Obinna has Chelsea in sight
WHUFC.com
With Chelsea up next, Victor Obinna is aiming to give Avram Grant food for
thought in selection
31.08.2010
Victor Obinna is already targeting a "massive game" on Saturday week when
West Ham United welcome old rivals Chelsea to the Boleyn Ground.
Having sealed his high-profile switch from UEFA Champions League holders and
Serie A champions Internazionale, the Nigeria forward will begin work with
his new team-mates this week. He is eager to put himself in the frame for a
debut at the earliest opportunity. "I can't wait to play," he said. "I am
very happy and excited about moving to West Ham, I also want to thank the
coach for choosing me. He has had the confidence to bring me to London and I
think my game will suit the Premier League. I am looking forward to helping
the club move to the next level. "If I can play against Chelsea, it will be
a massive game for me. I know what derby matches mean for the fans and how
it is important to give everything you can. I am sure the atmosphere will be
fantastic."
Obinna, who had a successful spell at Spanish top-flight side Malaga on loan
last season, may be used to the glamorous surroundings of the Giuseppe
Meazza stadium in the San Siro district of Milan but he was no less in awe
of the Boleyn when he made his first visit to east London. "Inter have an
amazing stadium but West Ham have a big culture and a very long history. It
is an impressive stadium with so much history and I am looking forward to
making it my home. I am going to have a nice life here."
Like his fellow Hammers forward Pablo Barrera, Obinna has only just turned
23. Both are part of Avram Grant's vision for a pacy attack that moves
forward with freedom, but in an organised way. At such a young age, it is no
surprise that Obinna turned to a wise old head for some advice about his
move from Inter. "I spoke to the Legend, as we call him in Nigeria for
advice. [Portsmouth striker] Kanu is the king. He said many good things. He
was so excited for me to come here. He gave me some advice before signing
for West Ham and told me to go for it. He encouraged me. He has played under
the manager and said they had a very positive relationship."
He also sounded out his colleagues in the Nigeria set-up, with several like
Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Ayegbeni and John Obi Mikel playing in the Barclays
Premier League. "I have spoken to all of my team-mates in the national team.
They are so excited. "I know about the club, and the expectation here. I
believe West Ham have a good team. Last season they played well at times but
unfortunately didn't always get the results. I believe it will take a little
time but we will be back and show what we can do. It is going to be exciting
and I can't wait to play for the fans."
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Daprela departs
WHUFC.com
Fabio Daprela has joined Italian club Brescia Calcio on a five-year contract
31.08.2010
West Ham United can confirm that Fabio Daprela has joined Italian Serie A
new boys Brescia Calcio on a five-year contract. The paperwork on the
19-year-old left-back's move was finalised on Tuesday morning. He made eight
first-team appearances for the Hammers, making his debut in the 2-1 home FA
Cup third-round defeat by Arsenal on 3 January 2010. Daprela went on to make
four Barclays Premier League starts at the tail-end of last season, but the
return to fitness of DR Congo international Herita Ilunga and the emergence
of first-year professional Jordan Brown have limited his opportunities in
2010/11. The Switzerland Under-21 defender joined West Ham from Grasshoppers
in his home city of Zurich in July 2009. All at West Ham United would like
to wish Fabio well in the future and thank him for his efforts during his 13
months at the club.
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Keep on improving
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr has encouraged young goalkeepers Marek Stech and Sam Cowler to
maintain their progression
31.08.2010
Academy Director Tony Carr has expressed his pride at seeing two young
goalkeeping graduates make the step up to first-team level this month. Czech
Republic Under-21 stopper Marek Stech, who has been with the club for four
seasons, marked his senior competitive debut with a man of the match
performance in the 1-0 Carling Cup second-round victory over Oxford United
last week. Meanwhile, second-year scholar Sam Cowler was included in the
first-team squad for the visits of Bolton Wanderers and Oxford after Hungary
U21 international Peter Kurucz was laid low with a cruciate knee ligament
injury. Stech has been with the club since the age of 16, when he moved to
England from Sparta Prague, and Carr was naturally delighted to see yet
another Academy youngster make the grade. "Marek wasn't technically
homegrown, but he came through the youth team for two years and has now had
an opportunity to show what he's all about. "He produced a creditable
performance against Oxford, did very well and got man of the match. He made
one great save from a long-distance shot. It was all good experience for him
and he can only improve."
Cowler has been with the Hammers since he was a child, working his way up
through the age-group ranks before becoming a scholar in summer 2009.
After battling Peter Loveday and Deniz Mehmet for the U18s No1 jersey last
season, the young goalkeeper faces competition from Mehmet - a Turkey U17
international - as well as first-year scholars David Wootton and Jake
Larkins. Having been part of the first-team picture, albeit for two matches
as injury cover, Carr hopes Cowler will continue to improve this season by
forcing his way into the reserve-team set-up. "Sam was the next in line and
it was a great experience for him. It will have given him a bit of a taste
for the big time and spur him on to want more of it."
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Transfer deadline day: latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham continue to be linked with a number of players with the transfer
deadline just hours away. All summer dealings must be concluded by 6pm today
- and as a result, a number of clubs are still desperately trying to
finalise deals. United still have their finger in a number of tasty pies -
although much may depend on who leaves the club first. Everton striker
Yakubu remains very much on the radar although any deal is almost certainly
dependent on someone leaving the club first. The most likely departure
would appear to be Carlton Cole - however weekend rumours suggesting that
Liverpool were interested in the 26-year-old were exaggerated, although the
Reds are keeping tabs on the England striker's situation and could move
should other deals not progress as planned.
With Rob Green sidelined for around a fortnight as a result of a minor hip
operation United remain keen to bring in a recognised back up, with Roma's
Brazilian 'keeper Doni the club's main target. There would be no work permit
issue should the deal be concluded as the 30-year-old holds an Italian
passport. Other possibilities for deadline day moves include Everton's
Joseph Yobo whilst the Hammers remain keen on SV Hamburg's Ivorian
international Guy Demel, although nothing has changed on that potential deal
since the weekend.
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Danny Gabbidon urged against Wales retirement
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 QUALIFYING GROUP G - MONTENEGRO V WALES
Venue: City Stadium, Podgorica Date: Friday, 3 September Kick-off: 1830 BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru, live text
commentary online and score updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport
website. Live on Sky Sports 3
BBC.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Wales defender Danny Gabbidon has been urged not to consider international
retirement after pulling out of another national team squad with injury. The
West Ham centre-back withdrew from Wales' Euro 2012 qualifying opener in
Montenegro due to a calf problem. And former team-mate Iwan Roberts fears
Gabbidon, who has played just three times for Wales in three years, maybe
considering international retirement. But former Wales defender Jason Perry
said: "I hope that it doesn't happen."
Roberts fears Gabbidon may follow the example of fellow Premier League
Welshmen Ryan Giggs and Simon Davies and quit Wales to prolong their club
careers. And prior to the 31-year-old withdrawing from the Wales squad to
play Montenegro on Friday, Wales boss John Toshack warned Gabbidon he is no
longer an automatic choice at centre-back due to the emergence of Swansea
City's Ashley Williams and Craig Morgan of Preston. Gabbidon endured a tough
few years due to long-standing problems his thighs, hamstrings, calves and
lower back. But he has battled back from summer surgery to match-fitness to
start in West Ham United's last two Premier League matches - including
Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Gabbidon, though, he withdrew from Wales' 2012 European Championship
qualification Group G opener in Podgorica due to calf trouble. And his
former Wales colleague Roberts, a BBC Wales pundit, admits: "He has had
plenty of problems over the past few years with injuries and has battled
back to fitness.
"But once again he has had to pull out of a squad. "He has been a great
servant to Welsh football and maybe the time has come where he looks at the
squad and that he may be third or fourth choice centre-half. "And Danny may
think it is time to start thinking of his club career with West Ham and get
himself fully fit."
Gabbidon, who made his Wales debut in a goalless draw against the Czech
Republic in 2002, made a half-an-hour cameo appearance in Wales' 3-0
friendly win against Scotland last November and BBC Wales pundit Perry hopes
his 43rd cap was not Gabbidon's last. "He may not be starting at present
because he has had such a bad time though injuries," said the fellow former
Cardiff City defender. "But he is trying to get back and is certainly an
important member of the Wales squad - and given half the chance with
injuries, he would hold down the centre-back position. "Wales haven't got
masses of quality players and we're a small nation so we need everyone
especially if they play in the Premier league - we can't afford to have
people retiring."
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Duo battle for Babel
Spurs & West Ham target Reds man
Last updated: 31st August 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands Tottenham and West Ham have made last-ditch moves
for Liverpool's Ryan Babel. It is believed the London duo have contacted
Liverpool to ask about Babel's availability. Liverpool are thought to be
willing to let Babel move on for the right fee as Roy Hodgson looks to
reshape his squad. West Ham have held a long-term interest in Babel and he
has been mentioned in a possible swap deal with Carlton Cole. Tottenham are
thought to have turned their attentions to Babel after missing out on a
number of other top targets. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bolster
his attacking options before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday and
he is thought to be an admirer of Babel. Babel's long-term future at
Liverpool has been the subject of speculation for some time with the
Dutchman struggling to hold down a regular place in the starting XI. Any
move could depend on whether Liverpool can bring in a replacement for Babel
before the close of the window.
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Stoke win battle for Marc Wilson as Portsmouth captain arrives at Britannia
Stadium to complete move
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:21 AM on 31st August 2010
Daily Mail
Stoke City have won the race for Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson after the
Republic of Ireland international arrived at the club to complete
formalities on deadline day. The Potters have been battling for much of the
summer with West Ham and West Brom for the signature of the 23-year-old,
with all three parties having bids in the region of £3million rejected at
some stage. Stoke upped the ante with a cash-plus-players bid involving
Dave Kitson and Liam Lawrence which appears to have won out. Portsmouth had
desperately tried to hold onto Wilson but with the club still blighted by
financial uncertainty they have finally relented in the battle for their
most prized asset. Wilson has been at Pompey since 2004, following four
years in Manchester United's youth ranks. After several caps at Under 21
level for the Republic of Ireland, he earned his first senior call up in
March.
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United sign Payne
Posted on: Tue 31 Aug 2010
Oufc.co.uk
United have further strengthened their squad with the addition of midfielder
Josh Payne on a month's loan from Doncaster Rovers. Josh, 19, is a six foot
tall central midfielder who captained West Ham's under 18 side. He made two
senior appearances for the Hammers as well as having loan spells at
Cheltenham Town, Colchester United, and Wycombe Wanderers Having been
released by West Ham this summer he joined Doncaster Rovers, scoring on his
debut in the Carling Cup against Accrington Stanley: he also scored on his
first appearances for Cheltenham and Wycombe. Boss Chris Wilder is pleased
to have added Josh to his squad: "He's a player we have known about for a
while and was one we looked at in the summer. He likes to get on the ball
and we think he will add something in midfield for us. I spoke about him at
West Ham last week and he was highly thought of there, so he has a good
pedigree and I'm sure he will do well for us."
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Agent: There's a million things West Ham are looking at
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:31 August 2010 - 11:18
Sport.co.uk
Renowned football agent Barry Silkman has confirmed that West Ham United are
frantically trying to seal several deals today, but with uncertainty
surrounding so many potential moves it looks as though the Upton Park
faithful will have to keep their fingers crossed ahead of the 6pm transfer
deadline.
The Hammers have been linked with possible moves for Hamburg's Guy Demel and
Portsmouth's Mark Wilson while Tottenham Hotspur's Robbie Keane has been
tipped as a make-weight in a deal taking Scott Parker in the opposite
direction. West Ham currently sit bottom of the table after three
consecutive defeats and with unrest mounting, Avram Grant knows that a
change in fortune must be forthcoming. Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk,
agent Silkman stressed that the East End club were doing their utmost to add
to their squad having already signed Pablo Berrera, Thomas Hitzelsperger,
Victor Obinna and Winston Reid. "For me, I'm doing a lot of work for West
Ham at the minute. It's mental," stressed Silkman. "If anything happens I
don't know. They're trying to get a right-back, they're trying to get a
midfield player, possibly a second goalkeeper. There's a million things West
Ham are looking at, I'm not sure what is going to happen. "Everything is up
in the air, to be honest, everything is up in the air."
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West Ham midfielder Behrami must take pay-cut for Palermo move
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami will have to take a pay-cut to seal
a move to Italy. Palermo are chasing the Switzerland international ahead of
today's transfer deadline. However, to make the move happen, Behrami must
accept a major haircut on his Hammers wages.
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Stoke, West Ham linked as Huszti enters Premiership talks
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Szabolcs Huszti is in talks with Premiership
clubs. Russian sources say the Hungary international is negotiating a move
to England with a mystery Premiership club. Stoke City and West Ham United
are being linked with Huszti, whose representatives have ties with both
clubs.
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Tottenham Hotspur eye West Ham's Scott Parker in last-ditch transfer window
bid
Tottenham Hotspur are in line to make a last-ditch bid for West Ham's Scott
Parker before the transfer window closes at 6pm today.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff
Published: 8:37AM BST 31 Aug 2010
Despite purchasing Brazil's 21 year-old Sandro from Internacional for £6
million, Tottenham coach Harry Redknapp is understood to want one more
central midfield player to bolster his squad. Redknapp's former club have
already rejected a £7m offer but an improved bid could finally tempt the 29
year-old to north London. Tottenham are also understood to be eyeing Real
Madrid wantaway Lassana Diarra and Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari. Redknapp
could even lure Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor on loan for the
rest of the season. Meanwhile, Tottenham's bid to sign Luis Fabiano failed
on Monday after the Brazil striker signed a new deal with Sevilla, tying him
to the Spanish club until 2013. Redknapp was discouraged by the £25m asking
price.
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West Ham to let Cole go, goalkeeper Doni linked
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
August 31, 2010
ESPN
West Ham expect a last minute bid from Liverpool for Carlton Cole after Roy
Hodgson's approach for Fulham's Bobby Zamora was dismissed out of hand by
Mark Hughes. Hodgson wanted to raid his old club again having pushed
through a deal for one of his old boys Paul Konchesky, but talks are
continuing over Cole, with Ryan Babel a potential makeweight in a £12
million deal. A source close to the deal told Soccernet: "The possibility of
Zamora going to Liverpool was a non starter, not even worth going there. But
Liverpool remain interested in Carlton Cole. With Sunderland and Stoke
willing to pay £9 million plus £3 million for add-ons, the Hammers might
have to accept a lesser fee as the England centre-forward will only quit
east London for a big club such as Liverpool. The club are also interested
in signing a goalkeeper and Roma's Brazilian No. 2 Doni is top of their
wishlist. The 30-year-old has been told he can leave Italy with Bogdan
Lobonc and Julio Sergio favoured between the posts for the Serie A side and
could arrive at Upton Park on loan. Doni has also been linked with
Portuguese side Benfica and Manchester City as well.
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Ryan Babel 'to be used in Liverpool's Carlton Cole transfer bid'
Dutch forward Ryan Babel could be used as a makeweight in negotiations
between West Ham and Liverpool over the deadline day transfer of Carlton
Cole.
Metro.co.uk
Could Liverpool use Ryan Babel as a makeweight in their attempts to sign
Carlton Cole from West Ham? Reds boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be
interested in taking Cole to Anfield, especially after the former Fulham
boss failed in his approaches for PSV's Ola Toivonen and Bayern Munich's
Mario Gomez. Hodgson has spoken of his desire to add at least one more
striker to his squad to take the pressure off star man Fernando Torres this
season. And despite the Hammers' desire not to sell their leading hitman,
Cole would welcome a move away from east London to one of the Premier
League's top clubs.
Avram Grant is keen to keep Cole, 26, at Upton Park, but it is thought the
club's owners would be tempted to cash in at the right price. In other news
from the club's training ground at Chadwell Heath, much-discussed midfielder
Scott Parker arrived for this morning's fitness session. However,
speculation continues to surround his future - especially after the player
spent several minutes on his mobile phone while waiting in the car park.
Rumours are currentl circulating he has been in contact with his agent
numerous times over the past few days as offers of big-money moves have come
from several English clubs.
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Defender deal falls through?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's eleventh hour bid to sign Everton's Joseph Yobo is understood to
have hit a snag. The Nigerian international was linked with a deadline day
switch to the Boleyn Ground - but, according to reports, will not now be
moving south after the deal collapsed. It is thought that United wanted to
take the 30-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season - an offer
rejected by Everton who are said to have only been interested in a permanent
deal.
Yobo is just one of two Everton players the Hammers are keen on landing as
the transfer deadline rapidly approaches; Yobo's fellow Nigerian
international Yakubu, who worked alongside Avram Grant in Israel has been on
West Ham's radar all summer.
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West Ham boosted by Anthony Vanden Borre's U-turn on Hapoel Tel Aviv move
By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 12:36 PM on 31st August 2010
Daily Mail
Avram Grant has been handed an unexpected opportunity of a last-minute
signing after defensive target Anthony Vanden Borre surprisingly changed his
mind over a one-year loan to Hapoel Tel Aviv. The versatile 22-year old, who
can play at right-back or centre-half, flew to Tel Aviv for talks and seemed
certain to sign after indicating a strong interest in being part of their
Champions' League campaign. But Grant, who had Genoa's Belgium international
on loan at Portsmouth last season, was alerted to the possibility of
strengthening West Ham's defence after the deal fell through at the 11th
hour. Borre evidently felt Hapoel's Champions' League run would prove
shortlived, and his Italian agent Dario Ristori appeared to encourage an
approach from West Ham boss Grant by saying: 'Anthony is heading back to
Genoa, but we are certainly not ruling out the prospect of another club
coming in for him before the window closes.'
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West Ham try again for Everton striker Yakubu
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni remains a target for West Ham United. The
People says West Ham may go back in for Everton's Yakubu if they sell
Carlton Cole. West Ham have failed in multiple bids for Yakubu so far this
summer.
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Hamburg defender Demel in West Ham talks
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
Hamburg defender Guy Demel remains in talks with West Ham United. The People
says Hamburg have made it clear the Ivory Coast international has no future
with them. And Irons boss Avram Grant is offering a three-year contract to
the full-back, who spent a year with Arsenal in 2000.
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West Ham attempt loan deal for Villa fullback Young
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are seeking a loan deal for Aston Villa defender Luke Young.
Young has already turned down an offer from Liverpool this summer and scored
the winner in Villa's victory against Everton on Saturday. The Daily Star
Sunday says West Ham are keen to use their final loan slot on Young. The
England international's younger brother, Jake Young, is already on the books
at West Ham.
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Sullivan, Gold buying up more West Ham shares
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan is making a killing in his buy up of
club shares. The Guardian says Sullivan and his co-chairman at West Ham
United, David Gold, have increased their stakes in the club by more than 5%
each over the past month. In building his stake to 30.6% from the 25%
Sullivan had held since the former Birmingham City owners' part takeover of
the Upton Park club, he has spent only a little over £2m. In the latest
stake-building exercise the 61-year-old has not spent even half of the
£4.165m he received for the 4.9% of the club's shares he sold to Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson in November 2006.
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Defender moves to Serie A club
9:24am Tuesday 31st August 2010
Guardian Series
AN up-and-coming young player has walked out of West Ham, the club has
announced. Nineteen year-old Fabio Daprela has signed a five-year deal with
Brescia Calcio, newly promoted into Serie A. The left-back made eight
appearances for the Upton Park from last January.
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Keown: West Ham defender Upson will thrive in England situation
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
Arsenal hero Martin Keown believes West Ham United defender Matthew Upson
will thrive in the situation of England's depleted squad. Keown says England
go into their Euro2012 qualifiers with the most inexperienced defence in the
last 20 years. He told the Daily Mail: "I think Matthew Upson will be
pleased to have a break from what is going on at West Ham at the moment. "He
has the most experience among them and so I would start with him and Michael
Dawson, unless Phil Jagielka is fit."
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West Ham close in on Valenciennes fullback Tiene
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are attempting to close a deal for Valenciennes fullback
Siaka Tiene. Tiene is a £1.5 million target for the Hammers, though Fulham
are also keen. The Ivory Coast international would arrive at Upton Park as a
replacement for new Brescia signing Fabio Daprela.
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