WHUFC.com
The sun was out again in full force on Thursday but the squad did not let it deter them from working hard
22.07.2010
West Ham United's returning FIFA World Cup quartet may not be involved on Friday night against Panathinaikos but they have certainly been catching up fast with the rest of the squad. Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami have been a constant presence in training all week, as well as taking part in the various swimming, cycling, volleyball, boxing and water polo activities staged to complement the pitch work. However, they are all likely to sit on the sidelines in Kitzbuhel against the Greek champions, while it remains to be seen if Scott Parker and Freddie Piquionne will be involved in the match.
Hammer of the Year winner Parker has been back in training for ten days, while striker Piquionne also linked up with the squad for the first time in Germany last Friday following his move from Olympique Lyonnais. Manager Avram Grant will have to consider whether to play them or whether to wait for next week's two friendlies at MK Dons and Ipswich Town on Wednesday and Saturday week respectively.
The squad were out early on Thursday morning, taking part in drills that tested defending against attacking in both halves of the pitch. Each side was overseen by either Paul Groves or Kevin Keen, while manager Grant spoke individually to players throughout. Much of the emphasis was on positioning and quick breaks from penalty area clearances. After that, there was a lively match-style session that saw the squad split into three 'teams'. The two goalkeepers remained the same, and a small round-robin tournament of matches was played. It was fast and furious, and the action included some sharp-shooting from Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears. The highlight of the morning, though, was a crashing right-footed volley from Thomas Hitzlsperger that drew a spontaneous round of applause from the few fans gathered around.
Meanwhile, Pablo Barrera will not travel out to the club's Bavarian base with the Mexico winger having been back in his homeland earlier this week to finalise his move to Europe. The main beneficiaries of all of this will be the youngsters Grant brought away including first-timers Matt Fry, Anthony Edgar, Cristian Montano. The trio all figured against VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and Peterborough United in the first two friendlies and may get another chance to shine.
Check out WHUTV now for an exclusive interview with left-sided centre-back Fry. He was particularly praiseworthy of club captain Upson, who plays in his position and has taken time to help him along. Fry said: "It is good to be out here and involved. I have to take the opportunity.
"Having Matty Upson so close to me at West Ham and being able to watch him every day has been a big help to my career. He is a left-sided centre-half, the attributes are all there and for me to keep a close eye on him as helped me a lot."
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Pair all kitted out
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison and Zavon Hines were all smiles at the launch to the 2010/11 Macron away kit
22.07.2010
Jack Collison and Zavon Hines met West Ham United fans young and old as the new 2010/11 Macron away kit went on sale at the Stadium Store. The popular Hammers pair attended an exclusive shopping night for season ticket holders and corporate members at the Boleyn Ground, happily signing autographs and posing for photographs with supporters. The duo, who are currently on the road to recovery from knee injuries, also thanked fans for their continuing support and swapped some banter, with everyone giving the kit a thumbs up. When Collison asked one supporter what he thought of the kit, the gentleman smiled and pointed to his young son's buggy, which was filled with bags containing new shirts. Academy members were able to purchase the new away kit from 7am this morning before going on general sale from 9am.
The Wales midfielder was wearing one of the new shirts - which is inspired by the legends who were part of successful West Ham teams of the late 1950s and early 1960s - as he signed autographs and said he was impressed with the shirt the Hammers will wear on the road this season.
"I like it. It's nice to see it properly for the first time. It is a fresh new kit for a new season so it is good. We have a new manager, a new season ahead, I think it looks smart." Collison's thoughts were echoed by his team-mate Hines as the young striker inspected the shirt he was also wearing, adding: "The kit is nice, it looks good and I look forward to wearing it to play in. The fans we met seemed to like it a lot."
Both players were in buoyant mood as they spoke about the positive but steady rehab programmes they are both undergoing following surgery. "I had my operation (at the end of May) and this is the first time I have been off my crutches and can start to drive again, so it is nice to get to this stage," said Collison.
"I know I won't be starting the season but I am doing pool work now as part of my programme, so it's all positive. It's a slow process but at the end of it I will be fitter and stronger than before and I am just looking forward to getting back and playing my part for the team this season."
For Hines, it is also a case of taking it day by day on the road back to fitness. "The aim is to be back as soon as I can, but do everything in good time. It is all looking OK. There's a way to go yet but I am working hard, because as I said, I want to play again soon and wear this new shirt." The new 2010/11 Macron away kit is now on sale at the Stadium Store and Lakeside Store and can also be ordered from the online Megastore by clicking the above link. The Stadium Store is situated in the West Stand at the Boleyn Ground and is open 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. The Lakeside Store is situated in Unit 71 at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock. It is open between 10am and 10pm, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 9pm on Saturdays and 11am and 5pm on Sundays. The store is located on the ground floor, next door to Debenhams, and can be contacted by calling 01708 890258.
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Home kit revealed
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Junior Stanislas have all helped launch the new Macron shirt
22.07.2010
West Ham United are delighted to officially launch the club's new Macron home kit for the 2010/11 season. Following on from the hugely successful unveiling of the away kit - which is officially on sale in the club stores from today - there was much anticipation over the new shirt. That excitement grew with a sneak peek a fortnight ago, and whufc.com can confirm the new kit is one that nods proudly to Hammers history. Once again, the design is classic but cutting edge. Most striking is the stylish collar and the return to blue sleeves - while using modern material and state of the art breathable fabric. Like the away shirt, it is the result of the designers listening to fan feedback and an extensive review of photos of past Hammers heroes.
The shirt will be complemented by white shorts and white socks and will be worn for the first time when RC Deportivo La Coruna arrive for the SBOBET Cup in aid of the Academy on Saturday 7 August 2010. Carlton Cole, who has started the pre-season campaign in sparkling form with two goals already this summer, was one of the first to try it for size. He said: "It looks good, the material is nice and I think it will do well. I like the kit and hopefully we can win some games in it."
The kit can be pre-ordered now instore and online ahead of being available to buy from Thursday 5 August. Before then, a special launch event will be held at the Stadium Store at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park. Season ticket holders and corporate members have been invited to another exclusive shopping evening on Wednesday 4 August to enable them to buy it first. Members will be able to get in store early the next morning - with both events following on from last night's hugely successful evening with Jack Collison and Zavon Hines to mark the away kit going on sale.
If you are a season ticket holder or member who did not receive notification about yesterday's store promotion, please contact the ticket office today to update your details. Call 0871 222 2700 or an even easier way to register your email address with us and never miss out on a promotion is to sign up for Claret & Blue e-Magazine here.
Macron are leading the way for kit innovation, providing bespoke shirts that allowed the club to respond to fan feedback as well as provide stylish training gear to complement. There has been strong attention to detail, particularly on the shirt with the design of the cut, the inserts and the combination of fabrics allowing better movement for optimum performance.
The leading Italian kitwear manufacturers will be the club's official technical partner for three years from the new season. Having recently joined forces with SSC Napoli, AS Monaco FC and SC Braga, Macron were keen to make West Ham United a major part of their growing portfolio of top-flight elite European clubs.
Founded in 1971, Macron is based in Crespellano, near the Italian city of Bologna. In recent years, the company has rapidly expanded its portfolio of clients, and as well as Napoli also kits out Serie A clubs Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio 1920.
Macron also manufactures high-quality playing and training wear for basketball, handball, volleyball and rugby. It has links throughout Europe and operates under the message - work hard, play harder.
STADIUM STORE
Boleyn Ground
Green Street
London
E13 9AZ
Tel: 020 8548 2794
Non-matchday opening hours:
9.30am-5pm (Mon-Sat)
Please note store is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays
LAKESIDE STORE
Unit 71 (by Debenhams)
Lakeside Shopping Centre
Thurrock
RM20 2ZP
Tel: 01708 890 258
Opening hours:
10am-10pm (Mon-Fri)
9am-9pm (Sat)
11am-5pm (Sun)
* West Ham United will only confirm the club's new squad numbers just before the start of the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season.
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Second string set for Greek challenge
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are preparing to play their final game of the brief pre-season tour against Greek champions Panathinaikos later tonight. The Hammers - who go into tonight's game with two wins under their belt following successes against Peterborough and Borussia Monchengladbach - face a far trickier task against a side that beat highly-rated German outfit Wolfsburg 3-1 earlier in the week. However there is disappointing news for supporters who have already travelled some considerable distance to take in the game with the revelation that first XI players Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Valon Berami and new signing Frederic Piquionne are all likely to sit out the game. Additionally, it has been confirmed that Pablo Barrera will not be joining up with his new team mates ahead of their return to England, thus he will also not feature.
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'Pony' home shirt released
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's new home shirt for the 2010/11 season has been likened to the Pony kit of the mid 1980s. The new shirt, designed by Italian firm Macron features a welcome return to the club's traditional colour scheme of sky blue arms with a claret body - although the long collar, in complete contrast to the new away shirt, bears more than a passing resemblance to the shirt which was designed for the club's centenary some 25 years ago. As with the new away kit, the home version has been generally well received by supporters.
* A number of adult supporters have been delighted to discover that due to an apparent cock-up by the manufacturers, they can easily fit into the large junior shirts. Why is this a bonus? Because the junior kits feature the Bobby Moore Fund logo rather than that of SBOBET, the club's main sponsors.
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Remy deal close, say Nice
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are on the verge of capturing the signature of Loic Remy, say reports from France. According to a story in L'Equipe, Nice general manager Patrick Governatori believes that they close to reaching an agreement with United. "We received a new offer from West Ham which seems good and suits us," he said. "If Liverpool want him, we need clear arrangements and commitments. "West Ham are very keen. And we want to sort out that case before the end of the month."
Liverpool - who are said to be interested in a player swap deal only - entered the race to sign Remy last week. West Ham - who originally wanted to spread payments over the course of four years - are understood to have offered to pay the entire €13million fee immediately in order to secure Remy's signature.
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Transfer latest: 23rd July
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Stoke City are once again being linked with a move for Carlton Cole.
ESPN's Harry Harris, who enjoys close links with West Ham joint chairman David Sullivan, reports tonight that United are willing to accept around £12million for the striker having reduced their asking price from £15million.
Stoke, says Harris, are willing to pay around £9million straight up with another £4million in bonus payments to follow depending upon certain criteria being fulfilled. However with Cole having previously rejected Stoke's advances on more than one occasion any mooted deal looks unlikely, regardless of the club's apparent desire to cash in on the player.
Sky Sports resort to that old chestnut 'West Ham are lining up a move' tonight with regards to Leicester 'keeper CHris Weale. The 28-year-old is said to have had an excellent season for the promotion-winning Foxes and is thought to have been keenly watched by a number of clubs. Long-term followers of KUMB.com may possible recall that Weale spent time here on trial back in 2004 whilst still at Yeovil.
Loic Remy's representatives appear to be working overtime, for Arsenal are now being cited by a number of French media outlets as being interested in the 23-year-old striker. West Ham have already lost out to the north Londoners on Marouane Chamakh, who joined the Gunners on a free transfer, but a move for Remy would appear unlikely despite the reports. West Ham are still thought to be in pole position as the only club to meet Nice's valuation of the player who appears on the face of it to be less than enamoured at the possibility of moving to east London.
Milton Caraglio is set to fly to England early next week for talks over a possible move to West Ham, according to the player himself. Speaking to Radio Rosario, the Argentinian said: ""At this moment I am in Italy to get some records of my European passport. I'll be in London from Monday to discuss my transfer with the English club." The 21-year-old 6'2" forward currently plays for Rosario in Argentina.
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Sulejmani keen on Hammers deal
Striker accuses Jol of trying to 'ruin' his career
By Gerrit van Leeuwen Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN
Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani claims coach Martin Jol has blocked the opportunity to join West Ham United on loan. Hammers boss Avram Grant has targeted a move for the Serbian as he looks to improve his attacking options after taking over at Upton Park. Sulejmani had been lined up on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal, but Jolhalted the 21-year-old's switch to the Premier League. Jol reportedly feared he would lose Luis Suarez and did not want to see Sulejmani also leave Ajax on the back of several other key players moving on over the summer. The 21-year-old is unhappy with Jol's decision, although the transfer could yet materialise due to Fulham's interest in appointing the Ajax coach.
Sulejmani, who was left out of Serbia's World Cup squad, is keen to join the Hammers and is baffled by Jol's reluctance to sanction his departure. "I really don't understand why Jol has vetoed my move," Sulejmani told AD Sportwereld. "It looks like he's trying to ruin my career. I was looking forward to relaunching myself at West Ham. "Avram Grant sees me as a big talent and I'm keen to make a fresh start elsewhere."
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Hammers eye Weale move
Grant considers Foxes keeper
Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands West Ham are lining up a move for Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale. The Hammers are in the market for goalkeeping reinforcements with Robert Green the only experienced custodian at Upton Park. West Ham boss Avram Grant has taken Algerian keeper Rais M'Bohli on trial, but it appears he is also scouring the market for possible targets. Weale is believed to be on West Ham's wanted list after impressing during his debut season with Leicester last term. The 28-year-old played a key part in Leicester's promotion push and his performances have not gone unnoticed by a number of clubs.
West Ham are believed to have enquired about Weale's situation at the Walkers Stadium as they believe the keeper could provide cover and competition for Green. Leicester are reluctant to lose Weale, but could find it difficult to reject a sizeable offer for the former Bristol City keeper.
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Hammers looking at M'Bohli
Grant running the rule over Algerian shot-stopper
Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands West Ham have invited Algerian keeper Rais M'Bohli to their pre-season training camp. The Hammers are currently in Bavaria as they step up their preparations for the 2010/11 campaign. Manager Avram Grant has been busy in the transfer market since arriving in the Upton Park hot-seat this summer, with the West Ham squad in need of fine tuning. The Israeli continues to keep his eyes peeled for potential new recruits and appears to have identified the goalkeeping department as an area which needs work. England international Robert Green is the undisputed No.1 for the Hammers, but he is the only experienced shot-stopper on their books at present. With that in mind, Grant has opted to run the rule over African ace M'Bohli, who figured for Algeria at the 2010 World Cup. His current employers, Slavia Sofia, are reported to be keen to cash-in on the 24-year-old and are willing to listen to offers. M'Bohli has prior experience of life in British football, although a forgettable spell at SPL outfit Hearts in 2006 saw him leave Scotland without making an appearance. He has also taken in trials at Newcastle and Manchester United over recent times, but has been unable to earn a contract with either club.
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Sullivan launches Villa jibe
Parker staying at Upton Park, according to owner
Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists star midfielder Scott Parker is staying at the club as Aston Villa do not have enough money to sign him. The Hammers midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Villa Park following rumours that fellow England international James Milner is on his way to Manchester City. Parker would be a like-for-like replacement in the Villa midfield, however Sullivan believes Villa do not have the cash required to prise the midfielder away from Upton Park. "Nothing has changed," Sullivan told the Birmingham Mail. "Aston Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott Parker. "He really is not for sale."
New West Ham boss Avram Grant has been far busier than Martin O'Neill in the transfer market this summer having already signed former Villan Thomas Hitzlsperger from Lazio, Pablo Barrera from UNAM Pumas and Frederic Piquionne from Lyon.
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Just Loic at Sully Go
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM supremo David Sullivan has flown to France in a bid to beat Liverpool to 23-year-old striker Loic Remy. Sullivan held talks with officials from Remy's club Nice.
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Stoke preparing club record £12m bid for Carlton Cole
Published 23:00 22/07/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
Stoke are considering a club-record £12million bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. Hammers' supremo David Sullivan is willing to listen to offers for any player this summer apart from captain Scott Parker. And striker Cole, who has seven England caps, could be sacrificed to generate transfer funds. Potters boss Tony Pulis is desperate for more firepower and fancies 26-year-old Cole. Upton Park boss Avram Grant believes a bid of £12m would be too good to turn down for Cole, who has a history of injury problems. The cash from Cole's sale would enable West Ham to buy at least two new strikers of their own. The Hammers have a strong interest in Argentine striker Milton Caraglio as revealed by Mirrorsport on Tuesday. Caraglio, 22, who has an Italian passport, is set to be sold this summer by his club Rosario Central. He is in Italy talking to potential suitors but is due in England next week to talk to Hammers' officials.
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West Ham keen on Algerian World Cup keeper
Published 22:45 22/07/10 By Football Spy
SSN
West Ham boss Avram Grant is having a look at Algeria World Cup keeper Rais M'Bolhi. The 24-year-ol d, who plays in Bulgaria, has been invited to their pre-season training camp in Germany. Grant has only Robert Green as an experienced option between the sticks. Green was bombed out of the England side after just one game in South Africa when he gifted USA a goal. M'Bolhi came into the Algeria team after their number one made a similar cock-up in the opening game. And he kept a clean sheet as the Three Lions could only scrape a 0-0 draw. M'Bolhi's club, Slavia Sofia, are ready to listen to offers for the former Newcastle and Manchester United trialist, who was a flop in Scotland with Hearts in 2006.
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Piquionne: I will fire West Ham to a Top 10 finish and a Cup win
Published 22:45 22/07/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Frederic Piquionne will make his debut for West Ham tonight and has vowed to fire the goals to help the club secure a top ten finish next season. Piquionne completed a £1.5m move from Lyon last week and immediately joined up with the first-team squad at their pre-season training camp in Germany. The French striker has been re-united with Avram Grant after he scored 11 goals under the Israeli coach at Portsmouth last season. Piquionne has a battle to cement his place in the West Ham attack as Grant is close to securing the £13m signing of striker Loic Remy from Nice while Carlton Cole, Benni McCarthy and Zavon Hines are also fighting to be in the team. But Piquionne will get a chance to stake his claim when West Ham face Panathinaikos and feels he can become a major star at Upton Park next season. He said: "It is good for the club to have good players in the squad and competition. It depends how the manager wants to play - with one or two strikers - but I am training hard to be in the team. "I am happy to be here and everything is very good. I have been training two sessions a day for a week, and I am fit. "I think we have the team to compete in the top ten and maybe win the Cup. The Cup would be very nice. "I know a few players here; Herita Ilunga, Julien Faubert and Manuel Da Costa and the other players are very nice. "I know the coaches and the staff here and this is good for me. When Avram called me (to come and play) for West Ham I said 'yes'."
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Aston Villa can't afford Scott Parker says David Sullivan
Jul 22 2010 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail
LONG time nemesis David Sullivan has poured scorn on Villa's attempts to sign Scott Parker The West Ham supremo always delighted in goading Villa when he was in charge at Blues. And Sullivan has clearly lost none of his flair for mischief having yesterday dismissed Villa's ability to prise the midfielder away from Upton Park. "Nothing has changed," Sullivan insisted. "Aston Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott Parker. He really is not for sale." Sullivan's sentiments are confirmation of his entrenched position over the three-cap England international. Almost as soon as last season finished the Hammers' co-owner declared everyone in the first team squad was up for sale. Everyone, that is, except Parker. Nevertheless with uncertainty surrounding the future of James Milner, Villa are constantly linked with the 29-year-old – who would readily fill the central position to which Milner adapted so well las season.
And the situation is also clouded by Sullivan's business partner David Gold claiming a couple of weeks ago that everyone has their price. Gold also expressed his reluctance to part with a player he described as Mr West Ham but he could not ignore the London club's parlous financial position. The former Birmingham owners came into West Ham with the club £100 million in debt and needing to sell before they could hand manager Avram Grant any significant transfer money. If anything, however, the Londoners have been more active than Martin O'Neill in the market place having already signed former Claret and Blue favourite Thomas Hitzlsperger from Lazio, Mexico winger Pablo Barrera from UNAM Pumas and Frederic Piquionne from Lyon. They are also close to securing Tal Ben-Haim and have entered a second bid, believed to be in the region of £13 million, for Nice striker Loic Remy. Which means despite what Sullivan says the likelihood is that the right offer will bring West Ham to the negotiating table, although the chances are O'Neill will have to pay in excess of £10m for a player who is 30 later this year. And clearly his ability to do that will depend if and when Milner finally goes to Manchester City. Publicly Villa remain mute about the prospect of losing their best player to Eastlands for the second time in two summers, following the transfer of Gareth Barry. But City remain desperate to sign the versatile 24-year-old amid unconfirmed rumours he has already told team-mates he wants to leave. And there can be no denying the £25 million the England man would bring would go a long way to financing O'Neill's overhaul of his squad. Meanwhile Villa headed to Dublin for a mini training camp yesterday ahead of Saturday's friendly against Bohemians.
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Stoke ready to bid £14m for Carlton Cole
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
July 22, 2010
ESPN
Stoke City are poised to make a £14 million offer for West Ham's forgotten England striker Carlton Cole. Soccernet can exclusively reveal that Stoke are contemplating lodging a bid of £9-10 million up front plus a further £4 million worth of add-ons, which will be based upon their success with Cole in the side.
Stoke were one of the first clubs to be linked with Cole earlier in the summer, but talk of an £8 million bid a month ago was never going to persuade West Ham to sell. The Hammers value Cole at £15 million as strikers demand a premium price, but with no takers so far the East London club revised their asking figure down to £12 million. Stoke are coming closest to meeting that asking price, even though £4 million will be based on Cole's appearances and how well Stoke do as a club. The race for Cole is sure to hot up with Stoke now making the sort of offer that could tempt West Ham to sell. Having brought in four new players, West Ham need to start balancing the transfer books.
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Join the WHTID Facebook Group
West Ham Till I Die
From time to time, people have asked for a wider forum to discuss matters related to this site. I have now set up a Facebook Group for readers of the blog, which will make it easier for people who read the blog to interact with each other, assuming you're members of Facebook of course. I've just set up the basic framework. It's up to readers to decide how the Facebook Group should develop. To jin the Facebook Group, click http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136797316355057&v=wall&ref=ts
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Carlton Cole wanted by Stoke: Potters to make improved £10m offer for West Ham striker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:31 AM on 23rd July 2010
Daily Mail
Stoke are poised to make an improved £10m offer for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. West Ham value the former England international at around £12m and could be willing to accept Stoke's revised offer - but the deal is still likely to fail as Cole wants to stay in London. Stoke are big fans of the 26-year-old and have been in touch with West Ham throughout the summer, previously offering £8m, but they may have to accept defeat if this bid is rejected. West Ham, meanwhile, are keen on Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale, 28. Manager Avram Grant has taken Algerian keeper Rais M'Bohli on trial, but rates Weale after he impressed last season.
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