WHUFC.com
West Ham United reserves take on top of the table Aston Villa at Hinckley United on Tuesday
13.01.2009
Alex Dyer's reserve team travel to the Midlands to play the rearranged fixture against Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.
The key Barclays Premier Reserve League South match sees first play third, and the result could go a long way to determining the destination of the title. "I know it's going to be a hard game, they are top of the league and they have a good set up," reserve-team manager Dyer said. "I've told the boys to expect a hard game and I think we are prepared for it."
The Hammers second string are in good form themselves, having won their previous two games - against Chelsea and Portsmouth. Those victories ensured the team maintained their remarkable 100 per cent home record this season, although they have found it slightly harder going on their travels.
Several players who missed out on Gianfranco Zola's starting XI at Newcastle United on Saturday due to the strength in depth could feature at Hinckley United's Marston's Stadium. The likes of Kieron Dyer, James Tomkins, Jonathan Spector and Freddie Sears could start alongside some of the younger players who have just returned from successful loan spells at lower league clubs.
Alex Dyer said: "All the lads are firing and they want to play but I'm going to have to leave some of them out as we're going to have a few of the first-team squad members. It might be that some of the lads that played in the last game [the 4-3 win over Chelsea] will miss this game but we are all in it together and they will all play a part whether it is in this game or some of the games coming up."
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On This Day: 13 January
WHUFC.com
Spanish striker Kepa Blanco and a thrilling FA Cup victory at Hull City feature today
13.01.2009
Anniversary
Kepa Blanco
Date of birth: 13 January 1984
Clubs: Sevilla Atletico, Sevilla, West Ham United, Getafe CF
The vast majority of West Ham United supporters had never heard of Kepa Blanco before the Spanish striker arrived on loan from Sevilla in January 2007. However, it took just 70 seconds for the Marbella-born hitman to make his mark, scoring with his first touch after appearing as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground.
Unfortunately for Hammers supporters, Blanco would fail to score in any of his other seven appearances for the club. Despite his lean goalscoring record, the 25-year-old can still claim to have played his part in the 'Great Escape' from relegation at the end of the 2006/07 season.
Blanco - who was a prolific scorer for lower-league Sevilla Atletico in his youth - headed back to Spain at the end of the campaign before, in July 2007, he joined La Liga outfit Getafe CF on a four-year deal. The forward struggled for goals since then, however, scoring just three times in 25 appearances in all competitions for the Madrid-based club.
Classic match
Hull City 2-3 West Ham United
FA Cup first round
13 January 1923
A crowd of 14,000 assembled at Hull City's old Anlaby Road stadium to see West Ham United knock the Tigers out of the FA Cup at the first round stage. Goalscorer supreme Vic Watson scored twice while fellow forward Billy Moore added a third as the Hammers held on to win 3-2 and start out on their memorable run to the most famous FA Cup final in history.
The Hammers continued their trip to the 'White Horse' final at Wembley Stadium by beating Brighton and Hove Albion, Plymouth Argyle, Southampton and Derby County. Watson and Moore would go on to score 47 goals between them that season.
The 1922/23 season also saw West Ham United secure promotion to the First Division by finishing second behind champions Notts County, despite losing seven of their opening 15 league fixtures.
Hull City's Anlaby Road enjoyed a short yet eventful history. The club arrived in March 1906, but only 2,000 spectators turned out for the club's 2-2 draw with Blackpool. Fast forward three decades and the ground was heavily bombed during the Second World War. With the stands ruined, the Tigers continued to use it for training and reserve team matches until 1965, when a train line was built over the pitch. In between, on Easter Monday 1914, the main stand was destroyed by fire.
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No bird for Frank
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Former United star Frank McAvennie has been given a suspended sentence after being found guilty of affray. McAvennie, who pleaded guilty to the charge was involved in a scuffle on the island last summer with a local man, named as 23-year-old Ian Moffitt. The court heard that McAvennie headbutted Moffitt outside a bar in Douglas last July. The former Hammers and Celtic striker was on the Isle as he was due to take part in a charity football match later that day. McAvennie lawyer, Jerry Carter insisted during the hearing that his client had been provoked, telling the court:
"These are not the actions of someone who was out looking for trouble, but someone who felt he was on the horns of a dilemma and was trying to deal with it."
Organiser Lee Watson backed Carter's version of events, saying: "The problem was a local man wanted to get involved with these two football legends. He probably thought that because he is a customer of ours, that gave him licence to do as he pleased. At first, both ex-players were happy to talk to him and sign autographs but as the night wore on, he was getting louder and louder and basically overstayed his welcome.
"Yes, there were a couple of incidents that led to police action. But this whole thing was down to the behaviour of one man, and that man was not Frank McAvennie."
The 48-year-old was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for a period of two years, by High Bailiff Michael Moyle who also ordered McAvennie to pay costs of £113.70.
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Oh yes he is - winger fee agreed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
The local press in Hull are reporting that West Ham have agreed a £2million fee for Luis Boa Morte. News of interest in the former Portuguese international first emerged last week, but the reports were denied by both Hull nad the player's agent. However this morning's local Mail claims that the two clubs have now reached an agreement, adding that the two parties are set to hold talks to discuss personal terms within the next 48 hours. Hull manager Phil Brown - who is also set to sign Wigan's Kevin Kilbane, another left-sided midfielder - had previously denied interest in Boa Morte but was rather more forthcoming this morning when he said: "We've made progress and things are ongoing. The clubs have agreed terms on Luis Boa Morte, we're trying to agree terms on Kevin Kilbane, on a personal front as well. "They can't play any part in the Newcastle game because of the 48 hour ruling but hopefully Thursday or Friday will bear some fruit."
The departure of Boa Morte would leave Gianfranco Zola without a recognised experienced left-sided midfielder, although he remains keen on thrice-capped Fiorentina winger Riccardo Montolivo.
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Zola for the chop?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola remains one of the favourites to be the next Premier League manager to depart his position, according to the latest odds.
SkyBet list the Italian, who has only been in charge at the Boleyn Ground since September as fourth favourite to be next to depart despite his United side enjoying a recent run of good form recently. Zola, who made noises about his future before Christmas has been given reassurances by the board that he will not be forced to sell key squad memebrs during the transfer window. However that promise appears to have been taken with a pinch of salt not just by Hammers supporters but also the bookies, who still feel that things may come to a head before the end of the current transfer window. Joint favourites to go next are Chelsea boss Phil Scolari and Mark Hughes at Manchester City (5/2). Tony Adams, whose Portsmouth side are in freefall having been forced to sell their best players in recent months is listed at 11/4 whilst Zola is at 8/1.
You can get 16s for Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate, Newcastle's Joe Kinnear and on no further managerial departures whilst the three rank outsiders are Alex Ferguson, Martin O'Neill and David Moyes, all 100/1.
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Tigers agree Boa Morte deal
Brown lines up two new faces for City squad
Last updated: 13th January 2009
SSN
Hull City are close to completing the signings of Wigan's Kevin Kilbane and Luis Boa Morte of West Ham. Manager Phil Brown has revealed the club have agreed a fee with West Ham for Boa Morte and are hoping to reach a similar agreement with Wigan for Kilbane. Brown, whose side face Newcastle in an FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday, said: "We have made progress, things are ongoing. "The clubs have agreed terms on Luis Boa Morte and we are trying to agree terms on Kevin Kilbane, on a personal front as well. "They can't play any part in the Newcastle game but hopefully by Thursday or Friday they will bear some fruit. "We said at the start of the season we wanted to flood the place with Premier League quality and both those players have it in abundance. To get that quality of player in to Hull City would be great for the football club."
Both Boa Morte and Kilbane would offer balance on the left of Hull's midfield. Injuries to Andy Dawson and Anthony Gardner have left Peter Halmosi as the club's only recognised left-footer in recent months. Former Portugal international Boa Morte has struggled to earn a regular starting slot at Upton Park since a £5million move from Fulham in summer 2007. Republic of Ireland winger Kilbane is thought to be ready to move on after falling down the pecking order at the JJB Stadium. Brown does not intend his January recruitment to end there with plans also being made to find a striker and a defender. He added: "I would like in an ideal world maybe three or four players in and three or four out - but it is not an ideal world. "If there are some players out there you can get hold of and they will strengthen the situation, it is always good to go and get hold of them. "To freshen the place up wouldn't be a bad thing. "We are looking to bring a striker in and we are looking to bring another defender in."
Defender Wayne Brown remains at the KC Stadium after talks over a loan move to Charlton stalled. Full-back Ryan France has also turned down the chance to join Blackpool on loan.
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Exclusive : Liverpool Not After Illunga - Agent
Setanta.co.uk
by Laurent Picard , 13 January 2009
West Ham loanee Herita Ilunga is not a target for Liverpool, his agent has told Setanta.com in an exclusive interview. Congolese left back Ilunga is yet to secure a permanent deal at Upton Park, with the Toulouse defender on loan to West Ham until the end of the season. The Hammers appear to be ready to thrash out terms with the 26-year-old, but Liverpool have emerged as a possible destination for the talented Ilunga.
French daily L'Equipe claim that Rafa Benitez is interested in luring the African out of East London, but Daniel Striani, one of his agents, has rubbished the news. Speaking exclusively to Setanta.com, Striani said: "This Liverpool rumour is rubbish, and I'm glad you called me to check this, because there's a lot of speculation surrounding Herita Ilunga's future. "What he wants to do is remain a West Ham player, and West Ham have first option to sign him. "The player is waiting to know what they are going to do, and I can categorically tell you that these rumours about Liverpool or whatever other Premier League club are wrong. "It's up to West Ham, because the player is well-adjusted within the club, in harmony, and he wishes to stay. "But you know I don't have a crystal ball and don't know what's going to happen in the end."
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is happy with Ilunga's form and has confirmed his intention to secure a permanent deal for the Toulousain. Zola said: "Ilunga has been performing fantastically since the beginning and we want to keep him. We really trust him and I can tell you he's not going to leave."
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The Steve Clarke Effect
By Sam H ⋅ January 13, 2009 ⋅ Email
The West Ham Process
During my regulation browse around all things football before I get on with proper work, I came across some interesting stats at ChickenDinner. The stats show Chelsea's run of form before Steve Clarke left, and after.
It is so clear the positive effect defensively he has had on our side, but also the styles of Zola and Clarke compliment each other so well. It's clear that Chelsea miss him, and it's certainly clear that he and Zola make a very good managerial team….here are the stats from ChickenDinner:
Steve Clarke's last seventeen league games at Chelsea
Wins: 11
Draws: 6
Losses: 0
Points per game: 2.29
The seventeen league games since Steve Clarke left
Wins: 9
Draws: 5
Losses: 3
Points per game: 1.88
*For these statistics, the away game against Manchester City that occurred two days after Steve Clarke's resignation was tendered has been ignored. The reason for this is that he wasn't involved on the matchday but was almost certainly involved in the preparation.*
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Tigers close in on two targets - Two reject deals to move on
By CI Reporter - 13/01/2009 00:27
Hull fanzine
Transfer speculation a go-go as Hull City manager Phil Brown gives the latest on two targets that appear imminently close to joining the club, after the Newcastle United FA Cup replay has been completed...
Hull City boss Phil Brown has stated the Tigers are close to agreeing deals with Wigan Athletic for Kevin Kilbane and West Ham United for Luis Boa Morte. The Hammers have accepted an offer from Hull City for the Portuguese star with personal terms still to be discussed, while a fee of £600,000 is hoping to tempt Wigan to sell Kilbane so the club can duly agree terms with the Irishman.
On the pair Phil Brown gave the latest to state - "We have made progress, things are ongoing. The clubs have agreed terms on Luis Boa Morte and we are trying to agree terms on Kevin Kilbane, on a personal front as well. They can't play any part in the Newcastle game but hopefully by Thursday or Friday they will bear some fruit."
Adding - "We said at the start of the season we wanted to flood the place with Premier League quality and both those players have it in abundance. To get that quality of player in to Hull City would be great for the football club."
Before concluding - "I would like in an ideal world maybe three or four players in and three or four out - but it is not an ideal world. If there are some players out there you can get hold of and they will strengthen the situation, it is always good to go and get hold of them. To freshen the place up wouldn't be a bad thing. We are looking to bring a striker in and we are looking to bring another defender in."
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West Ham and City still at odds over Bellamy fee
By Jason Burt and Ian Herbert
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham United and Manchester City remain a huge distance apart on their valuation of Craig Bellamy – the Hammers wanting around £15m, with Gianfranco Zola the ultimate arbiter on whether he will leave.
Bellamy appears to want out of Upton Park and though he prefers the idea of a move to Tottenham to City, Mark Hughes' buying power appears to leave him the most likely to secure his countryman. A £15m bid would be a huge deal for a 29-year-old – albeit one who is returning to form – and in readiness for a revised bid from Eastlands, the club has a short list of three Italian strikers as a contingency.
City are endeavouring to be as realistic as they can in their bids. Hughes has been told that the reputations of the club's senior executives are on the line and they cannot just move in and blow every other club out of the water. But since City are the only club bidding for Bellamy the prospect of them signing him seems good. For now he has been told he is under contract.
Luis Boa Morte has been given permission to speak with Hull City, who are hoping a £2m bid will bring him to the KC Stadium.
City still have a separate galactico style list, with the search for a player from it running parallel to Hughes' hunt for proven Premier League performers. Milan's £100m-rated Brazilian Kaka remains top of that list. The club have been told to start their bidding at £10m for Newcastle United 'keeper Shay Given.
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West Ham reject City's £9.2m bid for Bellamy
Hammers insist striker and Scott Parker are staying put
City may have to part with £16m for Welshman's services
Sachin Nakrani The Guardian, Tuesday 13 January 2009
West Ham United have rejected an improved £9.2m bid from Manchester City for the Welsh striker Craig Bellamy and continue to insist that he and Scott Parker, another City target, are not for sale.
The offer for Bellamy arrived yesterday morning with Eastlands officials confident it would be accepted, having had a package for both he and Parker, thought to be in the region of £15m, turned down last week. However, West Ham were once again in belligerent mood and made it clear that any separate deal for Parker, who was outstanding in the 2–2 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday, would also be turned down.
Such a stance remains surprising considering the London club's financial plight. The owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, continues to look for a buyer to cover debts incurred following the collapse of the Icelandic bank Landsbanki, in which he had a 41% share, while the impending High Court verdict on the Carlos Tevez could land West Ham with further costs.But insiders insist there is no pressure on manager Gianfranco Zola to sell and claim that the main transfer targets, which include Matthew Upson and Rob Green, are happy to remain at the club. City are, however, expected to come in again for Bellamy, who has scored four goals in his past four league matches for West Ham, and it is thought a bid closer to £16m could persuade Upton Park officials to part with the 29-year-old, whom they signed for £7.5m from Liverpool in July 2007.
Another player attracting attention from Eastlands, the Everton midfielder, Mikel Arteta, has insisted that he is content with life at Goodison Park and not considering severing his ties with the Merseyside club despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.
Arteta has been in outstanding form of late for David Moyes' side and been linked with a £12m move to Mark Hughes' City plus a possible replacement for the injured Cesc Fábregas at Arsenal. The 26-year-old, however, has claimed that he is prepared to fulfil the lucrative long-term contract he signed at Goodison last year. "Arsenal might make a bid, City might make a bid. They are just rumours," Arteta said. "The squad at Everton is small and we have six players injured. It will never be easy for me to leave here, but it's not something I'm thinking about. I have three years left on my contract and I have been treated well. English clubs respect their players. The speculation is a little tiring. I've always said I'm very proud to represent this club and am happy here."
Middlesbrough's midfielder Josh Walker faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after it was confirmed he suffered torn ankle ligaments during Saturday's draw against Sunderland. It was the 19-year-old's first start in the Premier League.
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West Ham reject second Man City offer for Craig Bellamy
Mark Hughes has failed with a £9.5 million bid for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy as he continues to struggle to bring players to Manchester City this month.
Telegraph
By Graham Chase
Last Updated: 6:28AM GMT 13 Jan 2009
Having had a £16 million offer for Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz rejected last week, Hughes, who recently failed with a joint bid for Bellamy and West Ham team-mate Scott Parker, has had a further offer for the Welshman rebuffed. Like Santa Cruz, Bellamy played under Hughes during his spell at Blackburn and was also a key man during the City manager's spell in charge of Wales.
Hughes believes that Santa Cruz and Bellamy are the answer to his problems in the striker position and is unlikely to be put off by a second rejection from the Hammers who, having stated that manager Gianfranco Zola will not be forced to sell players, will face a backlash from supporters if the forward is allowed to leave.
Bellamy, 29, is beginning to put sustained injury problems behind him and has scored four goals in his last five appearances for the Upton Park club.
Despite having limitless funds at their disposal, City are determined not to pay over the odds for their targets and seem unlikely to put in offers that will "blow away" other clubs, which Sam Allardyce has claimed is what will be required for him to part with Santa Cruz.
Hughes has been looking forward to this month since the Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover on Sept 1, but even though his team are struggling at the wrong end of the table, Wayne Bridge, who signed in a £12-million deal from Chelsea last week, has been the only arrival in almost a fortnight since the transfer-window opened.
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Cottee praises West Ham's Bellamy stance
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 12 January 2009 - 7:59 PM
West Ham legend Tony Cottee has praised the club's determination to keep hold of star striker Craig Bellamy. The Hammers rejected yet another bid from moneybags Manchester City for Bellamy on Monday with the club once again stating their intentions to keep hold of their top players.And Cottee reckons this latest stand will give boss Gianfranco Zola a huge boost in the wake of the re-opening of the Carlos Tevez affair and the club's ongoing financial problems. "I really hope they can keep Craig Bellamy and their other top players," said Cottee. "There are probably four or five players at the club who are vital to keep hold of. "It's good to see that most of the transfer activity is surrounding squad or fringe players at the moment. "I think that's pleasing because all the bigger players who have been linked with moves look to be staying. "You can't get anywhere without your big players."
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Zola desperate to keep Ilunga at West Ham
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 12 January 2009 - 8:49 PM
Gianfranco Zola is ready to hand on-loan defender Herita Ilunga a two-year contract to keep him at West Ham. The 26-year-old has impressed for the Hammers since making the move to Upton Park from Toulouse in September and grabbed his first goal for the club in last weekend's FA Cup win over Barnsley.Ilunga's agent Daniel Striani stated last week that his client was growing impatient with the lack of progress over a new deal. But Zola is desperate to keep hold of the Democratic Republic of Congo left-back and says Ilunga is one player he wants to keep at Upton Park. "Ilunga is one of the players we want to keep," said Zola. "He has been performing fantastically since the beginning and we want to keep him. "We really trust him and he's not going to leave. "I can tell you he's not going to leave and I think the club will go to him soon and offer him a new deal."
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Newcastle ready to snap up West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie
The Mirror
Exclusive by James Nursey 13/01/2009
Nigel Quashie is set to become the latest bargain buy at cash-strapped Newcastle. Scottish international midfielder Quashie, 30, is approaching the end of a three-month loan from West Ham to Championship Birmingham. Quashie's loan expires after this weekend and Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear wants the combative ace, who is available for around £500,000. The star's preference for a move to Premier League Newcastle is a blow to City, who are now trying to revive their £3.8million transfer for Rangers striker Kris Boyd. Danish winger Peter Lovenkrands, who started a trail at Newcastle yesterday, faces a tough battle to prove he is fit enough for Premier League football. Lovenkrands has been plagued by injuries and started only 44 games in two-and-half years at German club Schalke. He has not figured in a first-team match this season after being sidelined for several weeks with an ankle ligament problem. But Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear remains confident of landing Lovenkrands, 28.
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West Ham tell Manchester City it will take 'extraordinary bid' to land stars
The Mirror
By Football Spy 13/01/2009
West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani has told Manchester City they will have to make an "extraordinary bid" to land Craig Bellamy, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker. City boss Mark Hughes had a new £9.5million bid for Welsh international Bellamy yesterday knocked back by West Ham, who have also turned down a £12m offer from Tottenham. Despite being cash-strapped the Hammers could want as much as £15m for each player.
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Magpies target Nigel Quashie
Vital Football
Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear is keen to snap up West ham midfielder Nigel Quashie on a £500,000 deal, reports The Daily Mirror. Quashie is the latest among a host of bargain-buys that cash-strapped Newcastle are currently looking at. Magpies owner Mike Ashley is yet to open up his cheque-book for signings this term, and Joe Kinnear has been instructed to secure loan moves, and free-transfers when possible. With the central midfield position a priority for Kinnear, Scotsman Quashie may be considered due to his vast experience and tough demeanour. 28-year-old Dane Peter Løvenkrands is already on Tyneside for a trial, as he looks to earn himself a contract with his performances in training. Toon midfielder Geremi may be sacrificed for Quashie's arrival, with Kinnear looking to sell the Cameroon-International to raise finances for purchases. Besiktas has been liked with a move for the ex-Real Madrid and Chelsea man.
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West Ham boss Zola tells Wenger: Premiership quality improving
13.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger is wrong to claim the Premiership's quality has slipped. Zola said: "The Premier League is getting better, the level has gone up. "Teams now are so well tactically prepared than when I first came to England to play. "Before it used to be only a few clubs who were prepared but now, whoever you play, it is very difficult. Every team is well-organised making it very tough no matter who you play. It is tough for everybody."
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West Ham's Bellamy in angry clash with potential Man City pal Given
13.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy exchanged angry words with Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given during Saturday's 2-2 draw, it has been revealed. The Sun says Bellamy launched into a foul-mouthed rant at his former Toon team-mate on the way to the dressing rooms at half-time during Saturday's 2-2 draw. Witnesses say Bellamy, 29, who had scored a 29th-minute equaliser, was the aggressor. A Toon insider said: "Bellamy just went into one but anyone who played with him at Newcastle, as Shay did, would not have been surprised "Bellamy was ranting and raving but not making a lot of sense." The pair are January targets for Manchester City.
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Man City confident landing West Ham's Bellamy with improved bid
13.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Manchester City are confident closing a deal for West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy in the coming days. The Times says City are expected to agree a deal to sign Bellamy for about £12 million this week after preparing an improved bid for the Wales forward last night. West Ham United turned down an offer of £9.5 million yesterday and City appear to have given up hope of signing Scott Parker, the West Ham midfield player.
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West Ham boss Zola to hand Ilunga two-year contract
13.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is ready to deal in Herita Ilunga. The Sun says Zola is ready to hand on-loan defender Ilunga a two-year deal. The Congo left-back, 26, has impressed for West Ham since moving from Toulouse in September and he grabbed his first goal for the club in the FA Cup win over Barnsley. Ilunga's agent Daniel Striani stated last week his client was growing impatient with the lack of progress over a new deal. But boss Zola maintains Ilunga is one player he wants to keep. He said: "Ilunga has been performing fantastically since the beginning and we want to keep him. "We really trust him and I can tell you he's not going to leave."
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