12/07/2007 09:33
West Ham United is seeking to employ matchday stewards for the forthcoming 2007-08 season. Applicants must be aged between 18-55 years and will be required to work on all first-team home matchdays. Please apply in writing (enclosing a copy of your CV) to:
The Stadium Manager
West Ham United FC
Boleyn Ground
Green Street
Upton Park
London
E13 9AZ
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2007-08 Reserve team fixtures announced - WHUFC
12/07/2007 11:28
The 2007-08 Barclays Premier Reserve League South fixtures have now been announced. West Ham United will again be playing our home reserve matches at Woodside Park, the home of non-league outfit Bishop's Stortford, although our match against Portsmouth on September 18 has already been switched to Upton Park. Kevin Keen's team will kick off the campaign against Aston Villa at Woodside Park on Wednesday, August 29, with an away trip to Reading lined up for the following week.
August 2007
Comp H/A Date Opposition Kick Off
Reserve League H Wed 29 Aston Villa reserves 19:00
September 2007
Reserve League A Tue 04 Reading reserves 19:00
Reserve League H Tue 18 Portsmouth reserves 19:00
October 2007
Reserve League A Mon 01 Birmingham City reserves 19:00
Reserve League H Tue 09 Tottenham Hotspur reserves 19:00
Reserve League A Tue 23 Fulham reserves 19:00
November 2007
Reserve League H Tue 06 Arsenal reserves 19:00
Reserve League A Mon 26 Derby County reserves 19:00
December 2007
Reserve League H Tue 11 Chelsea reserves 19:00
January 2008
Reserve League A Mon 07 Aston Villa reserves 19:00
Reserve League A Wed 23 Portsmouth reserves 19:00
February 2008
Reserve League H Tue 12 Birmingham City reserves 19:00
Reserve League H Tue 19 Fulham reserves 19:00
Reserve League A Mon 25 Tottenham Hotspur reserves 19:00
March 2008
Reserve League A Mon 03 Arsenal reserves 19:00
Reserve League H Tue 11 Derby County reserves 19:00
Reserve League H Tue 18 Reading reserves 19:00
Reserve League A Mon 31 Chelsea reserves 19:00
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Arrest order issued for Tevez's agent accused of money laundering
Tom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro and Matt Scott
Friday July 13, 2007
The Guardian
A Brazilian judge yesterday ordered the arrest of Kia Joorabchian, the Iranian-born businessman who acts as the agent to West Ham's Carlos Tevez , after a two-year investigation into accusations of money laundering in Brazil.
Joorabchian, one of the businessmen behind the Media Sports Investments group which launched an unsuccessful takeover bid of West Ham last year, is accused of participating in a money-laundering racket involving the Brazilian club, Corinthians. MSI, a subsidiary of an offshore investment company, has been under investigation in Brazil since it took over the club in December 2004. Officials from the Brazilian intelligence agency are also known to have looked into the company's background but until now no concrete action has been taken.
"The [MSI] transactions are carried out with the use of numerous offshore accounts which have the single and well-known intention of distancing the investor and the illicit origin of the resources from their final destination, in this case the purchase and sale of [football] players," the federal attorneys Silvio Luis Martins de Oliveira and Rodrigo de Grandis were reported as saying by the Brazilian legal website consultor Juridico.
Joorabchian has maintained his innocence throughout. Yesterday the Sao Paulo-based judge Fausto Martin de Sanctis also ordered the arrest of Nojan Bedroud, an Iranian businessman linked to MSI, and the Russian business tycoon Boris Berezovsky, alleged to be the financial backer of MSI. None of the three men was in Brazil yesterday.
Instead Brazilian authorities forwarded the warrants to Interpol. The bank accounts of MSI in Brazil were also blocked. The activities of Joorabchian and MSI in Brazil first came under scrutiny in a 2005 report compiled by the Sao Paulo organised crime squad and the state public prosecutor. The document, to which the Guardian had access, claimed that "sufficient indices [exist] to show that the partnership MSI-Corinthians is being used to practise the laundering of money".
Joorabchian and MSI seem bent on calling the Premier League's bluff on the Tevez affair, reiterating last night that the Argentina forward will soon become a Manchester United player. In a statement he said: "On Tuesday Tevez will fly to Britain for a medical at Old Trafford as part of the process of his transfer to Manchester United. MSI is considering making an application to Fifa to request that they mediate in the dispute. It is our understanding that all parties involved in the transfer are now satisfied the administrative issues will be settled in the next few days."
Sir Alex Ferguson was saying that his club "think he's our player; it's just a matter of making sure everything's done properly", but the Premier League stressed again that this can be only if a market-rate fee is paid to West Ham.
It is understood that West Ham remain aligned with the Premier League's position, that they must receive a fee, but it is believed that they do not expect to do so. However, the club are not thought to be minded to make a complaint against the Premiership champions under the league's tapping-up regulations.
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Hammers angry at Tevez move claim - BBC
West Ham have dismissed claims that striker Carlos Tevez is set to complete his move to Manchester United. Representatives for the Argentine, 23, say he will have a medical at Old Trafford on Wednesday when he returns from Sunday's Copa America final. But West Ham are said to be bewildered by the latest statements on the future of Tevez, calling them irresponsible. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson remains "hopeful" a deal can be reached to take the striker to Old Trafford. He said: "I think we have got the player - we think he's our player and are very hopeful. "Everyone was excited when we thought we could get Tevez. He's exciting, his form is fantastic and at 23 he can get better."
Personal terms are understood to have been agreed and United have agreed an initial loan deal to sign Tevez. The Premier League has insisted West Ham, who hold Tevez's registration, must receive the majority of the fee rather than Kia Joorabchian, who owns Tevez's economic rights. A spokesman said: "Any deal for Carlos Tevez has to be done directly with West Ham United. "They hold the registration and we will not transfer the registration unless a deal is done directly with the club."
West Ham were only allowed to keep playing Tevez last season after assuring the Premier League all third-party clauses in the player's contract had been severed. But Joorabchian is confident he is on sound legal footing to push the transfer through. "We don't see any problems. I spoke to United on Thursday and they are confident they will have him registered next week," said Joorabchian. "Carlos will come on Tuesday, have a medical on Wednesday at United and hopefully we will have administrative issues sorted next week. "Personal terms between Carlos and United have been agreed in full. He feels confident now he is a Manchester United player."
Joorabchian said the time was right for the former Corinthians striker to leave Upton Park. "Carlos is a bit sad as, in terms of West Ham, he felt very attached to the club last season," he added. "He helped them out of the relegation battle but he is a sportsman, he doesn't understand the administrative bits and pieces. "He knows he is not fighting with West Ham or demanding anything. "He loved his time there and it was mutually agreed he would be there for a year and he has served his year. "He feels confident now he is a Man United player."
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Benayoun seals Liverpool transfer - BBC
Midfielder Yossi Benayoun has completed his move from West Ham to Liverpool. The 25-year-old, who is Israel's national captain, has signed for a reported £5m in a four-year deal. Reds boss Rafael Benitiez has described Benayoun as the ideal replacement for Luis Garcia, who joined Atletico Madrid for £4m earlier in the summer. "He said he was desperate to only join Liverpool and like Luis he is a very technical, clever player with a lot of game intelligence," said Benitez.
"He can also play in many positions, giving us a different option for the team. "Maybe Luis is a player who scores more goals and Benayoun tends to make more assists. "He was offered a big new contract at West Ham and received offers from a lot of other clubs offering him more money - but Yossi's message was always the same. "When you have quality players with his ability showing so much passion to play for your club, it's really good for the team." Benayoun, who described his Anfield move as a "dream", moved to Upton Park from Racing Santander in a £2.5m deal in 2005. And Benitez revealed he had been tracking the player since his La Liga days. "I first saw him play for Racing Santander, but when he first came to England we were watching to be sure he could adapt to a different style of football," added the Spaniard. "It's clear he's done this very well at West Ham. Liverpool fans will remember how he played in the FA Cup final against us when he was outstanding. "We thought then this was a player who is capable of stepping up to a higher level." Benayoun played 72 games for the Hammers and scored eight goals. It is the second piece of business between the clubs this close season following striker Craig Bellamy's move to the capital from Merseyside in a £7.5m deal. Despite the departures of Bellamy and Garcia, Benitez has bolstered his attacking options with Benayoun following Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin to the club and with Ryan Babel set to join.
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Man Utd deny Tevez deal imminent - BBC
Manchester United have distanced themselves from reports Carlos Tevez is set for a Tuesday medical at the club. Representatives of the player had added that "administrative issues" were close to being resolved, but West Ham are adamant no deal is in the pipeline. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson remains "hopeful" the striker will seal a move. But the Premier League has warned West Ham they risk more disciplinary action if they do not receive a transfer fee for the 22-year-old Argentine. Tevez, who is presently on international duty at the Copa America, has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford. And a conclusion to his protracted transfer looked to move a step closer when his representatives claimed a medical had been set up. But a West Ham spokesman responded: "He remains contracted to and registered with West Ham and there is no change to that situation. "Obviously, a move cannot take place without the agreement of West Ham and the Premier League."
Manchester United have already agreed terms with the player, but while West Ham hold Tevez's registration, his economic rights are owned by his representative Kia Joorabchian. And the deal stalled after the Premier League insisted West Ham had to receive the majority share of any transfer fee. However, sources close to Joorabchian are confident they are on sound legal footing to go ahead with the transfer. And Ferguson still believes Tevez is bound for Old Trafford. "I think we have got the player. We think he is our player and are very hopeful," said the Scot. "The Premier League seem to be holding back, I think they probably want to make sure everything is transparent. "We want that to be the case. We don't want a bad taste surrounding the transfer, we want it done cleanly."
The confusion was created last season when West Ham failed to inform the Premier League they had entered into an agreement with Joorabchian's company MSI when they signed Tevez and fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano. The Hammers were fined £5.5m and warned that Tevez would be unable to play for them while the third-party agreement was still in place. West Ham immediately ripped it up - but Joorabchian claims he did not agree to that. However, the Premier League is now insisting that Tevez's transfer must only involve West Ham and Manchester United. And BBC sports editor Mihir Bose reports that West Ham face action if they do not "assert their rights" over Tevez. Bose said: "There are voices being raised in football who are not all happy about the Premier League's role in the transfer. "They feel the Premier League, which is owned by the clubs, is exceeding its regulatory powers and accuse it of using bully-boy tactics to force West Ham to toe the line. "The Premier League vehemently rejects this charge. It says West Ham told them they had torn up the agreement with MSI and had complete control over Carlos Tevez, there was no third party influence of the player. "The Premier League merely wants West Ham to stick to this agreement and prove the undertakings they gave the Premier League still hold."
Tevez and his representatives have already agreed a deal with United. Bose added: "The terms are he will go on a two-year loan and that a loan fee will be paid to Joorabchian's company of about £10m. "The player himself will get about £4.5m a year and Manchester United could buy the player but would probably have to pay another £30m. "I suspect what will happen is that Tevez will tell Fifa that he doesn't want to go back to West Ham and the world governing body will have to resolve whether a player can be forced to stay at a club."
It is understood Tevez's camp believe the Premier League can no longer act as independent arbiter in the case. The Argentine and his representatives have written separate letters to both the League and West Ham to ask them to terminate the striker's Hammers contract - a request refused by both parties.
Fifa says it may be prepared to step in - but the matter would first have to go through the Football Association, which oversees domestic transfers. A spokesman said: "Fifa considers the Tevez situation to be a domestic matter and therefore of the competence of the FA. "If Fifa was to receive a formal request from any of the parties involved, it would look at the matter. "However, the possibility exists that we would still determine that it is the FA who is competent to decide on the case."
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Blades upbeat for High Court date - BBC
Sheffield United believe they have a strong chance of winning a favourable verdict over the Carlos Tevez affair. The Blades have a High Court date on Friday after an arbitration panel upheld the decision not to dock West Ham points over the striker's signing. The Hammers were fined £5.5m for their handling of Tevez's move and that of his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano. But Sheffield United hope documentation from Kia Joorabchian, the duo's representative, can help their cause. Club lawyers have been in touch with Joorabchian, who is prepared to hand over all the documentation relating to Tevez's contract if Friday's High Court ruling goes in favour of Sheffield United. A source close to Joorabchian said: "If the judge rules all the paperwork must be made public we will be forced to co-operate. "We have no idea how significant the paperwork may be. All we know is we have done nothing wrong." It is understood the documentation could potentially be harmful to West Ham's case and in the long run that may go some way to helping settle the contractual wrangle which is holding up Tevez's transfer to Manchester United. But Joorabchian would prefer for the matter to be settled out of court. West Ham were found guilty on 27 April of acting improperly and withholding vital documentation over the duo's ownership.
When Tevez and Mascherano were registered as players, West Ham failed to disclose that they had entered into an agreement with third-party companies.
Sheffield United had launched their first appeal after they went down on the last day of the season and West Ham stayed up. The three-man arbitration panel, headed by retired High Court judge Sir Philip Otton, did not have the power to change West Ham's punishment but could have ordered a new independent commission to judge the case. The Blades are set to claim the arbitration panel made an "error in law" by not ordering a new disciplinary commission to deal with the affair. And while chairman Kevin McCabe has accepted the club will not be reinstated to the Premier League he is looking for up to £50m in compensation. "I think anyone who looks at it and says one club has been wronged then the only recourse to make that wrong right is financial," he added.
"If you say that the Championship play-off game is worth £60m and Sheffield United's attendance last year was 31,000, with full hospitality boxes and restaurants and broadcasting income, you would say compensation is around £50m."
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Let me go - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 11th July 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Stephen Appiah has urged current club Fenerbahce to allow him to join West Ham United. The former Juventus midfielder, who turned heads last summer with a series of impressive performances for Ghana during the World Cup Finals is said to be desperate to join the Hammers who are rumoured to have made a bid worth around £7m. The Turkish side are - understandably perhaps - reluctant to allow Appiah, their star player, to leave and have insisted he join them on a pre-season tour of Austria. But the 26-year-old says that he remains determined to move to England in order to play in the Premier League. "West Ham have expressed strong interest in me and I think Fenerbahce will have to listen to their offer," he said. "It is my ambition to play in the Premier League. "At the start of last season I turned down offers from top clubs in Europe to help Fenerbache lift the title because of my love for the team and fans. "Even while injured I continued to play - so they should also take my interest into consideration and listen to West Ham."
Born in Accra, Ghana, Appiah began his career with local club Hearts of Oak before making his first big move to Udinese in Italy (1997). A move to Parma three years later ended with the Ghanaian international captain spending a season on loan at Brescia, before Juventus paid €2m to take him on a season-long loan in 2003. That deal was made permanent a year later and Appiah made appearances for the Italian giants in both the Coppa Italia final and Champions League. But due to the emergence of Manuele Blasi he was allowed to leave for Turkey in July 2005, when Fenerbache paid €8m to take him on a permanent basis. With the past year Appiah has been linked with several major European clubs including Manchester United and Schalke.
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FRESH EVIDENCE FOR BLADES - Sky
By Alex Dunn - Created on 12 Jul 2007
The on-going saga which follows Carlos Tevez's every move shows no sign of abating, with Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe having now claimed that fresh evidence has come to light. Following an independent arbitration panel's decision to uphold the Premier League's decision not to dock West Ham points, for third-party ownership in the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, United have made no secret of their belief that an injustice has been manifest. The arbitration's ruling has not, though, put an end to the affair, with Tevez's purported move to Manchester United having once more thrown the diminutive Argentine back onto the back pages. West Ham have claimed he will not be allowed to leave Upton Park but the player's representative, Kia Joorabchian, insists he still owns Tevez's economic rights and would be entitled to any fee, rather than the Premier League club, who hold the forward's registration. The Hammers had claimed that this agreement had been torn up, following the Premier League's decision to impose a £5.5million fine, but now, Joorabchian has reportedly provided fresh material which could open up the case once more. McCabe is adamant in his belief that compensation should be forthcoming and he will arrive at the High Court on Friday in a confident frame of mind. "Don't discount what might happen in the next few days," McCabe told the Daily Post. "This issue is not finished as far as we are concerned. "We have found out more. It has taken time because everyone is reluctant, but we have 'further information'. We have put it back professionally to the Premier League where we are still looking for answers. Sheffield United will not be pushed around. "It is ludicrous. Do you expect a company that owns the economic rights to Carlos Tevez and was willing to pay £15million to get them from River Plate to walk away with nothing from his transfer to Manchester United? And do West Ham United expect them to get nothing? "Behind the scenes we have been digging up information that will be embarrassing for the Premier League to answer. Whether that means we still have to take our place in the Championship, I don't know. This is business and the Premier League have to get hold of that idea - they have to get real."
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Yossi attitude pleases Rafa - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 12 Jul 2007
Rafa Benitez is delighted Yossi Benayoun has rejected more lucrative offers to join Liverpool. The Israeli midfielder is close to completing a move to Anfield after opting against signing a new contract at West Ham United. He will cost in the region of £5million and Reds manager Benitez has expressed his admiration for Benayoun's attitude. "He was offered a big new contract at West Ham and received offers from a lot of other clubs offering him more money," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo. "But Yossi's message was always the same. He said he was desperate to only join Liverpool because this was his dream. "When Rick (Parry), the Americans and I spoke about the player, we all agreed this is the kind of attitude we and our supporters really like. "When you have quality players with his ability showing so much passion to play for your club, it's really good for the team." Benitez also admits that Benayoun could fill a similar role to that previously occupied by Luis Garcia, who has returned to Spain with Atletico Madrid. He added: "They are similar. Maybe Luis is a player who scores more goals and Benayoun tends to make more assists. "Like Luis, he is a very technical, clever player with a lot of game intelligence. He can also play in many positions, giving us a different option for the team. "I first saw him play for Racing Santander in La Liga when he was a really good player, but when he first came to England we were watching to be sure he could adapt to a different style of football."
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Tevez: and on it goes - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 12th July 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United have reiterated their position on Carlos Tevez in the wake of news that the striker will be undergoing a medical with Manchester United next week. Earlier this evening Kia Joorabchian released a statement claiming that Tevez would be flying to Manchester next Tuesday in order to undertake a medical prior to the rubber-stamping of his switch to Old Trafford. "Tevez will fly to Britain for a medical at Old Trafford as part of the process of his transfer to Manchester United," said Joorabchian. "It is our understanding that all parties involved in the transfer are now satisfied the administrative issues will be settled in the next few days. "We will not be adding further to this statement at this time."
Joorabchian's statement followed comments made by Man Utd boss Alec/x Ferguson earlier in the day in which he too claimed that the deal was close to completion. "We think he is our player," said Ferguson, adding that "the Premier League seem to be holding back to make sure everything is transparent ... and we don't want a bad taste surrounding the transfer".
But given West Ham United's stance this evening, and the Premier League's insistance that any deal must be struck directly with the Hammers, that is unlikely to be the case. With Eggert Magnusson wedged somewhere between a rock and a hard place at present it is unlikely that United will agree to hand over Tevez's registration as that would effectively signal an admission regarding the Argentinian's true ownership. In a statement released to the press tonight, the club said: "There is no deal in place regarding Carlos Tevez. He remains contracted to and registered with West Ham and there is no change to that situation.
"Obviously, a move cannot take place without the agreement of West Ham and the Premier League."
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Bruce - no Marlon bid - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 12th July 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has denied making a bid for United's Marlon Harewood. Several of today's newspapers carried a story suggesting that the former Nottingham Forest striker was on his way to newly-promoted Birmingham in a £3.5m switch, having been told that his days at Upton Park are numbered. But that was news to Bruce, who told SkySports this morning: "We did make an enquiry about Marlon Harewood earlier in the summer but that is as far as it went. "There was no bid - and it is not true that he is coming now." Harewood - who joined the Hammers three years ago in a £500,000 deal - has also been linked with a move to Wigan, although the club are understandably reluctant to do business with the Latics given their position over the Carlos Tevez affair.
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West Ham stand firm over Tevez - Sky
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 12 Jul 2007
West Ham are insisting that no deal has been struck to allow Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United. Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian has told Sky Sports News that the striker is to undergo a medical with The Red Devils on Wednesday having agreed terms on a move to Old Trafford. However, The Hammers are adamant that they have not sanctioned any deal and that the Argentina international remains their player. "There is no deal in place regarding Carlos Tevez," a statement from West Ham read. "He remains contracted to and registered with West Ham and there is no change to that situation. "Obviously, a move cannot take place without the agreement of West Ham and the Premier League."
Despite West Ham's claims, Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Tevez will soon be Manchester United player. The United boss believes the contractual wrangle holding up the move will be resolved to allow Tevez to join the Premier League champions next week. "I think we have got the player - we think he is our player and are very hopeful," Ferguson told Sky Sports News. "The Premier League seem to be holding back, I think they probably want to make sure everything is transparent about it. "We want that to be the case - we don't want a bad taste surrounding the transfer, we want it done cleanly. "But as far as our club are concerned, everyone was excited when we thought we could get Tevez. "He's exciting, his form was fantastic and at 23 he can get better - I think he kept West Ham up."
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Tevez set for Red Devils medical - Sky
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 12 Jul 2007
Sky Sports News has learnt that Carlos Tevez will fly back to England next week to undergo a medical with Manchester United on Wednesday. The Red Devils are hopeful of completing the capture of the Argentina striker from West Ham next week as his proposed move to Old Trafford has been held up by the ongoing issue of his registration. But Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian is confident the contractual problems will be successfully been ironed out. Tevez is currently preparing for the Copa America final against Brazil on Sunday but will return to England following the game to seal his switch to United having already agreed terms with the Premier League champions. Joorabchian has told Sky Sports News that the 23-year-old will fly back on Tuesday before having a medical with United the following day. "Carlos is going to come on Tuesday to do a medical on Wednesday at Manchester United," Joorabchian said. "Hopefully we'll get all the administrative issues sorted next week and I hope everything will be okay, we don't foresee any problems. "We spoke to Manchester United tonight (Thursday), they are quite confident we can have him registered by next week. "Personal terms between Carlos and Manchester United have been agreed in full."
Joorabchian admits Tevez is slightly saddened to be bringing to an end his spell as a West Ham player, but says it was agreed last summer that he would only spend one season at Upton Park. "Carlos is a little bit sad because in terms of West Ham he felt very attached to the club last year," he added. "He helped them, along with the other guys at the club, to get them out of the relegation battle which I think they did a fantastic job towards the end of the season.
"He's a sportsman, he doesn't really understand all the administrative bits and pieces, but he knows he's not in any way fighting with West Ham or demanding anything. "He loved his time there and it was kind of mutually agreed he would be there for a year and he was there for his year, he served his year."
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Liverpool bag Benayoun - Sky
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 12 Jul 2007
Yossi Benayoun has completed his move to Liverpool from West Ham United on a four-year deal. Rafa Benitez has been a long-term admirer of the Israel international and moved in to sign him earlier this week. The Reds agreed a fee in the region of £5million with West Ham on Tuesday for the former Racing Santander midfielder. Benayoun has put pen to paper on a new deal through to 2011 to seal his switch to Anfield. The 25-year-old is seen as the ideal replacement for Luis Garcia, who returned to Spain with Atletico Madrid this summer. Benayoun scored eight goals in 55 league appearances for The Hammers after arriving at Upton Park in 2005.
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Benayoun departs for Anfield - WHO
Match Reporter - Thu Jul 12 2007
Yossi Benayoun has left West Ham to join Liverpool in undisclosed deal believed to be in the region of £5m. Signed from Racing Santader in July 2005 by Alan Pardew, the Israel captain become a firm favorite with the West Ham faithful with a string of match winning performances and some spectacular goals.
However this past season his form dropped away and rumors emerged of him being unfit for West Ham but fit enough to captain his county and this came to a head when he was seemingly dropped by Alan Curbishley after playing whilst carrying an injury for Israel against England. He was recalled and played his part in the thrilling run in that saved us from relegation, scoring in th 3-0 victory over Wigan at the JJB. West Ham offered a new bumper deal at the end of the season and both club and player reported he had agreed it but it was never signed because once Liverpool made their interest clear and the new deal was withdrawn.
West Ham United 19/7/05 – 12/7/07
League apps 55 sub 8 Goals 8
FA Cup apps 7
Uefa Cup apps 1 Sub 1
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Carlos Tevez saga may hang on judicial review - Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 1:39am BST 13/07/2007
The Carlos Tevez affair will come to a head in the High Court today when Sheffield United seek leave to appeal an arbitration panel's decision to dismiss their claim for new disciplinary action to be taken against West Ham.
The messy saga with the Premier League is unlikely to be resolved today with the Yorkshire club's chances of overturning the panel's verdict remote - West Ham and Sheffield United have conducted recent transfer activity which suggests that both have accepted their status will remain the same.
If the Yorkshire club are given leave to appeal, it would not affect West Ham's top-flight status but could lead to a new compensation claim against the Premier League by Sheffield United's chairman, Kevin McCabe, who argues that relegation will cost his club £50 million.
The Premier League remain confident the High Court will justify the way they have handled the affair. Peter Coyle, senior partner in dispute resolution experts Coyle White Devine, said: "My view is that the High Court will take the same view as the arbitration panel and see no reason to intervene on the decision to fine West Ham rather than dock them points.
"What could turn out to be more interesting is if they seek a judicial review of the league's decision to allow Tevez to play the last three matches of the season. To me, that issue does not appear nearly so clear-cut."
The Premier League took that decision after West Ham said they had unilaterally terminated the third-party agreements with Kia Joorabchian, whose company own the "economic rights" to the Argentina striker.
Tevez went on to play a key role in the final three matches of the season which saw West Ham escape relegation by a whisker, with the forward scoring the winner at Old Trafford on the final day.
Joorabchian has written to the Football Association claiming that Tevez is no longer under contract to West Ham and that he is a free agent and therefore able to sign for Manchester United.
Tevez is desperate to leave West Ham and move to the Premiership champions. The FA, however, have now written to West Ham to seek clarification of their position, and will be told that Tevez is under contract with them until 2010 and that they hold his registration. If any deal is done, it must be done with West Ham.
Joorabchian is trying to use the Sheffield United court action to put pressure on the Premier League to permit the Argentina striker's proposed move to Manchester United to proceed.
He has confirmed he is prepared to hand over all documentation relating to Tevez's contract at West Ham if instructed by the High Court.
It is understood, though, that West Ham are adamant all documents relating to the club and Tevez have already been handed over to the Premier League.
Fifa, the game's world governing body, are also watching the affair closely and have admitted that, if requested by the FA, they could become involved.
• Tevez will fly to Britain on Tuesday for a medical at Manchester United, after Argentina play Brazil in the Copa America final in Venezuela on Sunday.
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Winding road to High Court - telegraph
By Ben Hunt
Last Updated: 1:39am BST 13/07/2007
West Ham thought they had pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups in English football when they signed Carlos Tevez on Aug 31 last year, little realising that less than 12 months later the deal for the Argentina striker would end up being scrutinised by the High Court. Tevez and compatriot Javier Mascherano were signed from Brazilian side Corinthians for an undisclosed fee after West Ham agreed a deal with Media Sports Investments, who owned the 'economic rights' to the two players. However, problems with the transfers came to light when, during Mascherano's proposed transfer to Liverpool in January, it emerged that the midfielder would go on to play for three clubs in one year, contrary to Fifa regulations. The football governing body prevented him from moving to Anfield while they investigated his registration. On Feb 20, though, he was given the green light to play for Liverpool and made his debut four days later against Sheffield United. Then, on March 2, the Premier League charged West Ham under rule U18 concerning the influence of third-party ownership linked with the Tevez-Mascherano deals. West Ham declared they would "vigorously defend" themselves against any charges brought against them.
A three-man panel, headed by retired High Court judge Sir Philip Otton, was appointed by the Premier League to investigate the transfer with the hearing starting on April 26. The following day West Ham were handed a £5.5 million fine but escaped any points deduction which would almost have almost certainly led to their relegation. The verdict also ruled that "the registration of Tevez can be terminated by the Premier League".
Tevez went on to score in West Ham's 1-0 win at Old Trafford on May 13 to steer them clear of relegation with the club claiming to have terminated the original contract with MSI. The situation has now been further complicated by Tevez's proposed move to Manchester United, with the Premier League warning West Ham that they will dock them points if MSI, rather than the London club, bank any transfer fee. Joorabchian, however, still claims to own the player's rights and is willing to help Sheffield United's case by proving that in the High Court today.
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Fergie: Tevez is all ours - The Sun
By NEIL CUSTIS
July 13, 2007
ALEX FERGUSON last night declared that Manchester United are on the verge of signing Carlos Tevez. The Argentine hitman will jet into England on Tuesday for a medical. And Old Trafford boss Fergie said: "I think we have got the player — we think he is our player and are very hopeful. "The Premier League seem to be holding back, I think they probably want to make sure everything is transparent. "We want that to be the case — we don't want a bad taste surrounding the transfer, we want it done cleanly. "Everyone was excited when we thought we could get Tevez. His form is fantastic and at 23 he can get better. I think he kept West Ham up." Tevez has been at the centre of a contract saga which has delayed his proposed move from West Ham to the Premiership champions. But the player's advisor, Kia Joorabchian, last night released a statement saying the deal should go through in the next few days. It read: "On Tuesday Carlos Tevez will fly to Britain for a medical at Old Trafford as part of the process of his transfer to Manchester United. "It is our understanding that all parties involved in the transfer are now satisfied the administrative issues will be settled in the next few days."
United expected to have the Argie sensation signed last week. But problems over ownership of the player have so far blocked the move. The Premier League are adamant United cannot do a deal for Tevez directly with Joorabchian. Football chiefs say West Ham must collect the bulk of any transfer fee because they now own the player's registration. The Hammers were fined £5.5million last season because Tevez was on an illegal contract, which allowed Joorabchian's MSI company to sell him without the club's approval. The Hammers escaped a points deduction that would have seen them relegated and then immediately rubbed out the offending clause. That allowed them to keep playing Tevez in the final three games of the season — and he was instrumental in their Premiership survival. But the waters have been muddied again because Sheffield United, who were relegated, are going to the High Court today to seek permission to start legal action against the Premier League over the affair. A West Ham spokesman insisted last night: "There is no deal in place regarding Carlos Tevez. "He remains contracted to and registered with West Ham and there is no change to that situation. "Obviously, a move cannot take place without the agreement of West Ham and the Premier League."
Fergie wants more firepower quickly. He has already told Alan Smith he can leave while there are still big doubts over Louis Saha's fitness. That would leave United with just Wayne Rooney and Ole Solskjaer as his first-team strikers. Ferguson said last week the striking department was now something he had to concentrate on. But United have already spent £50m this summer on Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves.
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Carlos will have United medical next week, insists owner - This Is London
12.07.07
Carlos Tevez will have a medical at Manchester United on Wednesday, the businessman who owns him confirmed last night. Kia Joorabchian insists Tevez will fly in from his heroic exploits at the Copa America and head straight for Old Trafford to complete his £35million transfer, even though the Premier League are still refusing to sanction the deal. And last nightWest Ham challenged Joorabchian's stance. A spokesman said: "There is no deal in place. Tevez remains contracted to and registered with West Ham and there is no change to that situation." But Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson added to the confusion when he said: "I think we have got the player — we think he is our player and are very hopeful." West Ham had ordered Tevez, 23, to return to pre-season training in a statement last Friday but yesterday Joorabchian insisted West Ham, Tevez and Manchester United were in agreement.
"On Tuesday Carlos Tevez will fly to Britain for a medical at Old Trafford as part of the process of his transfer to Manchester United," a statement read. "It is our understanding that all parties involved in the transfer are now satisfied the administrative issues will be settled in the next few days."
Joorabchian added later: "I've spoken to United tonight and they are confident he can be registered next week. We are being above board, we have demonstrated paperwork to anyone who has asked. We don't want to make accusations about anyone else." Speaking about Tevez, Joorabchian told Sky Sports News: "Carlos is a little sad. He felt very attached to West Ham, he helped them to get out of the relegation battle. He is a sportsman, he doesn't understand the administrative bits and pieces. He is not fighting with West Ham, he loved his time there but personal terms have been agreed in full with Manchester United." Ferguson added: "Everything will be done cleanly. He is an exciting player who wins matches. He saved West Ham." The Premier League has insisted the transfer fee must be paid to West Ham, even though Joorabchian owns the player.
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Carroll aims to make up for lost time - Times Online and Agencies
After two frustrating years at West Ham, Roy Carroll has vowed to mount a real challenge to first choice keeper Allan McGregor at Rangers. Carroll was allowed to leave the Hammers by new manager Alan Curbishley at the end of last season, but after signing a one-year deal with Rangers is keen to prove his days as a top-class goalkeeper are not over.
"I'm here to fight for the number one spot. I've not come up here just to jolly up for a year," said Carroll. "I'm here to work hard with Rangers and we'll see what happens from there." "I decided to come up here because they've got Champions League as well. That's where everybody wants to play. "I've been there with Manchester United and hopefully I can pass that (experience) on to the players here."
Carroll last played in Europe for Manchester United but his last Champions League match was one to forget, as it was his error which allowed AC Milan to win 1-0 at Old Trafford in February 2005. However, it is far from a foregone conclusion that Rangers will reach the Champions League group stages. Walter Smith's side must face either Zeta or FBK Kaunas in the second round of qualifying, and then a tougher clash in the final round should they make progress.
Rangers might land a favourable draw against a team such as FC Zurich, but they could also be paired with Seville, Liverpool or Arsenal. The 29-year-old is also relishing his rivalry with McGregor, who won a Scotland call-up after an impressive campaign last term. "I'm here to keep him on his toes and that's what you need for a young keeper, to keep them on their toes and work harder," he said Carroll has also been reacquainted with Walter Smith in Glasgow, having worked with him previously when the Rangers boss had a spell assisting Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. "It's good to be up here working under him again," said Carroll. "I know what he wants from me."
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Kia in his own words - West Ham Till I Die
This is from an article by Alex Bellos that appeared in The Guardian in September 2006.
"The transfer of Mascherano and Tévez is a permanent transfer for an undisclosed price and undisclosed terms. It is not a loan or anything like that. There is no clause for them to play or not to play. That is totally the manager's choice. If Alan [Pardew] doesn't think they are good enough to play any game, or for tactical reasons, then that is his choice."
That quote is from Kia Joorabchian. Either the man is an out and out liar or he was telling the truth. Which is it?
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Wright Slammed by Chairman By BluesWeb.co.uk Friday 6th July 2007
Ipswich Town Chairman David Sheepshanks has blasted former blue Richard Wright who turned down a return to the club to join West Ham. Speaking to the Ipswich Evening Star Sheepshanks said: "We are disappointed Richard chose not to join us, but recognise that extra money for sitting on the bench at Upton Park must be more appealing than the opportunity to feature regularly for your home town team. "There has been a consideration to bring in a senior goalkeeper, but we are very fortunate to have two of the brightest young keepers in the country on our staff already."
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Hammers and Spurs interest sparked by Shorey deal delay - Daily Mail
Last updated at 22:13pm on 12th July 2007
England full back Nicky Shorey has put West Ham on red alert after revealing he is still waiting on Reading to offer him a new deal. The 26-year-old has two years left to run on his present contract.
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Fulham in race to sign Konchesky - Daily Mail
Last updated at 22:20pm on 12th July 2007
Fulham's transfer flurry continued as they targeted West Ham left back Paul Konchesky with a £2.5million bid to beat Birmingham and Manchester City to the defender. He would replace Franck Queudrue, who is interesting Newcastle. It follows the £3m capture of Southampton defender Chris Baird, the third Northern Ireland signing by their ex-international boss Lawrie Sanchez. The Fulham manager will complete a deal for QPR winger Lee Cook by this weekend for an initial £2.2m, plus £500,000 on appearances.
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BRUCE: NO MOVE FOR MARLON - Football365
Posted 12/07/07 09:50
Steve Bruce is relishing the prospect of working with former Juventus striker Olivier Kapo as he dismissed reports claiming West Ham striker Marlon Harewood is to become Birmingham's eighth summer signing. Bruce has been aware of Kapo's abilities for several years and he had no hesitation in signing him this summer when he was made available by the Italian giants. He is likely to form a partnership with another newcomer in Scotland international Garry O'Connor who moved to City from Lokomotiv Moscow. Bruce said: "I've watched Olivier for a few years now since I first saw him play up front with Djibril Cisse for Auxerre. I saw him him in a Champions League game against Arsenal at Highbury and he was very good. "Cisse got his big money move and Olivier moved to Juventus where it has not gone quite as well as he would have liked. But in today's market, the £1.5million we have so far paid is a hell of a deal. "He's the one who could do something for us a little bit different. He has fantastic technique and ability. He could have that little bit of magic that can turn a game in the Premiership." Bruce is looking to bring in new faces as midfielder Stephen Clemence and striker DJ Campbell prepare to move to Leicester. But he insists he is not about to sign Harewood who has fallen out of favour at Upton Park. Bruce said: "Yes, we did make an inquiry about Marlon Harewood earlier in the summer but that is as far as it went. There was no bid and it is not true that he is coming now. "I haven't finished with all my signings yet. If you look at it, so far we've lost four players from last season's squad and three of them were in the team in Andrew Cole, Nicklas Bendtner and Bruno N'Gotty. "It looks like Stephen Clemence and DJ Campbell could be going to Leicester, Julian Gray has gone to Coventry - and my immediate thought was to replace what I've lost.
"We're still short on the left hand side and I've got to try and do a little bit more."
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Stephen wants to be Appy Hammer - TeamTalk
Fenerbahce midfielder Stephen Appiah has revealed West Ham have made an offer for him and blasted the Turkish champions for blocking the move. The Hammers have reportedly made a £5million bid for the Ghana captain and Appiah insists he wants to play for Alan Curbishley's side in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old hit out at Fenerbahce's claims he wants to stay in Turkey and has refused to go on the club's pre-season tour of Austria in a bid to force their hand over a switch to Upton Park. He told The Sun: "I am very angry about stories saying I want to stay at Fenerbahce indefinitely. "West Ham have expressed strong interest in me and I think Fenerbahce will have to listen to their offer. "It is my ambition to play in the Premier League. "At the start of last season I turned down offers from top clubs in Europe to help them lift the title because of my love for the team and fans. "Even while injured I continued to play so they should also take my interest into consideration and listen to West Ham."
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TEVEZ EAGER FOR BRAZIL REVENGE - Football365
Posted 12/07/07 08:26EmailPrintSave
West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez has undelined he is out for revenge when Argentina face Brazil in the Copa America final on Sunday. Alfio Basile's side overcame a spirited Mexico side 3-0 in their last four encounter thanks to goals from Gabriel Heinze, a fantastic Lionel Messi effort and Juan Roman Riquelme's audacious penalty. The result sets up a rematch of the clash three years ago which Brazil won on penalties and Tevez is determined to make up for the heartbreak in Peru. "I haven't forgotten that they rubbed it in my face," Manchester United target Tevez said. "Today football has given me an opportunity for revenge. But it's going to be a hard game."
Basile, meanwhile, was full of praise for Messi after the Barcelona star's exquisite chip doubled Argentina's lead just after the hour mark. "Only 'stars' can do that kind of thing," he said. "It was extraordinary. Everyone was amazed. Messi is following in Maradona's footsteps but his career has just begun and so he cannot be compared to Diego. "I'm happy with the job the boys have done up to now but we have to win the final. "It's the last step. To play the final against Brazil is great because it's a derby."
Basile also thought that Argentina's superior fitness told in the end against a Mexico side that have impressed on their way to the semi-finals. "The first half was very even," he added. "They pressed well, did not let us to play and were better than us at times. But then Heinze scored." "In the second half, Mexico suffered physically. The spaces appeared and that wore them down them psychologically." Riquelme, whose coolly chipped penalty just minutes after Messi's goal effectively ended the game, was equally generous in his assement of the 20-year-old's display. "It was a beautiful goal," the midfielder said. "Lionel is playing superb football and we are trying to help him show all his potential. "We are happy because we played good football and we reached the final. We have beaten every team that we faced."
Internazionale's Esteban Cambiasso added: "Argentina against Brazil goes beyond revenge, it is a constant challenge and we always want to defeat them."
Mexican coach Hugo Sanchez was disappointed at the loss but admitted they had been beaten by a better side. "It leaves a bad taste in the mouth to not get to the final but we came up against a strong side and have to recognize that they were better," he said. "But being among the top four is very important as it enhances our reputation. I'm happy that we have improved Mexico's image." The former Real Madrid star also believes a lack of Mexicans playing in Europe's top leagues is the main reason they cannot match the likes of Argentina and Brazil: "We have only two players playing in Europe," he added. "Argentina and Brazil have like nine hundred! We do not have the reputation Argentinians and Brazilians have."
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TEVEZ DEAL CLOSE - Daily Express
Tevez wants to complete the transfer to United after the Copa America
Thursday July 12,2007
By Matt Law and Harry Harris Have your say(0)
KIA JOORABCHIAN and West Ham are working on a behind-the-scenes compromise that will allow Carlos Tevez to complete his dream move to Manchester United.
Tevez has agreed personal terms on a £35 million switch to Old Trafford and said he wanted to complete the transfer once his involvement in the Copa America came to an end. But the deal has stalled because West Ham and the Premier League have rejected a request from Joorabchian to cancel the striker's Upton Park playing contract and registration. Joorabchian and West Ham are now claiming they are happy for the matter to go through FIFA and the courts, but the Daily Express can reveal the two parties are working hard to avoid that conclusion. Last night a source close to the deal said: "I would expect it to be resolved soon, but the Premier League will need to be satisfied that everything is above board." West Ham were unhappy Joorabchian initially told the club they would get just £100,000 of the mega-money deal.
The Premier League are backing the club, maintaining the Hammers hold sole ownership of Tevez and, therefore, should receive a sizeable slice of any fee that is paid for his services. United are still confident Tevez will eventually become their player. They believe they have agreed a deal for the Argentina international and are staying out of negotiations between Joorabchian and West Ham. Although both parties insist they have nothing to fear over the Tevez saga, a court date would not be in the interests of either. An insider confirmed: "You cannot imagine anybody wanting to open up this can of worms."
Upton Park officials fear Joorabchian would point out he never consented to the termination of the initial third-party agreement that breached Premier League rules. He has already looked into the possibility of having to prove he still holds the economic and commercial rights to Tevez, which would again open up the debate over whether West Ham should have been docked points and relegated, with Sheffiedl United reprieved. The reason the Hammers refused to cancel the contract and registration of Tevez is because it would have represented an admission that the third-party agreement with Joorabchian is effectively still in place. When the club told the Premier League it had been terminated, they promised to assert their rights over the player. Joorabchian does not fancy appearing in court because there are suggestions his initial third-party contract could be judged to be legally invalid. When an independent commission originally investigated the transfers of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, West Ham QC Jim Sturman argued the agreement was not legally enforceable because there were clauses that represented a restraint of trade. Sturman's defence won favour with Simon Bourne-Arton QC, chair of the case, who said: "Suffice it to say we see considerable force in Mr Sturman's arguments. On the face of the documents, there are clauses that appear to us to be an obvious restraint of trade. "In assessing the appropriate penalty, we have proceeded upon the premise that these contracts would in fact have been unenforcable both as against the player and the club."
West Ham would also question whether a third-party agreement that was set up by a previous regime and was in direct opposition to Premier League competition rules could be legally binding. Even though Gabriel Heinze could be leaving United this summer, the defender is hoping Tevez completes his move to Old Trafford, having convinced him the switch would be good for his career. Heinze, who has been playing alongside Tevez for Argentina in the Copa America, said: "I told him that he is going to receive a lot of help to make progress. It is a team that gives you a lot of prestige both personal and professional. And he is going there at the right time. He is 23 years old so what else could he ask for? "It makes me feel very happy that Tevez might come to United. If everything goes OK he will be joining an amazing club. "If Manchester United want a player it is because they are classy. "It's the same with Tevez. If United want him it is because he has what it takes to be an important player for them."
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MARLON HARES OFF TO LATICS - The Mirror
By Alan Nixon 12/07/2007
WIGAN boss Chris Hutchings will sign Marlon Harewood from West Ham in a £3.7million deal today - after clearing Lee McCulloch to join Rangers. Hutchings has decided to come up with an increased offer for up-for-grabs Hammers hitman Harewood and hopes to tie up the move today. The free-spending Latics chief brought in more cash to meet the asking price when long-serving McCulloch was finally sold to his boyhood heroes Rangers. McCulloch ended his six-year stay at the JJB - where he arrived in the club's old Second Division days - after the Scottish giants increased their bid to around £2.5m. Walter Smith's club was under pressure to do their biggest business of the summer as their European campaign approaches and they sorted out the final small print yesterday. Harewood, who was an early target of Manchester City's new boss Sven Goran Eriksson, has been waiting on the Wigan move since the weekend.
He fancies the challenge after being squeezed out at Upton Park - and he also knows Wigan are throwing money about. The deal will happen despite a feud between the clubs over Athletic owner Dave Whelan's push to have West Ham relegated over the Carlos Tevez affair. In the end money talked and the deal went ahead. Hutchings said: "We have got to move on. West Ham are in the Premiership and had a hell of a run to stay up."" Harewood's arrival will push Henri Camara closer to the exit door at Wigan. The one-time record buy can leave for around £4m
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Wigan eye Harewood as McCulloch exits - Daily Mail
Last updated at 08:15am on 12th July 2007
Wigan hope to sign West Ham striker Marlon Harewood in a £3.7million deal after agreeing to let Lee McCulloch move to Rangers. Boss Chris Hutchings improved his bid for Harewood and will open talks today after Rangers increased their bid for McCulloch to £2.5m. The club had rejected two previous offers but finally gave in after the Scotland midfielder insisted he was keen on the move. Wigan, who hope to fend off Blackburn interest in Henri Camara, will offer Leighton Baines a five-year contract to stop him joining Sunderland after rejecting two bids of about £5m. Hutchings said: "I'm trying to build a team here and not sell our best players."
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