jpg
Nathan Holland
Nathan Holland was one of two West Ham United first-team debutants at the Thermenstadion
The interval saw the full eleven changes to Bilic's team, with Aaron Cresswell taking over the captain's armband from Noble, Spanish striker Toni Martinez taking over from Fletcher at centre forward, and youngsters Declan Rice, Josh Cullen and Moses Makasi getting a taste of the action.
Lanzini began to make his class show almost immediately, pulling the strings in midfield alongside Edimilson Fernandes, and the Argentinian almost opened the scoring five minutes into the second half with a well-struck volley that was blocked by Schutzenauer, who was replaced shortly after by substitute keeper Christopher Giuliani.
Cullen – back from his season-long loan at Bradford City last year – also looked bright and had a low shot deflected wide in the 64th minute, before the Austrians hit on the break again minutes later and fired just past Darren Randolph's post.
With 20 minutes remaining, Sofiane Feghouli saw a decent opening come to nothing when he headed Fernandes' blocked shot on to the roof of the net, and seven minutes later Lanzini was presented with a free-kick opportunity 25 yards out but curled his effort over.
As the game edged towards its closing stages, only the Hammers looked like finding a breakthrough, but with Giuliani making a couple of brave interventions, Sturm Graz II managed to hold on for a share of the spoils.
For Bilic, the first step on a road that leads to Old Trafford on 13 August was navigated safely and provided the ideal physical test at this stage.
Next up for the Hammers is an all-English clash with Championship club Fulham on Thursday evening, with coverage from the Thermenstadion starting at 5.55pm BST on Premier Sports. Fans can also follow the game on Twitter at @westhamutd.
West Ham United: Adrian (Randolph 46), Zabaleta (Byram 46), Collins (Rice 46), Burke (Ogbonna 46), Masuaku (Cresswell 46), Noble (c) (Cullen 46), Obiang (Makasi 46), Holland (Fernandes 46), Snodgrass (Lanzini 46), Ayew (Feghouli (46), Fletcher (Martinez 46)
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Academy stars Trott and Quina praised for Euro U19 exploits
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley has heaped praise on Nathan Trott and Domingos Quina after the West Ham United pair reached the UEFA European U19 Championship final. Goalkeeper Trott helped the Young Lions to lift the trophy after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Quina's Portugal in Georgia on Saturday evening.
While the Bermuda-born stopper was an unused substitute throughout the tournament, Westley said Trott's inclusion just months after switching his international allegiance to England. "Nathan was very late in terms of getting clearance to play, but they really like him and trust him so he went straight into their squad," Westley observed. "It was very difficult for him to go in and play matches straight away because he didn't play in the qualifiers because he hadn't been cleared to play. But England rate him so highly that he went straight into the European finals and they won it! "It's a great experience for him and it should have given him the appetite to go on and become the number one goalkeeper in that team. He is highly, highly thought of."
Trott converted from an outfield player to goalkeeper just four years ago and Westley says he therefore possesses many of the characteristics demanded of modern glovemen – namely, he is outstanding with the ball at his feet. "When you look at what goalkeepers are expected to do, his feet are as good as a midfield player's and his passing ability off both feet scares me sometimes as a coach," Westley continued. "He can just clip the ball out to the full-back or drop it into the striker. "So he has an awful lot of attributes and that's what England have seen in him, so they've put him in the squad immediately and he'll have gained massively from that experience over the last four weeks."
Quina, meanwhile, started all five tournament matches for Portugal, narrowly failing to add the Euro U19 crown to the U17 winner's medal he collected a year ago.
Still just 17, the attacker enjoyed an outstanding debut season for West Ham, impressing for the U23s, making his first-team debut in the UEFA Europa League and being named on the bench for 12 Premier League fixtures. "Dom is playing a year above his age, as he is an U18, but Portugal have skipped him a year," Westley observed. "To have won the U17s and then lose narrowly in the U19s final the following year shows what his country think of him."
The pair will now enjoy a well-deserved week off before returning for pre-season training next Monday, when they will join either the first-team squad for the trip to Germany and Iceland, or the U23 group travelling to Slovakia for two pre-season matches.
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George Dobson leaves club for Sparta Rotterdam
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that midfielder George Dobson has joined Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam for an undisclosed fee. Dobson, a boyhood Hammers fan, joined the club from Arsenal in July 2015 and quickly became an integral part of Terry Westley's U21 squad. He played a key role as the team won the Premier League Cup in May 2016. The 19-year-old joined Sky Bet League One side Walsall at the start of last season and played 26 times for the Saddlers, scoring once in the 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town in December. After the completion of his loan spell, he returned to east London for the closing stages of the U23's season, helping the PL2 side clinch promotion after victory over Newcastle United in the Play-Off Final. Everyone at the Club would like to thank George for his service to West Ham and wish him the very best for the future.
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U18s impress in draw at Bishop's Stortford
WHUFC.com
A youthful West Ham United U18s side produced a brilliant performance to draw 1-1 away at Southern League Premier Division team Bishop's Stortford. A squad largely comprising of trialists and schoolboys competed from start to finish against the senior Essex side and U18s assistant boss Mark Phillips thought his team could have easily won the match. "When you look at the make up of our squad, we did very well to control the game and have the lion's share of possession," he said. "It was great to have this sort of test in our first game back. Hopefully on Wednesday (in the second friendly against Charlton Athletic U18s), we'll have a few more players back so we can see how the other boys are looking."
The Hammers had the better of the first half and seized on their dominance at the beginning of the second 45. One of their trialists did brilliantly to lob the Blues keeper from the edge of the box to give the visitors the advantage. However, the hosts got their equaliser late in the second half when Darren Foxley converted Jordan Palmer's centre. The opening match of the U18s pre-season schedule provided a unique test for the youngsters and they are back in action on Wednesday away to Charlton Athletic U18s (2pm kick-off).
West Ham U18s: Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Caiger, Mingi, Dalipi, Rosa, Hamilton (c), Constantinou, E.Longelo, Adarkwa.
Subs: Chesters, Forson.
Goals: Trialist.
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West Ham Ladies kick-off pre-season with six-goal success
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies began their preparations for the new FA Women's Premier League Southern Division campaign with a 6-0 pre-season win over Crawley Wasps. New signings Molly Peters and Amber Stobbs were both on target, while Kelly Wealthall scored twice and Charlotte Long, Chloe Burr and Paige Anderson-James also found the net. Manager Greg de Carnys praised his players for their approach to their first pre-season match and their ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch. "It's obviously great to score six goals from five different goalscorers and to keep a clean sheet too, but the most pleasing thing was the performance," he told whufc.com. "We started the game really well, our movement and decision-making was all at a high intensity and we saw lots of the things we want to see in the way we played. There was some excellent possession play today and some very good finishes so that's really pleasing. "Crawley proved a good test at this stage of the season and we're really grateful to them. There's still plenty for us to do and I know the players and the staff can't wait to get back on the training pitch this week."
The Ladies started the game with high intensity to go 3-0 up within 15 minutes on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Beckton. Peters slotted home the opener before former Women's Super League player Stobbs showed her class by weaving between two defenders and lobbing the goalkeeper from 25 yards. Long then celebrated her return to football with an unstoppable header from a teasing corner. In control, the Ladies comfortably dominated possession against their London and South East Women's Regional Football League opponents before De Carnys made a number of substitutions at half-time. Wealthall, who joins the first-team squad this season after coming through the Ladies Academy pathway, bagged herself a brace and showed her tenaciousness in front of goal. Then, as full-time approached, Anderson-James proved to be too strong for the Crawley Wasps defenders as she twisted her way through with close footwork before firing into the bottom corner. There was still time for Whitney Locke to hit the crossbar, but a six-goal victory will undoubtedly boost morale and confidence ahead of Sunday's second pre-season fixture at Fulham Ladies on Sunday 23 July at 2.30pm. However, De Carnys is not going to allow his players to get carried away with their opening-weekend win. "I'm very happy with the progress we've made so far, but it's still very early days," he observed. "We've been training hard and we're hoping to gradually and progressively improve in every sense as we go through pre-season and into the season. It's not about hitting the players with a hard block of intense training in pre-season straight off the back of the summer break. "A progressive approach to improvement will mean players can adapt but don't break down because of a sudden increase in load."
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Hammers on Tour: Day 7 in Austria
WHUFC.com
Catching up on daily life with Slaven Bilic's squad during their pre-season training camp in Austria…
Working body and mind!
With double training sessions the order of the day again on both Friday and Saturday, there were understandably some tired limbs at the team hotel on Saturday evening. However, that didn't prevent a number of players from exercising their minds with an impromptu quiz night alongside members of the backroom staff after their evening meal. Some impressive knowledge was on display – with Andy Carroll pulling some particularly memorable answers out of the bag – but in the end it was a victory for experience as a team containing Head of Medical Services Gary Lewin and Cub Doctor Ian Beasley triumphed, with Mark Noble, Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell's side finishing a close second.
Pablo proving his class
He may have only been in training with the Hammers for just over a week, but new arrival Pablo Zabaleta has already shown his class both on and off the pitch. The 32-year-old Argentine right-back, despite being a double Premier League winner and 58-times capped full international, has displayed his hunger and quality every day on the training field, while offering advice and guidance to the young players within the squad and making every effort to get to know team-mates and staff. "Pablo walks in the dressing-room and gets respect straight away," said skipper Mark Noble. "To have someone of that quality and experience with us, and to see how he works, is fantastic."
Double bogey for Woods
Following their sudden-death play-off victory on the golf course on Thursday, James Collins and Winston Reid, didn't waste any time in accepting the challenge of a rematch from their defeated opponents, goalkeeper coach Chris Woods and physiotherapist Fraser Young. With a clear afternoon following Sunday morning's training work-out, the clubs and buggies were out again and this time the defensive pairing didn't need the 19th hole – winning by 4&3 to make it two straight victories. Although former England stopper Woods wasn't shy in revealing that a certain New Zealand international, playing off an 18 handicap, had found the green on a par four with his tee shot…!
Bilic shows support for Cilic
Sunday afternoon also gave Slaven Bilic the opportunity to take a well-deserved rest, but sport was still on the mind of the Hammers boss as he sat down with his coaching assistants Nikola Jurcevic, Edin Terzic and Miljenko Rak to cheer on their fellow Croatian Marin Cilic in his Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. Cilic, only the second Croatian after Goran Ivanisevic to reach the final at SW19, sadly went down in straight sets to the ice-cool Swiss legend and Assistant Manager Jurcevic admitted afterwards: "There was a lot of pressure on Cilic and, unfortunately, it seemed that he allowed the occasion to get to him."
Rice rocks the mic!
The days of Crazy Gang-style initiation ceremonies for young players breaking into a club's senior squad may be a thing of the past, but youthful Hammers don't get off completely scot-free. Young central defender Declan Rice, who made his first team debut on the final day of last season up at Burnley, was on the receiving end on Sunday evening, when ordered to stand on a chair in front of the entire squad and staff at dinner and belt out a song of his choice – which he did with admirable courage…if not talent! To spare his blushes, whufc.com did plan to keep Declan's 'performance' of R Kelly's The World's Greatest under wraps. However, in today's world of instant social media coverage, it didn't take long before several of his more senior team-mates ensured the 18-year-old was given his moment in the spotlight!
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Pablo Zabaleta: I'm settling in well
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta already feels like a part of the West Ham United family – less than two weeks after training with his new teammates for the first time. Argentina international Zabaleta, who put pen-to-paper with the Hammers this summer after ending a nine-year spell with Manchester City, has enjoyed the settling in period with his new side as they prepare for the new campaign with an intensive training camp in Austria. As they get set for their first pre-season fixture, against Sturm Graz II on Monday evening, Zabaleta revealed how much he feels at home.
He explained: "I'm so happy and pleased to have joined West Ham. The ten days we've been in training have been fantastic – they are great lads, the manager, his staff and all the people working at the Club seem like nice people. "Even if it has only been ten days, it seems like I have been training with the lads for a year to be honest. There is a really good atmosphere in the dressing room. "I had been playing in the Premier League for nine years with Manchester City so I know it really well. It is the greatest competition in the world for sure and you always want to keep playing in competitions like that. "So when I left City, staying in the Premier League was the first option for me and West Ham were the quickest to express an interest in me. Always as a player you want to feel wanted and that was the main key why I came to West Ham. "Our commitment as players is to give 100% on the pitch and off it. I do really believe that this a massive club that is looking to do well. I can't wait for the start of the season."
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Brady lands new role
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham vice chair Karren Brady has taken on a new role - as non-executive chairman of Taveta Investments, the parent company of Arcadia Group. Tavesta, which owns the multinational retailing company is owned by Tina Green, the wife of disgraced Sir Philip Green. The Tottenham supporter was panned for extracting hundreds of millions of pounds from BHS before it was sold for just £1 in 2015 leaving the Pension Protection Scheme with an enormous bill.
West Ham's vice chair effectively replaces Lord Grabiner at Taveta, who is stepping down with immediate effect. Brady, who was pictured on Green's private yacht with her husband recently said: "The Arcadia business employs over 24,000 staff, has an annual turnover in excess of £2bn and has some of the most iconic names on the British high street. "It is a privilege to have been invited to chair the board and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we concentrate on driving the Arcadia brands forward on their global expansion."
However news of Brady's appointment hasn't been universally welcomed; MP Frank Field, who has been highly critical of Green and his handling of the BHS pension scheme retorted: "It's not surprising that Sir Philip Green has to use the house of Lords as a recruitment agency for his companies. "Baroness Brady was paid to be up to her eyeballs in the dreadful shenanigans that led to the closure of BHS, 11,000 job losses and practically every BHS pensioner suffering a cut in their pension entitlement."
The Arcadia group includes recognised high street brands such as Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Burton.
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Trio back in training
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid, Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho have all returned to training - although Andy Carroll remains sidelined through injury.
The trio were all involved in individual training sessions at the club's Bad Waltersdorf training complex this morning, a matter of hours ahead of United's first pre-season test against Sturm Graz.
And Sakho - who featured in just two matches last season - even stopped behind after the rest of the squad had retreated to their quarters to undergo extra training, as he bids to return to full fitness ahead of the 2017/18 season opener at Manchester United next month.
Carroll, who has flown to Austria with the squad but is yet to take part in any kind of training was present at the complex along with the rest of the team, where he happily signed autographs for the small group of watching supporters.
Meanwhile Angelo Ogbonna, who missed the latter half of last season through injury is also back in full training, where he looked just fine alongside his tgeam mates.
Sturm Graz vs West Ham kicks off at 5.30pm BST and is being broadcast live on Premier Sports. The match is also being streamed live on YouTube.
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Joe Hart passes medical ahead of West Ham loan switch
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 17/07/17 6:22pm
SSN
Joe Hart has passed his medical ahead of his loan move from Manchester City to West Ham, according to Sky sources. Hart is set to join on a season-long loan, although it is understood West Ham will have an option to buy the England international next summer. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City following the arrival of manager Pep Guardiola. City signed Claudio Bravo as their presumed No 1 'keeper following Guardiola's arrival and this summer they have added Brazilian Ederson to their goalkeeping ranks. Sky Sports News HQ reported last week that the Hammers were hoping to finalise the deal for Hart within the next few days, while Hammers boss Slaven Bilic said recently that he was expecting imminent reinforcements. "What we want is to bring in the quality that is going to improve our first XI," said Bilic. "We have (former Manchester City defender) Pablo Zabaleta and I am really expecting to add a couple more soon."
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Sturm Graz II 0-0 West Ham: Hammers open pre-season with draw
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 17/07/17 8:17pm
SSN
West Ham started their pre-season campaign with a goalless draw against Sturm Graz II in Austria on Monday evening. Pablo Zabaleta made his Hammers debut at right-back as Slaven Bilic gave every fit member of his squad a 45-minute run-out. Sturm Graz II almost went ahead when the third-tier side had a goal disallowed for offside after eight minutes. That close call sparked West Ham into life and young midfielder Nathan Holland went close, while goalkeeper Tobias Schutzenhaur twice denied Andre Ayew. The hosts' best chance fell to Romano Schmid but Adrian made a smart save to preserve his clean sheet. Bilic made a number of changes at the break - with Aaron Cresswell taking over the captain's armband - but the Premier League side could not find a breakthrough. Sofiane Feghouli and Manuel Lanzini looked bright but their Austrian opponents held firm to earn a draw. West Ham face Sky Bet Championship side Fulham on Thursday evening as they continue their preparations for the new season.
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Simon Jordan says Joe Hart is a poor goalkeeper
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart looks set to join West Ham United in the summer transfer window, but former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan does not seem to rate him Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart seems to be on the verge of joining West Ham United in the summer transfer window. According to BBC Sport, the England international goalkeeper has completed his medical at the Hammers and will join the London club on a season-long loan deal. The 30-year-old goalkeeper, who spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Italian club Torino, does not seem to be in the plans of City manager Pep Guardiola. Hart is a hugely experienced goalkeeper who knows the Premier League inside out. The Englishman played an important role in the Citizens winning the league titles in 2012 and 2014. Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, though, does not seem to be a fan of the England international, and has said that Hart is a "poor" goalkeeper.
"I think Joe Hart is a poor goalkeeper," said Jordan on The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show on talkSPORT on Monday morning (broadcast from 6am, July 17, 2017). "I think in the World Cup of 2010 he did nothing but pick the ball up from the back of the net, and I am not surprised that he finds himself descending down the pyramid of clubs. "I certainly don't think he is England's number one anymore, but this doesn't mean he isn't a decent goalkeeper. I just don't think he is at the top of the pantheon of goalkeepers." West Ham also need to sign a top-quality striker in the summer transfer window in order to have a successful 2017-18 campaign. The Hammers need a proven goalscorer who can find the net 15 to 20 times in the Premier League.
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SPURS MONITORING WEST HAM'S MOVE FOR HERNANDEZ
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham have seemingly put all their eggs in the Javier Hernandez basket, much like they did last summer with Carlos Bacca. The Hammers are willing to meet the player's £13m release clause but wage demands in excess of £140,000-a-week are holding up the deal for the time being. If the club were to bring in the former Manchester United striker he could become the club's top earner by some distance, but West Ham are aware that they need to pay the top players top dollar to bring them to the London Stadium. The Mirror have noted that the Hammers have been presented with another stumbling block in their pursuit of Hernandez as Tottenham are monitoring the situation ahead of a bid. Tottenham are underwhelmed by Vincent Janssen and would like to swap him out for a more reliable backup to Harry Kane and Hernandez, a proven goalscorer at this level, is seen as a potential signing. West Ham have already missed out on Henry Onyekuru and Olivier Giroud this summer, and if they fail to bring in Hernandez that would be another crushing blow to the club's summer transfer activity.
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Di Canio says West Ham need a new midfielder and striker as "everybody expected better"
The Hammers legend has identified the positions where he feels they need to strengthen
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
16:00, 17 JUL 2017
Paolo Di Canio says West Ham need to sign a midfielder as well as a striker this summer as they look to improve on last seasons disappointing 11th place finish in the Premier League. The Hammers legend was speaking after representing Italy during the successful Star Sixes tournament at the O2 Arena and was also asked about the loan signing of Joe Hart, which is expected to be completed on Monday. Di Canio hailed the signing of Hart to shore up the defence but also admitted he fells the club needs one or two more signings to get back up to the required level. football.london understands the Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan is meeting with the agent of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez on Tuesday to thrash out a possible deal for the Bayer Leverkusen front man and the club has also been linked with a loan switch for Jack Wilshere. The Italian hero said: "Hart is a top goalkeeper but we need something more in the middle of the field and up front. I am sure that the club will do everything to make the fans happy."
Di Canio said he felt the club struggled to adapt to the London Stadium last season but has backed them to be much improved for the forthcoming campaign.
He said: "Everybody expected West Ham to do better. It was the first time apart from Upton Park, first time away from there and it was a shock, even if you play in a big and beautiful stadium. "But I think this year, with one more year experience they will adjust something, Bilic changed it on the pitch at the end of last season. "I think the future should be green with West Ham, I hope in my heart."
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AJIBOLA ALESE SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH WEST HAM
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham pride themselves on their academy and they've recently agreed terms with one of their brightest young prospects. All Nigeria Soccer are reporting that talented defender Ajibola Alese has signed a deal to become a first-year scholar in the West Ham academy and is on course to be offered professional terms further down the line. Alese is a regular at U16 level but did make seven appearances at U18 last season which illustrates how highly the club think of him Capped at England U16 level coming from a Nigerian family, Alese has been reportedly a target for the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City but recent infringements regarding youth player transfers from the Premier League duo ended a potential move for Alese. The centre-back can be offered a professional deal after he turns 17 and has the potential to enjoy a great career at the club. West Ham have a number of talented centre-backs coming through at the moment and sooner or later they will be handed an opportunity.
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West Ham youngsters Martinez, Rice, Cullen & Burke have got their chance - they need to take it
They are the brightest talents in the pool and now they get their chance in Austria
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
14:30, 17 JUL 2017
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has taken seven Hammers youngsters on the pre-season tour to Austria and on Monday night, they will finally get their chance to prove themselves. Toni Martinez, Declan Rice, Josh Cullen and Reece Burke are four of them who could be in with a shout of starting the first friendly against Sturm Graz II in Bad Waltersdorf tonight (Monday) as Bilic assess his squad. West Ham and the moniker "The Academy of Football" has not been ringing true for the past few years now and with Bilic blocking loan deals to have a look at these lads, they need to prove to him he was right to do so. If they don't, their first team chance could be gone as quickly as it has come around. The cynical bunch among West Ham fans will think this is nothing other than a PR exercise from the club to involve some of their talented youngsters in the pre-season tour before loaning them out. But, hold on a minute.
A teenager got just two minutes of action for West Ham and the Premier League last season and that was Rice, who got all those minutes on the final day at Burnley in a 2-1 win. Cullen has had two highly successful loan spells away at Bradford, Martinez has rattled in goals for the U23s, Burke has always impressed in claret and blue when given the chance and Rice is extremely highly-rated within the set up, leading the U23s to glory last season. The manager wants to take a look at them, alongside the likes of Domingos Quina as well when he is back from international duty, to see if they can really cut the mustard in the first team and live up to their reputations. It's a chance the young lads simply have to take if they are to have any hope of breaking through in the future. Burke even revealed himself that the boss has put the brakes on a loan deal to Bolton to have a closer look at him. We have all seen those tweets from David Gold, who suggested it'll be very hard for a teenager to break into the first team but now that Bilic seems to have relaxed his stance a little, there could be a chance. The Croat has always favoured sending younger players out on loan to get experience - like he has done with Reece Oxford this summer to Borussia Monchengladbach - but why has he now changed his mind?
Shifting out Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore, Havard Nordtveit, Alvaro Arbeloa and maybe Sofiane Feghouli too could leave the squad a bit threadbare. If Michail Antonio, Angelo Ogbonna, Andy Carrolll and Diafra Sakho and Pedro Obiang are not 100 per cent for the first game of the season at Old Trafford, the kids will be in the frame. The young lads don't need us to tell them what to do over the next month while they are away with the first team. They know they need to buck up and knuckle down, get down to work and impress the boss. If they do, they might get an unexpected chance at the start of the Premier League season. It might seem far-fetched given how little anyone got a look in last season but with a smaller squad, the opportunity is there.
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HERNANDEZ SET TO AGREE £145,000-A-WEEK DEAL WITH WEST HAM
ABDULLAH MULLA @AbzMulla6
ReadWestHam
West Ham United are on the verge of agreeing a £145,000-a-week deal with Mexican striker Javier Hernandez as the Hammers prepare to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea to his signature, according to a report on the Express. The Hammers have been eager to add a big name striker to their front line in this summer's transfer window as Slaven Bilic knows that his side struggled in front of goal last season. Last week it looked like a move for Hernandez would break down due to his wage demands but the London club are set to offer the Mexican what he desires to lure him to the London Stadium. The Bayer Leverkusen striker has a £13m buyout clause in his current contract with the German Bundesliga club and is interested in a return to the Premier League. The ex-Manchester United forward has a killer finishing instinct inside the box which is what Bilic is looking for in the transfer market. Hernandez managed to get his name on the scoresheet 11 times in the Bundesliga last season and also registered three assists. The Hammers have spoken to Hernandez' representatives and a deal is close to being agreed between both parties. The promise of a starting spot seems to have convinced Hernandez to join West Ham after Chelsea had shown interest but couldn't guarantee him a starting position. The 29-year-old striker is set to become West Ham's highest paid player.
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West Ham vs Sturm Graz II - what can we expect from the Hammers first pre-season friendly
West Ham kick off their pre-season fixtures against a second-string Graz side in Austria this evening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
12:00, 17 JUL 2017
With just under a month until the start of the Premier League season, West Ham finally kick off their first pre-season fixture ahead of the 2017/18 campaign in Austria this evening. The Hammers have been in Austria for nearly a week and have been undergoing gruelling double sessions to get them back into the swing of things as the pre-season gets a bit busier.
Slaven Bilic's side will take on Fulham in three days time in their second friendly of the tour before heading off to Germany, where football.london will be joining them. But, with the first game on the horizon in Bad Waltersdorf this evening, what can we expect to see tonight? Here's a few things to keep an eye on.
The youngsters
Toni Martinez, Declan Rice, Reece Burke, Josh Cullen, Nathan Holland and Moses Makasi are all in the matchday squad. They are coming up against a second string Sturm Graz side so expect the youngsters to get some good minutes under their belts. While it may not demonstrate much about what the lads can do against Premier League teams, it will give us a chance to see how they have coped with a first team environment, with a first team mentality, with Slaven Bilic watching on from the sidelines. Martinez will likely get serous minutes up front as it's only him and Ashley Fletcher as the recognised strikers. Could we see 45 minutes for both?
The formation
Pre-season is a time to tinker and get things right for the start of the season but if Slaven Bilic plays with the three centre halves formation he deployed at the end of the last campaign, it'll be a big giveaway. Winston Reid will miss the game so Angelo Ogbonna will likely step in, although we could see Declan Rice get the start back there as well. It means one up top, which will likely be 45 minutes for Fletcher and the other 45 for Martinez. If Bilic plays 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, both strikers will probably play and Andre Ayew and Manuel Lanzini get 45 minutes each playing off them.
Zabaleta's influence
Pablo Zabaleta is an experienced campaigner who has won Premier League titles and doesn't take any nonsense. Alongside Mark Noble, the new signing will be the vocal forefront of the team and he demands absolutely 100% from his team and from the off, we expect Zabaleta to be key at right back. Other players, particularly the younger ones, will no doubt have taken influence from the Argentine defender and it'll be interesting to see if it has made a difference.
Have the double sessions paid off?
New physio Gary Lewin will be watching closely as the players take to the pitch for the first time in this season after pulling gruelling double training sessions on a few of the days of camp so far. The players were given an afternoon off on Sunday but it's been very intense before that and Lewin will be keeping a close eye on any injuries, knocks and fitness levels. Mainly after the game, Lewin will certainly be analysing how the Hammers have coped and whether they might need to tone down the double sessions or keep ploughing on.
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Joe Hart is a bonus for West Ham but without a new striker the summer will not be a success
The keeper is all set to join on a season-long loan but the striking department still needs strengthening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
09:28, 17 JUL 2017UPDATED09:30, 17 JUL 2017
West Ham and Joe Hart have had a deal agreed since last Friday but it has taken until Monday for the England number one to have the West Ham part of his medical. You hope that David Sullivan hasn't spent too long on this deal and neglecting others because while Hart is a great signing for the club, his position was not a priority this summer.
West Ham have been interested in Hart for a while but they weren't expecting to get him, with Man City asking for £25m but as soon as the 30-year-old was available for loan, the Hammers made their move and have got their man. But, West Ham still don't have a striker and with a little less than a month to go until the Premier League season kicks off, some supporters still aren't convinced. It's been the usual merry-go-round of any European striker who has scored more than ten goals last season being linked with a move to east London but as of yet, the day the Hammers kick off their pre-season fixtures, there isn't a new one. Toni Martinez and Ashley Fletcher are the only strikers on the first team tour in Austria right now that are anywhere near able to play, you can maybe put Andre Ayew in there at a stretch. David Gold has made a promise this morning that signings will be made between now and the end of the transfer window.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Good mornings Mike. What we all need right now is patience. New signings will be made. dg https://twitter.com/joejimbobsdad/status/886684863708975105 …
8:02 AM - 17 Jul 2017
33 33 Retweets 182 182 likes
A move for Marko Arnautovic looks like it is going to drag on unless the Hammers stump up some more cash and they need to break the bank to get Javier Hernandez who has a lot of interest in him. Olivier Giroud hasn't come off, Henry Onyekuru went elsewhere, Cedric Bakambu signed a new deal at Villarreal, Martin Brathwaite went to Middlesbrough, Kelechi Iheanacho fell through, the list goes on.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
image: http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GettyImages-816307908.jpg
Pedro Obiang
West Ham United 0-0 SK Sturm Graz II
Pre-season match, Thermenstadion, Bad Waltersdorf, Austria, Monday 17 July 2017
West Ham United kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 0-0 draw against Sturm Graz II in Bad Waltersdorf on Monday evening.
Despite creating several chances in both halves, Slaven Bilic's men couldn't find a breakthrough up against young and spirited opponents.
More pleasing for the Hammers boss, however, was the fact that 22 of his players came through the encounter unscathed and made a positive step forward in their fitness programme during the eleven-day training camp out in Austria.
Bilic went with a blend of youth and experience in each half, as he gave every fit member of his squad a 45-minute run-out.
Debutant Pablo Zabaleta started at right-back in a 4-5-1 formation, with Ashley Fletcher up top supported by Andre Ayew from the left and Robert Snodgrass wide on the right.
image: http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zaba_726_0.jpg
Pablo Zabaleta
Pablo Zabaleta appeared in a Claret and Blue shirt for the first time
The youthful Austrians, who play in the third tier Regionalliga Mitte, began brightly and had an effort chalked off for offside in the eighth minute, before the Hammers began to find their rhythm and dictate the tempo, with Zabaleta and Arthur Masuaku getting forward at every opportunity.
In the 15th minute, young midfielder Nathan Holland found an opening on the right but saw his clipped effort deflected just wide by a defender. Ten minutes later, Holland went close again, as his left-foot strike from the edge of the box was parried by goalkeeper Tobias Schutzenauer and Ayew could only divert the rebound back into his arms.
On the half-hour mark, Sturm broke away on the counter-attack and created their best chance of the half, but winger Romano Schmid saw his low effort saved by the legs of Adrian.
As the half wore on, Hammers' experience began to tell and Sturm had Schutzenauer to thank for keeping the score goalless, as the keeper made two excellent point-blank stops from Ayew in the space of four minutes.
The final chance of the half came when Holland was fouled on the edge of the box, but skipper Mark Noble saw his curling free-kick deflected over the bar.
image: http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GettyImages-816307926.jpg
Nathan Holland
Nathan Holland was one of two West Ham United first-team debutants at the Thermenstadion
The interval saw the full eleven changes to Bilic's team, with Aaron Cresswell taking over the captain's armband from Noble, Spanish striker Toni Martinez taking over from Fletcher at centre forward, and youngsters Declan Rice, Josh Cullen and Moses Makasi getting a taste of the action.
Lanzini began to make his class show almost immediately, pulling the strings in midfield alongside Edimilson Fernandes, and the Argentinian almost opened the scoring five minutes into the second half with a well-struck volley that was blocked by Schutzenauer, who was replaced shortly after by substitute keeper Christopher Giuliani.
Cullen – back from his season-long loan at Bradford City last year – also looked bright and had a low shot deflected wide in the 64th minute, before the Austrians hit on the break again minutes later and fired just past Darren Randolph's post.
With 20 minutes remaining, Sofiane Feghouli saw a decent opening come to nothing when he headed Fernandes' blocked shot on to the roof of the net, and seven minutes later Lanzini was presented with a free-kick opportunity 25 yards out but curled his effort over.
As the game edged towards its closing stages, only the Hammers looked like finding a breakthrough, but with Giuliani making a couple of brave interventions, Sturm Graz II managed to hold on for a share of the spoils.
For Bilic, the first step on a road that leads to Old Trafford on 13 August was navigated safely and provided the ideal physical test at this stage.
Next up for the Hammers is an all-English clash with Championship club Fulham on Thursday evening, with coverage from the Thermenstadion starting at 5.55pm BST on Premier Sports. Fans can also follow the game on Twitter at @westhamutd.
West Ham United: Adrian (Randolph 46), Zabaleta (Byram 46), Collins (Rice 46), Burke (Ogbonna 46), Masuaku (Cresswell 46), Noble (c) (Cullen 46), Obiang (Makasi 46), Holland (Fernandes 46), Snodgrass (Lanzini 46), Ayew (Feghouli (46), Fletcher (Martinez 46)
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Academy stars Trott and Quina praised for Euro U19 exploits
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley has heaped praise on Nathan Trott and Domingos Quina after the West Ham United pair reached the UEFA European U19 Championship final. Goalkeeper Trott helped the Young Lions to lift the trophy after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Quina's Portugal in Georgia on Saturday evening.
While the Bermuda-born stopper was an unused substitute throughout the tournament, Westley said Trott's inclusion just months after switching his international allegiance to England. "Nathan was very late in terms of getting clearance to play, but they really like him and trust him so he went straight into their squad," Westley observed. "It was very difficult for him to go in and play matches straight away because he didn't play in the qualifiers because he hadn't been cleared to play. But England rate him so highly that he went straight into the European finals and they won it! "It's a great experience for him and it should have given him the appetite to go on and become the number one goalkeeper in that team. He is highly, highly thought of."
Trott converted from an outfield player to goalkeeper just four years ago and Westley says he therefore possesses many of the characteristics demanded of modern glovemen – namely, he is outstanding with the ball at his feet. "When you look at what goalkeepers are expected to do, his feet are as good as a midfield player's and his passing ability off both feet scares me sometimes as a coach," Westley continued. "He can just clip the ball out to the full-back or drop it into the striker. "So he has an awful lot of attributes and that's what England have seen in him, so they've put him in the squad immediately and he'll have gained massively from that experience over the last four weeks."
Quina, meanwhile, started all five tournament matches for Portugal, narrowly failing to add the Euro U19 crown to the U17 winner's medal he collected a year ago.
Still just 17, the attacker enjoyed an outstanding debut season for West Ham, impressing for the U23s, making his first-team debut in the UEFA Europa League and being named on the bench for 12 Premier League fixtures. "Dom is playing a year above his age, as he is an U18, but Portugal have skipped him a year," Westley observed. "To have won the U17s and then lose narrowly in the U19s final the following year shows what his country think of him."
The pair will now enjoy a well-deserved week off before returning for pre-season training next Monday, when they will join either the first-team squad for the trip to Germany and Iceland, or the U23 group travelling to Slovakia for two pre-season matches.
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George Dobson leaves club for Sparta Rotterdam
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that midfielder George Dobson has joined Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam for an undisclosed fee. Dobson, a boyhood Hammers fan, joined the club from Arsenal in July 2015 and quickly became an integral part of Terry Westley's U21 squad. He played a key role as the team won the Premier League Cup in May 2016. The 19-year-old joined Sky Bet League One side Walsall at the start of last season and played 26 times for the Saddlers, scoring once in the 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town in December. After the completion of his loan spell, he returned to east London for the closing stages of the U23's season, helping the PL2 side clinch promotion after victory over Newcastle United in the Play-Off Final. Everyone at the Club would like to thank George for his service to West Ham and wish him the very best for the future.
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U18s impress in draw at Bishop's Stortford
WHUFC.com
A youthful West Ham United U18s side produced a brilliant performance to draw 1-1 away at Southern League Premier Division team Bishop's Stortford. A squad largely comprising of trialists and schoolboys competed from start to finish against the senior Essex side and U18s assistant boss Mark Phillips thought his team could have easily won the match. "When you look at the make up of our squad, we did very well to control the game and have the lion's share of possession," he said. "It was great to have this sort of test in our first game back. Hopefully on Wednesday (in the second friendly against Charlton Athletic U18s), we'll have a few more players back so we can see how the other boys are looking."
The Hammers had the better of the first half and seized on their dominance at the beginning of the second 45. One of their trialists did brilliantly to lob the Blues keeper from the edge of the box to give the visitors the advantage. However, the hosts got their equaliser late in the second half when Darren Foxley converted Jordan Palmer's centre. The opening match of the U18s pre-season schedule provided a unique test for the youngsters and they are back in action on Wednesday away to Charlton Athletic U18s (2pm kick-off).
West Ham U18s: Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Caiger, Mingi, Dalipi, Rosa, Hamilton (c), Constantinou, E.Longelo, Adarkwa.
Subs: Chesters, Forson.
Goals: Trialist.
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West Ham Ladies kick-off pre-season with six-goal success
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies began their preparations for the new FA Women's Premier League Southern Division campaign with a 6-0 pre-season win over Crawley Wasps. New signings Molly Peters and Amber Stobbs were both on target, while Kelly Wealthall scored twice and Charlotte Long, Chloe Burr and Paige Anderson-James also found the net. Manager Greg de Carnys praised his players for their approach to their first pre-season match and their ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch. "It's obviously great to score six goals from five different goalscorers and to keep a clean sheet too, but the most pleasing thing was the performance," he told whufc.com. "We started the game really well, our movement and decision-making was all at a high intensity and we saw lots of the things we want to see in the way we played. There was some excellent possession play today and some very good finishes so that's really pleasing. "Crawley proved a good test at this stage of the season and we're really grateful to them. There's still plenty for us to do and I know the players and the staff can't wait to get back on the training pitch this week."
The Ladies started the game with high intensity to go 3-0 up within 15 minutes on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Beckton. Peters slotted home the opener before former Women's Super League player Stobbs showed her class by weaving between two defenders and lobbing the goalkeeper from 25 yards. Long then celebrated her return to football with an unstoppable header from a teasing corner. In control, the Ladies comfortably dominated possession against their London and South East Women's Regional Football League opponents before De Carnys made a number of substitutions at half-time. Wealthall, who joins the first-team squad this season after coming through the Ladies Academy pathway, bagged herself a brace and showed her tenaciousness in front of goal. Then, as full-time approached, Anderson-James proved to be too strong for the Crawley Wasps defenders as she twisted her way through with close footwork before firing into the bottom corner. There was still time for Whitney Locke to hit the crossbar, but a six-goal victory will undoubtedly boost morale and confidence ahead of Sunday's second pre-season fixture at Fulham Ladies on Sunday 23 July at 2.30pm. However, De Carnys is not going to allow his players to get carried away with their opening-weekend win. "I'm very happy with the progress we've made so far, but it's still very early days," he observed. "We've been training hard and we're hoping to gradually and progressively improve in every sense as we go through pre-season and into the season. It's not about hitting the players with a hard block of intense training in pre-season straight off the back of the summer break. "A progressive approach to improvement will mean players can adapt but don't break down because of a sudden increase in load."
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Hammers on Tour: Day 7 in Austria
WHUFC.com
Catching up on daily life with Slaven Bilic's squad during their pre-season training camp in Austria…
Working body and mind!
With double training sessions the order of the day again on both Friday and Saturday, there were understandably some tired limbs at the team hotel on Saturday evening. However, that didn't prevent a number of players from exercising their minds with an impromptu quiz night alongside members of the backroom staff after their evening meal. Some impressive knowledge was on display – with Andy Carroll pulling some particularly memorable answers out of the bag – but in the end it was a victory for experience as a team containing Head of Medical Services Gary Lewin and Cub Doctor Ian Beasley triumphed, with Mark Noble, Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell's side finishing a close second.
Pablo proving his class
He may have only been in training with the Hammers for just over a week, but new arrival Pablo Zabaleta has already shown his class both on and off the pitch. The 32-year-old Argentine right-back, despite being a double Premier League winner and 58-times capped full international, has displayed his hunger and quality every day on the training field, while offering advice and guidance to the young players within the squad and making every effort to get to know team-mates and staff. "Pablo walks in the dressing-room and gets respect straight away," said skipper Mark Noble. "To have someone of that quality and experience with us, and to see how he works, is fantastic."
Double bogey for Woods
Following their sudden-death play-off victory on the golf course on Thursday, James Collins and Winston Reid, didn't waste any time in accepting the challenge of a rematch from their defeated opponents, goalkeeper coach Chris Woods and physiotherapist Fraser Young. With a clear afternoon following Sunday morning's training work-out, the clubs and buggies were out again and this time the defensive pairing didn't need the 19th hole – winning by 4&3 to make it two straight victories. Although former England stopper Woods wasn't shy in revealing that a certain New Zealand international, playing off an 18 handicap, had found the green on a par four with his tee shot…!
Bilic shows support for Cilic
Sunday afternoon also gave Slaven Bilic the opportunity to take a well-deserved rest, but sport was still on the mind of the Hammers boss as he sat down with his coaching assistants Nikola Jurcevic, Edin Terzic and Miljenko Rak to cheer on their fellow Croatian Marin Cilic in his Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. Cilic, only the second Croatian after Goran Ivanisevic to reach the final at SW19, sadly went down in straight sets to the ice-cool Swiss legend and Assistant Manager Jurcevic admitted afterwards: "There was a lot of pressure on Cilic and, unfortunately, it seemed that he allowed the occasion to get to him."
Rice rocks the mic!
The days of Crazy Gang-style initiation ceremonies for young players breaking into a club's senior squad may be a thing of the past, but youthful Hammers don't get off completely scot-free. Young central defender Declan Rice, who made his first team debut on the final day of last season up at Burnley, was on the receiving end on Sunday evening, when ordered to stand on a chair in front of the entire squad and staff at dinner and belt out a song of his choice – which he did with admirable courage…if not talent! To spare his blushes, whufc.com did plan to keep Declan's 'performance' of R Kelly's The World's Greatest under wraps. However, in today's world of instant social media coverage, it didn't take long before several of his more senior team-mates ensured the 18-year-old was given his moment in the spotlight!
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Pablo Zabaleta: I'm settling in well
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta already feels like a part of the West Ham United family – less than two weeks after training with his new teammates for the first time. Argentina international Zabaleta, who put pen-to-paper with the Hammers this summer after ending a nine-year spell with Manchester City, has enjoyed the settling in period with his new side as they prepare for the new campaign with an intensive training camp in Austria. As they get set for their first pre-season fixture, against Sturm Graz II on Monday evening, Zabaleta revealed how much he feels at home.
He explained: "I'm so happy and pleased to have joined West Ham. The ten days we've been in training have been fantastic – they are great lads, the manager, his staff and all the people working at the Club seem like nice people. "Even if it has only been ten days, it seems like I have been training with the lads for a year to be honest. There is a really good atmosphere in the dressing room. "I had been playing in the Premier League for nine years with Manchester City so I know it really well. It is the greatest competition in the world for sure and you always want to keep playing in competitions like that. "So when I left City, staying in the Premier League was the first option for me and West Ham were the quickest to express an interest in me. Always as a player you want to feel wanted and that was the main key why I came to West Ham. "Our commitment as players is to give 100% on the pitch and off it. I do really believe that this a massive club that is looking to do well. I can't wait for the start of the season."
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Brady lands new role
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham vice chair Karren Brady has taken on a new role - as non-executive chairman of Taveta Investments, the parent company of Arcadia Group. Tavesta, which owns the multinational retailing company is owned by Tina Green, the wife of disgraced Sir Philip Green. The Tottenham supporter was panned for extracting hundreds of millions of pounds from BHS before it was sold for just £1 in 2015 leaving the Pension Protection Scheme with an enormous bill.
West Ham's vice chair effectively replaces Lord Grabiner at Taveta, who is stepping down with immediate effect. Brady, who was pictured on Green's private yacht with her husband recently said: "The Arcadia business employs over 24,000 staff, has an annual turnover in excess of £2bn and has some of the most iconic names on the British high street. "It is a privilege to have been invited to chair the board and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we concentrate on driving the Arcadia brands forward on their global expansion."
However news of Brady's appointment hasn't been universally welcomed; MP Frank Field, who has been highly critical of Green and his handling of the BHS pension scheme retorted: "It's not surprising that Sir Philip Green has to use the house of Lords as a recruitment agency for his companies. "Baroness Brady was paid to be up to her eyeballs in the dreadful shenanigans that led to the closure of BHS, 11,000 job losses and practically every BHS pensioner suffering a cut in their pension entitlement."
The Arcadia group includes recognised high street brands such as Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Burton.
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Trio back in training
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid, Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho have all returned to training - although Andy Carroll remains sidelined through injury.
The trio were all involved in individual training sessions at the club's Bad Waltersdorf training complex this morning, a matter of hours ahead of United's first pre-season test against Sturm Graz.
And Sakho - who featured in just two matches last season - even stopped behind after the rest of the squad had retreated to their quarters to undergo extra training, as he bids to return to full fitness ahead of the 2017/18 season opener at Manchester United next month.
Carroll, who has flown to Austria with the squad but is yet to take part in any kind of training was present at the complex along with the rest of the team, where he happily signed autographs for the small group of watching supporters.
Meanwhile Angelo Ogbonna, who missed the latter half of last season through injury is also back in full training, where he looked just fine alongside his tgeam mates.
Sturm Graz vs West Ham kicks off at 5.30pm BST and is being broadcast live on Premier Sports. The match is also being streamed live on YouTube.
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Joe Hart passes medical ahead of West Ham loan switch
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 17/07/17 6:22pm
SSN
Joe Hart has passed his medical ahead of his loan move from Manchester City to West Ham, according to Sky sources. Hart is set to join on a season-long loan, although it is understood West Ham will have an option to buy the England international next summer. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan with Serie A side Torino, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City following the arrival of manager Pep Guardiola. City signed Claudio Bravo as their presumed No 1 'keeper following Guardiola's arrival and this summer they have added Brazilian Ederson to their goalkeeping ranks. Sky Sports News HQ reported last week that the Hammers were hoping to finalise the deal for Hart within the next few days, while Hammers boss Slaven Bilic said recently that he was expecting imminent reinforcements. "What we want is to bring in the quality that is going to improve our first XI," said Bilic. "We have (former Manchester City defender) Pablo Zabaleta and I am really expecting to add a couple more soon."
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Sturm Graz II 0-0 West Ham: Hammers open pre-season with draw
By Patrick Surlis
Last Updated: 17/07/17 8:17pm
SSN
West Ham started their pre-season campaign with a goalless draw against Sturm Graz II in Austria on Monday evening. Pablo Zabaleta made his Hammers debut at right-back as Slaven Bilic gave every fit member of his squad a 45-minute run-out. Sturm Graz II almost went ahead when the third-tier side had a goal disallowed for offside after eight minutes. That close call sparked West Ham into life and young midfielder Nathan Holland went close, while goalkeeper Tobias Schutzenhaur twice denied Andre Ayew. The hosts' best chance fell to Romano Schmid but Adrian made a smart save to preserve his clean sheet. Bilic made a number of changes at the break - with Aaron Cresswell taking over the captain's armband - but the Premier League side could not find a breakthrough. Sofiane Feghouli and Manuel Lanzini looked bright but their Austrian opponents held firm to earn a draw. West Ham face Sky Bet Championship side Fulham on Thursday evening as they continue their preparations for the new season.
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Simon Jordan says Joe Hart is a poor goalkeeper
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart looks set to join West Ham United in the summer transfer window, but former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan does not seem to rate him Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart seems to be on the verge of joining West Ham United in the summer transfer window. According to BBC Sport, the England international goalkeeper has completed his medical at the Hammers and will join the London club on a season-long loan deal. The 30-year-old goalkeeper, who spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Italian club Torino, does not seem to be in the plans of City manager Pep Guardiola. Hart is a hugely experienced goalkeeper who knows the Premier League inside out. The Englishman played an important role in the Citizens winning the league titles in 2012 and 2014. Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, though, does not seem to be a fan of the England international, and has said that Hart is a "poor" goalkeeper.
"I think Joe Hart is a poor goalkeeper," said Jordan on The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show on talkSPORT on Monday morning (broadcast from 6am, July 17, 2017). "I think in the World Cup of 2010 he did nothing but pick the ball up from the back of the net, and I am not surprised that he finds himself descending down the pyramid of clubs. "I certainly don't think he is England's number one anymore, but this doesn't mean he isn't a decent goalkeeper. I just don't think he is at the top of the pantheon of goalkeepers." West Ham also need to sign a top-quality striker in the summer transfer window in order to have a successful 2017-18 campaign. The Hammers need a proven goalscorer who can find the net 15 to 20 times in the Premier League.
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SPURS MONITORING WEST HAM'S MOVE FOR HERNANDEZ
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham have seemingly put all their eggs in the Javier Hernandez basket, much like they did last summer with Carlos Bacca. The Hammers are willing to meet the player's £13m release clause but wage demands in excess of £140,000-a-week are holding up the deal for the time being. If the club were to bring in the former Manchester United striker he could become the club's top earner by some distance, but West Ham are aware that they need to pay the top players top dollar to bring them to the London Stadium. The Mirror have noted that the Hammers have been presented with another stumbling block in their pursuit of Hernandez as Tottenham are monitoring the situation ahead of a bid. Tottenham are underwhelmed by Vincent Janssen and would like to swap him out for a more reliable backup to Harry Kane and Hernandez, a proven goalscorer at this level, is seen as a potential signing. West Ham have already missed out on Henry Onyekuru and Olivier Giroud this summer, and if they fail to bring in Hernandez that would be another crushing blow to the club's summer transfer activity.
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Di Canio says West Ham need a new midfielder and striker as "everybody expected better"
The Hammers legend has identified the positions where he feels they need to strengthen
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
16:00, 17 JUL 2017
Paolo Di Canio says West Ham need to sign a midfielder as well as a striker this summer as they look to improve on last seasons disappointing 11th place finish in the Premier League. The Hammers legend was speaking after representing Italy during the successful Star Sixes tournament at the O2 Arena and was also asked about the loan signing of Joe Hart, which is expected to be completed on Monday. Di Canio hailed the signing of Hart to shore up the defence but also admitted he fells the club needs one or two more signings to get back up to the required level. football.london understands the Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan is meeting with the agent of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez on Tuesday to thrash out a possible deal for the Bayer Leverkusen front man and the club has also been linked with a loan switch for Jack Wilshere. The Italian hero said: "Hart is a top goalkeeper but we need something more in the middle of the field and up front. I am sure that the club will do everything to make the fans happy."
Di Canio said he felt the club struggled to adapt to the London Stadium last season but has backed them to be much improved for the forthcoming campaign.
He said: "Everybody expected West Ham to do better. It was the first time apart from Upton Park, first time away from there and it was a shock, even if you play in a big and beautiful stadium. "But I think this year, with one more year experience they will adjust something, Bilic changed it on the pitch at the end of last season. "I think the future should be green with West Ham, I hope in my heart."
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AJIBOLA ALESE SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH WEST HAM
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham pride themselves on their academy and they've recently agreed terms with one of their brightest young prospects. All Nigeria Soccer are reporting that talented defender Ajibola Alese has signed a deal to become a first-year scholar in the West Ham academy and is on course to be offered professional terms further down the line. Alese is a regular at U16 level but did make seven appearances at U18 last season which illustrates how highly the club think of him Capped at England U16 level coming from a Nigerian family, Alese has been reportedly a target for the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City but recent infringements regarding youth player transfers from the Premier League duo ended a potential move for Alese. The centre-back can be offered a professional deal after he turns 17 and has the potential to enjoy a great career at the club. West Ham have a number of talented centre-backs coming through at the moment and sooner or later they will be handed an opportunity.
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West Ham youngsters Martinez, Rice, Cullen & Burke have got their chance - they need to take it
They are the brightest talents in the pool and now they get their chance in Austria
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
14:30, 17 JUL 2017
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has taken seven Hammers youngsters on the pre-season tour to Austria and on Monday night, they will finally get their chance to prove themselves. Toni Martinez, Declan Rice, Josh Cullen and Reece Burke are four of them who could be in with a shout of starting the first friendly against Sturm Graz II in Bad Waltersdorf tonight (Monday) as Bilic assess his squad. West Ham and the moniker "The Academy of Football" has not been ringing true for the past few years now and with Bilic blocking loan deals to have a look at these lads, they need to prove to him he was right to do so. If they don't, their first team chance could be gone as quickly as it has come around. The cynical bunch among West Ham fans will think this is nothing other than a PR exercise from the club to involve some of their talented youngsters in the pre-season tour before loaning them out. But, hold on a minute.
A teenager got just two minutes of action for West Ham and the Premier League last season and that was Rice, who got all those minutes on the final day at Burnley in a 2-1 win. Cullen has had two highly successful loan spells away at Bradford, Martinez has rattled in goals for the U23s, Burke has always impressed in claret and blue when given the chance and Rice is extremely highly-rated within the set up, leading the U23s to glory last season. The manager wants to take a look at them, alongside the likes of Domingos Quina as well when he is back from international duty, to see if they can really cut the mustard in the first team and live up to their reputations. It's a chance the young lads simply have to take if they are to have any hope of breaking through in the future. Burke even revealed himself that the boss has put the brakes on a loan deal to Bolton to have a closer look at him. We have all seen those tweets from David Gold, who suggested it'll be very hard for a teenager to break into the first team but now that Bilic seems to have relaxed his stance a little, there could be a chance. The Croat has always favoured sending younger players out on loan to get experience - like he has done with Reece Oxford this summer to Borussia Monchengladbach - but why has he now changed his mind?
Shifting out Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore, Havard Nordtveit, Alvaro Arbeloa and maybe Sofiane Feghouli too could leave the squad a bit threadbare. If Michail Antonio, Angelo Ogbonna, Andy Carrolll and Diafra Sakho and Pedro Obiang are not 100 per cent for the first game of the season at Old Trafford, the kids will be in the frame. The young lads don't need us to tell them what to do over the next month while they are away with the first team. They know they need to buck up and knuckle down, get down to work and impress the boss. If they do, they might get an unexpected chance at the start of the Premier League season. It might seem far-fetched given how little anyone got a look in last season but with a smaller squad, the opportunity is there.
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HERNANDEZ SET TO AGREE £145,000-A-WEEK DEAL WITH WEST HAM
ABDULLAH MULLA @AbzMulla6
ReadWestHam
West Ham United are on the verge of agreeing a £145,000-a-week deal with Mexican striker Javier Hernandez as the Hammers prepare to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea to his signature, according to a report on the Express. The Hammers have been eager to add a big name striker to their front line in this summer's transfer window as Slaven Bilic knows that his side struggled in front of goal last season. Last week it looked like a move for Hernandez would break down due to his wage demands but the London club are set to offer the Mexican what he desires to lure him to the London Stadium. The Bayer Leverkusen striker has a £13m buyout clause in his current contract with the German Bundesliga club and is interested in a return to the Premier League. The ex-Manchester United forward has a killer finishing instinct inside the box which is what Bilic is looking for in the transfer market. Hernandez managed to get his name on the scoresheet 11 times in the Bundesliga last season and also registered three assists. The Hammers have spoken to Hernandez' representatives and a deal is close to being agreed between both parties. The promise of a starting spot seems to have convinced Hernandez to join West Ham after Chelsea had shown interest but couldn't guarantee him a starting position. The 29-year-old striker is set to become West Ham's highest paid player.
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West Ham vs Sturm Graz II - what can we expect from the Hammers first pre-season friendly
West Ham kick off their pre-season fixtures against a second-string Graz side in Austria this evening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
12:00, 17 JUL 2017
With just under a month until the start of the Premier League season, West Ham finally kick off their first pre-season fixture ahead of the 2017/18 campaign in Austria this evening. The Hammers have been in Austria for nearly a week and have been undergoing gruelling double sessions to get them back into the swing of things as the pre-season gets a bit busier.
Slaven Bilic's side will take on Fulham in three days time in their second friendly of the tour before heading off to Germany, where football.london will be joining them. But, with the first game on the horizon in Bad Waltersdorf this evening, what can we expect to see tonight? Here's a few things to keep an eye on.
The youngsters
Toni Martinez, Declan Rice, Reece Burke, Josh Cullen, Nathan Holland and Moses Makasi are all in the matchday squad. They are coming up against a second string Sturm Graz side so expect the youngsters to get some good minutes under their belts. While it may not demonstrate much about what the lads can do against Premier League teams, it will give us a chance to see how they have coped with a first team environment, with a first team mentality, with Slaven Bilic watching on from the sidelines. Martinez will likely get serous minutes up front as it's only him and Ashley Fletcher as the recognised strikers. Could we see 45 minutes for both?
The formation
Pre-season is a time to tinker and get things right for the start of the season but if Slaven Bilic plays with the three centre halves formation he deployed at the end of the last campaign, it'll be a big giveaway. Winston Reid will miss the game so Angelo Ogbonna will likely step in, although we could see Declan Rice get the start back there as well. It means one up top, which will likely be 45 minutes for Fletcher and the other 45 for Martinez. If Bilic plays 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, both strikers will probably play and Andre Ayew and Manuel Lanzini get 45 minutes each playing off them.
Zabaleta's influence
Pablo Zabaleta is an experienced campaigner who has won Premier League titles and doesn't take any nonsense. Alongside Mark Noble, the new signing will be the vocal forefront of the team and he demands absolutely 100% from his team and from the off, we expect Zabaleta to be key at right back. Other players, particularly the younger ones, will no doubt have taken influence from the Argentine defender and it'll be interesting to see if it has made a difference.
Have the double sessions paid off?
New physio Gary Lewin will be watching closely as the players take to the pitch for the first time in this season after pulling gruelling double training sessions on a few of the days of camp so far. The players were given an afternoon off on Sunday but it's been very intense before that and Lewin will be keeping a close eye on any injuries, knocks and fitness levels. Mainly after the game, Lewin will certainly be analysing how the Hammers have coped and whether they might need to tone down the double sessions or keep ploughing on.
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Joe Hart is a bonus for West Ham but without a new striker the summer will not be a success
The keeper is all set to join on a season-long loan but the striking department still needs strengthening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
09:28, 17 JUL 2017UPDATED09:30, 17 JUL 2017
West Ham and Joe Hart have had a deal agreed since last Friday but it has taken until Monday for the England number one to have the West Ham part of his medical. You hope that David Sullivan hasn't spent too long on this deal and neglecting others because while Hart is a great signing for the club, his position was not a priority this summer.
West Ham have been interested in Hart for a while but they weren't expecting to get him, with Man City asking for £25m but as soon as the 30-year-old was available for loan, the Hammers made their move and have got their man. But, West Ham still don't have a striker and with a little less than a month to go until the Premier League season kicks off, some supporters still aren't convinced. It's been the usual merry-go-round of any European striker who has scored more than ten goals last season being linked with a move to east London but as of yet, the day the Hammers kick off their pre-season fixtures, there isn't a new one. Toni Martinez and Ashley Fletcher are the only strikers on the first team tour in Austria right now that are anywhere near able to play, you can maybe put Andre Ayew in there at a stretch. David Gold has made a promise this morning that signings will be made between now and the end of the transfer window.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Good mornings Mike. What we all need right now is patience. New signings will be made. dg https://twitter.com/joejimbobsdad/status/886684863708975105 …
8:02 AM - 17 Jul 2017
33 33 Retweets 182 182 likes
A move for Marko Arnautovic looks like it is going to drag on unless the Hammers stump up some more cash and they need to break the bank to get Javier Hernandez who has a lot of interest in him. Olivier Giroud hasn't come off, Henry Onyekuru went elsewhere, Cedric Bakambu signed a new deal at Villarreal, Martin Brathwaite went to Middlesbrough, Kelechi Iheanacho fell through, the list goes on.
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