Daily WHUFC News - 24th June 2015

Randolph excited by Bilic arrival
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's new signing Darren Randolph says he is relishing the chance to work under new manager Slaven Bilic and cannot wait for the new season to get underway. Randolph became the first summer signing when he joined the Club from Birmingham on a free transfer. The Republic of Ireland international joined up with his new team-mates for the first time when the players returned for the start of pre-season training on Monday and is looking forward to working alongside Adrian and new goalkeeping coach Chris Woods next season. Randolph said: "It is very good to be here with some new faces and new team-mates. The move came about at the end of last season and I jumped at the chance to be in the Premier League. "I am happy to get back started and see how the new manager does things. He likes attacking football and everyone should be happy. "I saw the game when Adrian scored against Everton last season and he had some fantastic games last season. I am looking forward to working with him."

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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com

In our exciting new feature on whufc.com, the Boleyn Insider blog will bring you exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes goings on at the Boleyn Ground.

The Boleyn Insider will try to offer a digest on the latest gossip from around the Club and the major transfer speculation surrounding the first-team. In today's blog, he clears up the speculation surrounding a possible move for Dimitri Payet and reports linking Stewart

With the draw being made for the Europa League this week, I understand the Club are working very hard behind the scenes as they look to bring in several more players who can strengthen the squad during a busy period.

A lot of speculation continues to surround the possible arrival of highly rated winger Dimitri Payet from Marseille and that the Club have made a big money move to sign him.

I can exclusively reveal that the Club hope to resolve a move for the France international one way or the other this week. The other big story surrounding West Ham in the last 24 hours has been reports linking Sunderland with a move for Stewart Downing. Downing was one of the key players last season and earned a recall to the England squad. But my sources have told me that none of the squad are for sale and I believe the Club are only focused on bringing in new players for Slaven Bilic and not letting anyone go in the foreseeable future.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United

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Joint Chairman - Let's make it a special night
WHUFC.com

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is hoping supporters will turn out in their numbers as West Ham return to European action for the first time since 2006. The draw for the first qualifying round of the Europa League was made on Monday and the Club will play their opening game at the Boleyn Ground on July 2. Slaven Bilic will begin his managerial career in east London with a home tie against Andorran side FC Lusitans next week and will be hoping for a strong start in the competition. The Board are determined to keep ticket sales at affordable prices and advance ticket prices will cost just £5 for Under-16s and £10 for adults.
Mr Sullivan says the prospect of seeing a number of Premier League stars in action will attract a number of fans back to the Boleyn Ground. Sullivan said: "It is very exciting that the Club is back in Europe. Unless we do something very wrong, one would anticipate progressing beyond these first two rounds, but we can't be overconfident. "The Board's pricings for the first home leg are 10 for adults and £5 for Under-16s, so we can make these European games great family nights. "It's cheaper to watch us than going to the Cinema!

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Jarvis ready for Euro action
WHUFC.com

West Ham United winger Matt Jarvis is hoping to impress new manger Slaven Bilic and play a big part for the Club in the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground. Jarvis only made 13 appearances last season, but he is hoping a new challenge under Bilic will help him show his best form for the east London Club. The former Wolves midfielder hopes to impress the new manager this week when the players build up their fitness at a training camp in Ireland. With the Europa League first qualifying round taking place against FC Lusitans on July 2, Jarvis will be hoping to play a major role in the Club's European adventure over the next few weeks. Jarvis said: "It feels a bit strange to be back this early on but it is always good to meet everyone and talk about the holidays. It is all good fun. "I am looking forward to playing under the new manager. We will get to meet him this week and hopefully it will be very exciting. "I am looking to have a big season. I was a bit disappointed last year but hopefully I will be able to kick-start (my career) this season."

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Olympic Stadium: Barry Hearn wants West Ham deal made public
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport

Full details of West Ham's "secret" deal as tenants of the Olympic Stadium should be made public, says former Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn. The cost of transforming the venue into a stadium ready for football has reached £272m. West Ham will contribute £15m but the rent they will pay - reported to be £2m a year - has not been made public. "Who is it confidential from? I can't see any reason whatsoever why it should be secret," Hearn told BBC Sport. Hearn, chairman of Orient for nearly 20 years until selling up in 2014, wanted the club to groundshare the Olympic Stadium with West Ham and lost a legal battle to have the bidding process overturned. "The actual deal West Ham has got is still confidential and our current mayor of London is refusing to reveal details," he said. "As a taxpayer, I find that quite confusing. When people spend my money, I rather like to know what it's been spent on. In the absence of that information we can only speculate that it is a deal so beneficial to West Ham that it becomes questionable in its own right."

It is thought details of the deal remain confidential because much of it is regarded as commercially sensitive information.
Cost of transforming the stadium
Of the £272m total transformation costs, £15m is being provided by West Ham, with £1m coming from UK Athletics
Work includes installing a new 45,000m squared cantilever roof, twice the size of the original, covering all the seats and which will be the largest of its kind in the world
The local borough of Newham is contributing £40m, the Government itself £25m, with the remainder coming from a variety of sources including Olympic Park land sales
Retractable seating for 21,000 spectators is being fitted to allow the athletics track to be used in the summer

West Ham, who finished 12th in the Premier League last season, are preparing for their last campaign at the Boleyn Ground before moving across East London to the Olympic Stadium in time for the 2016-17 season. The Stratford venue, built for the London Olympics in 2012, was not constructed with football in mind and the conversion costs will take the overall spend on the venue above £700m. West Ham have a 99-year deal as anchor tenants, and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) says future profits will see a return to the taxpayer.
When asked to comment, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson's office reissued a statement from the mayor which did not address the issue of transparency. "Our remedy offered long-term sustainable investment in order to protect an iconic stadium that Londoners took to their hearts, and which is now set to be home to almost every conceivable sport, concert or community event for decades to come," said Johnson.
"We've created a knockout venue that will drive and sustain thousands of jobs, where we've ensured that a hefty share of the profits will be paid back into the taxpayer's coffers and which provides a genuine Olympic legacy for our city."

What will be taking place at the Olympic Stadium
2015 - Work will pause this summer to allow events including the Anniversary Games, five Rugby World Cup matches and the Race Of Champions motorsport event
2016 - West Ham will play matches there from the start of the 2016-17 season, with up to 100,000 free tickets annually for Newham residents
2017 - World Athletics Championship. Local athletics clubs will also have year-round access to a community track
Hearn, who is also the chairman of World Snooker and the Professional Darts Corporation, said mistakes were made at the beginning of the stadium planning process.

"They were trying to do something on the cheap and it has backfired at a huge cost to the current taxpayer," he said. "It will still be an attractive stadium and will do a fabulous job for West Ham. What a postal address to have - the Olympic Stadium. It doesn't get better than that. "West Ham, with the Olympic Stadium, in my view will become one of the major clubs in Europe within four or five years." But while the Hammers will have a new home, Hearn fears for the future of Orient, who are just over two miles away from the Olympic Stadium and are now in League Two following relegation. "It doesn't take a genius to say this could have a decimating effect on Leyton Orient," added Hearn. "It's a shameful situation that the powers-that-be have not taken this into account. When they use the word legacy, they should get a dictionary and see exactly what it means."

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Europa League tie switched
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd June 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's trip to Lusitanos has been switched by UEFA - meaning West Ham will now play the first leg of their Europa League qualifying clash at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers were drawn against the Andorran Primera Divisió runners-up in yesterday's first qualifying round draw. However due to fellow Andorran side Sant Julià also being drawn at home in the first leg of their qualifying rounf tie with Danish side Randers FC, UEFA have opted to switch West Ham's tie around That means West Ham will now enjoy home advantage first with the teams now meeting at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday, 2 July - and in Andorra for the return leg seven days later (Thursday, 9 July).

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Sport Football West Ham transfer news
West Ham calling Barcelona's transfer bluff over their £5m Alex Song price-tag
21:00, 23 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Hammers want to sign last season's on-loan midfielder permanently but not at that price and are unconvinced by talk of rival Man City and Chelsea interest
The Mirror

West Ham want to offer Alex Song a three-year deal - but are unwilling to pay Barcelona's £5million asking price. The Hammers were initially ready to allow midfielder Song to leave after his season on loan to them from the Spanish giants. But they have had a change of heart as they look to increase the depth in their squad for a season that sees them competing domestically - where they must avoid relegation so they don't move to the Olympic Stadium next summer as a Championship club - and in the Europa League. But they are not willing to pay the £5m that Barca are demanding, on top of the former Arsenal man's £70,000-a-week wages. Although Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked with Song, West Ham believe they have a clear run at the player — and are refusing to be held to ransom.
Song, who has two years left on his Barcelona contract, would give the Hammers good depth in their middle of the park. He would join the likes of Mark Noble, Cheikou Kouyate and exciting Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang, who was signed in earlier this month

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West Ham reject Sunderland transfer move for Stewart Downing despite being close to Dmitri Payet deal
19:00, 23 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Advocaat will have to improve his £5m valuation of the England midfielder — and is eyeing Fenerbahce striker too PLUS: Latest on the Hammers' Remy interest
The M irror

Sunderland have made a £5million move for Stewart Downing. But West Ham have rejected the Black Cats' interest in taking the former England winger back to his native North-East, even though the Hammers are closing on on £17million Marseille wideman Dimitri Payet.
Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is likely to test West Ham's resolve further, and Downing is watching developments surrounding Payet's potential arrival with interest. The 30-year-old ex-Liverpool, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Middlebrough winger is keen to play more regularly next season. He believes his best position is in the hole behind the strikers, where he excelled during the first half of the past campaign. Downing is convinced his chances of an international recall were affected by then-West Ham boss Sam Allardyce's decision to move him back out wide - where he was unable to have as much as an impact on the game - during the second half of the season. Advocaat, who performed a U-turn and agreed to stay on for the coming season after steering Sunderland to safety last month, also has his eyes on Fenerbahce striker Moussa Sow to beef up the Wearsiders' attack. The 29-year-old French-born Senegal international has just a year left on his contract and the Black Cats are ready to offer him a four-year deal. Sow moved to his Turkish club in 2012 and has since had an good scoring record with 59 goals in 143 matches in all competitions. Sunderland were among the lowest scorers in the Premier League season and Advocaat has made addressing that problem a priority ahead of the new season. Fenerbahce are hoping to tie Sow to a new deal but have also explored other options and retain an interest in Manchester United's Dutch hitman Robin van Persie. Meanwhile, West Ham are out of the race for Chelsea striker Loic Remy. New manager Slaven Bilic has made strengthening in other areas the priority.

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Forgotten striker gets fresh chance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Modibo Maiga is back and hopefully ready to make a point. With a year left on his Irons contract and loans spells at QPR and Metz behind him,everybody is keeping their fingers crossed the 27 year old can produce at last. And like every member of the squad he will get his chance under new manager Slaven Bilic in the close season and, hopefully, beyond. David Gold confirmed on Twitter: "Maiga is in the pre-season squad. It's up to him and Slaven [Bilic] to decide what will happen. "He will get his chance." And speaking to ClaretandHugh later he added:Who knows what could happen under a new manager. There was a time when under the last boss he was asked to play an Andy Carroll role and that's not really his game. "It could well be that in a different formation where his strengths are used he could well become a different proposition. Obviously we hope so. There's a chance to save the club some money in the transfer market but let's wait and see."

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Sullivan 'Eight figure signing within five days'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Chairman of the West Ham youth supporters club Jack Sullivan has returned to twitter to tell us that West Ham will sign a £10m+ player within five days. Sullivan Junior tweeted "Sorry I have been quiet but….we hope to announce a very large 8 figure deal within 5 days. I can't tell you more at the moment." Could it be 7 goal & 17 assists Dimitri Payet valued between £12m and £14m by Marseille or maybe it is the 17 goal machine Charlie Austin valued at £15m by QPR. Who knows? and if 15 year Jack knows he is not telling us. I guess we will have to be patient for another five days then.

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Patience a virtue in transfer time warp
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

I'm in the mood for a little analytical thinking as result of a rare visit to Twitterland! I'd barely cast my eyes over the first few posts when it became clear that I'd either entered a time machine or some people were stuck in a transfer market time warp of their own.
The responses were all so familiar as I read such as :
O I'm already fed up of this transfer window
O no new blood then! Same old same old
0 we need to be beefing up our squad Hugh! Need at least 5 more 1st teamers
O it's all gone quiet, the owners need to get their fingers out.

These are exactly the same impatient outbursts as we were reading last summer before we enjoyed one of the busiest transfer windows ever with eventually eight new faces arriving. Never mind that there is still nine days before the window actually opens or that the vast number of players supposedly joining us are all off the top of journalists' heads. Apparently to some, we are dragging our feet and (stamps foot) it's just not good enough. diafra-sakho-542296Names appear out of nowhere in the media and overnight fans who take such stories seriously are disappointed when nothing happens whereupon the owners get the rough end for a "lack of activity." All a bit illogical but born out of an understandable passion for the club. Fact is 80 per cent of the players that eventually arrive have been followed for several months and talks initiated with agents and clubs some time back. The first choices are talked to and hopefully accept terms. If not we go to the back-up lists.

It's a cast iron certainty that we are moving heaven and earth to bring in Dimitri Payet and are likely to re-sign Carl Jenkinson. Alex Song is a tad more problematical. There are others we are trying to get in but it's hardly reasonable to become impatient, angry and upset because nothing has happened by June 23. There's a transfer fee to agree, there are players terms to settle, agents to sort out and the ever present danger of counter bids being made which must looked at. That we brought in quality players like Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Chiek Kouyate last summer is a demonstration that the club does its homework well and negotiates hard. So to those who are getting a bit hot under the collar may I just say…patience is a virtue people. All will be well.

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Irons 27 goal target holding out for PL move
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

According to L'quipe in France, Lyon have proposed a €4m bid for West Ham target Claudio Beauvue. It is claimed the player already has offers from Al Jaish and Marseille but would prefer to move to the big time in the Premier League with West Ham and Everton said to be the two most interested in him. Beauvue was in fine form for Guingamp last season, scoring 27 goals in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit, but he now wants his move to a bigger club. Beauvue's contract with Guingamp has a further two years left to run.

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Dembele more likely at West Ham than Chelsea
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Danny Murphy has told Talksport that he feels Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele is more likely to move to West Ham than Chelsea. The Sun reported yesterday that West Ham and Chelsea are interested in the Belgian midfielder suggesting Slaven Bilic is an admirer and believes Dembele would strengthen his side. But Murphy says West Ham have the edge over Chelsea. "I'm not sure he's going to go from Tottenham's bench to Chelsea's first team – I think it's more likely that West Ham are going to take him from Spurs," he told Talksport. Dembele moved to Spurs from Fulham for £15m in August 2012.

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Sunderland interested in West Ham winger Stewart Downing, Sky sources understand
Last Updated: 23/06/15 10:02am
SSN

Sunderland are interested in West Ham winger Stewart Downing, according to Sky sources. Downing, 30, earned a recall to the England set-up last season, playing the first half of the 3-1 friendly win over Scotland in November. The former Liverpool winger, who scored six times in 42 appearances for the Hammers last season, spent a short spell on loan at Sunderland in 2003.
West Ham paid Liverpool £5m to take him to Upton Park in August 2013 and his current deal runs until the summer of 2017.

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Michu offered to Hammers for £4m
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

In absence of any solid transfer news the Daily Star claim Swansea are prepared of offload Michu to West Ham for a cut down price of £4m when he returns to the Welsh club for pre-season training. The 29-year-old forward spent last season on a disappointing loan at Napoli. A recurrence of an ankle injury limited Michu to just five goalless appearances. Michu has two years remaining on his contract at Swansea but the player who once scored 22 goals in his first season with Swansea has never found that form again. Last summer he asked to leave but it now appears Swansea are ready to offload a player once valued at £30m.

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West Ham track Spanish starlet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are thought to be interested in Spanish starlet Alfonso Pedraza according to HITC sport.. The highly-rated teenage winger has just broken through into Villarreal's first-team. Know as Alfonso, the 19-year-old came through the youth ranks at EL Madrigal and was called up to Spain's Under-19 squad earlier this year. Newcastle, Everton, Aston Villa as well as the Hammers are claimed to be among the club's keen on signing him. He has two years left on his current contract but a minimal buy-out clause. His agent Gregg Houghton confirmed there was strong interest in Alfonso and told HITC Sport: "All I can say is that, yes, there are a number of clubs in England looking at him. I can't name clubs but at this moment it would appear there is a strong chance he will be at a Premier League club next season."

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Tenner a ticket for Europa League
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has announced that West Ham will charge just ten pounds for adults and five pounds for the under 16's for the first leg of the Europa League qualifying round against Andorran side FC Lusitans on Thursday 2nd July at the Boleyn ground.
Writing on the official website Sullivan said: Sullivan added: "It is very exciting that the Club is back in Europe. Unless we do something very wrong, one would anticipate progressing beyond these first two rounds, but we can't be overconfident." "The Board's pricings for the first home leg are £10 for adults and £5 for Under-16s, so we can make these European games great family nights.
"It's cheaper to watch us than going to the Cinema!"

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Astroturf a big "no no" for Irons striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Andy Carroll won't be risked by new boss Slaven Bilic on the astroturf the Irons will face on their trip to Andorra. The second leg is set to be played in the national stadium where the artificial surface is not the best. It is notorious for contributing towards knee and joint problems and although the Irons are keen to get their record signing back in action, that is a big "no no" at this stage of his recovery from injury.. Gareth Bale dubbed the pitch "by far the worst surface I've ever played on " after Wales had contested a 2016 Euro qualifier on it. And after a 2-1 win against Andorra, manager Chris Coleman said: "The pitch is not up to the standard of a Euro qualifier. It shouldn't be played on at our level."

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Hammers interest in Roma striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are interested in signing Roma striker Mattia Destro claims the Daily Express. The striker has recently returned to the Serie A club after spending the last six months on loan at AC Milan. Destro could only managed 3 goals in 14 domestic appearances, and Italian website Tuttomercatoweb claims that he has no future under manager Rudi Garcia. The 24-year-old was linked with both Chelsea and Real Madrid last summer. However, it is said that Roma are looking to offload Destro permanently, with West Ham and Arsenal both said to be tracking him.

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West Ham transfer round-up: Marseille outline demands for sale of talented playmaker, Italian striker lined up
HITC
Billy Hawkins

The Daily Mail are reporting that Marseille have outlined their demands for the sale of Dimitri Payet, following West Ham's opening bid for the player. The 28-year-old has already been the subject of an offer from the Hammers, but Marseille are unwilling to listen to any bids until they are structured in a specific manner. Rather than a staggered deal, with add-ons relating to performances with the Hammers, Marseille want the entire transfer fee paid as one lump sum, as they need to secure their financial future. As well as Payet, West Ham are also chasing a deal for Spanish prospect Alfonso Pedraza, according to HITC Sport. The Villarreal youngster, 19, made his debut in La Liga towards the end of last season, and has been garnering interest from a host of Premier League clubs. Alongside the Hammers, Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa all reportedly are tracking his availability. Another striking target who is being linked with the Boleyn Ground is Mattia Destro of AS Roma, who spent part of last season on loan with Milan. London24 claim he is available for £10.6 million, and Crystal Palace are also said to want him. The eight-capped Italian international has struggled to find form in recent months, after making a name for himself in the 2013/14 campaign, and looks set to leave Roma this summer.

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Marseille offer Dimitri Payet new contract to ward off West Ham interest
The Guardian
Tuesday 23 June 2015 14.26 BST Last modified on Tuesday 23 June 2015 14.51 BST

Marseille have offered Dimitri Payet an improved contract in the hope they can deflect West Ham United's interest in the France international forward. The London club submitted an improved £14m offer to the French side over the weekend, their initial bid, which would have amounted to nearer £12m, having been knocked back, and were confident a deal would be struck for a player who has been capped 15 times by Les Bleus. Indeed, they had received encouragement from Payet's camp to pursue a deal. However, the Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa had asked the club's hierarchy to offer the 28-year-old new terms to stay at Stade Vélodrome, and initial talks took place on Monday between his agent and the club's president, Vincent Labrune, over a two-year extension to 2019. Labrune will report back to the major shareholder, Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, who is expected to confirm within a week whether the contract offer will be formalised.

But, while the financial terms proposed will be greatly improved, they will still not match those put forward by West Ham. The ambitious Premier League club are willing to offer a five-year contract, with an option for a further season, worth a basic £70,000-a-week as they seek to add to Slaven Bilic's squad ahead of the final season at the Boleyn Ground.

Payet, an £8m signing from Lille in 2013, is one of a number of players who was due to take an automatic drop in wages at Marseille following the team's failure to qualify for the Champions League. Others have already moved on, with Andre Ayew joining Swansea and André-Pierre Gignac having moved to the Mexican club, Tigres.

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Palace and West Ham eye £10.6m Italian striker as Arsenal end interest
14:08 23 June 2015 Pete Evans
LONDON24

West Ham and Crystal Palace are keen to sign Roma striker Mattia Destro this summer, according to reports in Italy. la gazzetta dello sport believe that the 24-year-old, who spent the second half of the campaign on loan at AC Milan, is available for £10.6 million and the two London sides are willing to pay that fee. Monaco are also said to be interested in agreeing a permanent deal for a player who made a name for himself with 13 goals in 20 appearances at the end of the 2013/14 campaign. Arsene Wenger is said to be a long-term admirer of the former Genoa forward but Arsenal are not one of the current interested parties. Destro's loan stay at AC was far from a success with just three goals in half a season for a striker capped eight times by Italy. West Ham and Palace are both looking to add some firepower ahead of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign and Destro could be an eye-catching signing. The Hammers have managed without star striker Andy Carroll for long spells through injury while Palace relied heavily on Glenn Murray during the second half of last season.

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Could Darren Randolph, Josh Cullen and Doneil Henry make their West Ham debuts against Lusitanos?
HITC
Vincent Ralph

West Ham United fans could soon see some new faces in their first-team. West Ham United may have only recently ended their last Premier League campaign but some of the club's players are already back for pre-season training with the Europa League qualifying stage just round the corner. Slaven Bilic's first match in charge of the Hammers comes on 2 July when they take on Andorran side FC Lusitanos, but with the season starting so early for the London club expect some unfamiliar faces in the starting line-up. Here we take a look at three players who could make their West Ham debuts in the upcoming European clash.

Darren Randolph

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph signed as a free agent following his exit from Birmingham City earlier this summer, and while the 28-year-old is back-up to first-choice stopper Adrian, expect the Republic of Ireland international to start against Lusitanos. It will be a good chance for him to stake his claim for a regular starting-spot, although given the calibre of opposition he may not be particularly busy on the day.

Josh Cullen

Josh Cullen made it into the match-day squad twice last season, an unused substitute in the Premier League games against Arsenal and Aston Villa. Having seen fellow youngster Reece Burke get his chance in the final few weeks of the last campaign, Cullen will be hoping to follow suit and he could well get a chance in early July. The 19-year-old central midfielder is very talented and is a regular in the Hammers' under-21 side.

Doneil Henry

Doneil Henry may have signed for West Ham back in January, but the Canadian international is yet to make his senior debut for the club. Instead he went on loan to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, where he impressed in his brief spell at Ewood Park. The centre-back has 13 caps for his country and this match will be the perfect chance for him to play after arriving from Toronto FC in early 2015.

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Former goalkeeper Jimmy Walker says Alan Pardew made key decision which cost West Ham the FA Cup
HITC
Damien Lucas

Former West Ham United goalkeeper Jimmy Walker says Alan Pardew could have avoided the agonising 2006 FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool if he had played him. The 2005/6 season will be forever remembered by Hammers fans who witnessed an exciting journey to the FA Cup final where they stood the chance to win their first major trophy for 26 years. There they faced Rafa Benitez's Liverpool side who, despite being 2-0, 2-1 and 3-2 down in the game, managed to take the Hammers to penalties in one of the most epic finals of all time. Dubbed the 'Gerrard final' such was Liverpool skipper Steven's influence on the match, the Anfield side had an unforgettable 35-yard strike from their talisman to thank for saving them at the death when it looked like West Ham's name was on the cup.

And it is that goal which Walker, a sub for the occasion as Shaka Hislop played what would be his last game for the East Londoners, claims he would have saved had he been playing. Speaking to a fans' YouTube channel, Walker said he had been pestering his manager for weeks leading up to the final that he should play and had been performing brilliantly in training. But Pardew elected to go with Hislop, citing that it would be his last game for the Hammers and that the Trinidadian had played in every round as his reasons. Now for the first time Walker has claimed it is a decision he feels cost the Hammers the FA Cup. "Listen Shaka's a top, top goalie and a great lad so I could understand what he was saying, it would have been really harsh to drop him but I wanted to play badly," he told the fans' YouTube channel.
"It was was hard to hear but as soon as I left the room I was just getting the lads together and it was time to get behind everyone which I did and it was just amazing to be part of. "But I did remind Pards after the game, Gerrard shoots from 40 yards, low down, that was my game and I would have tipped that round the post and changed history. "It didn't go down too well, I don't think it was the time or the place. "But I do honestly believe that was my game, low down, I'd like to think I'd have tipped that round the post and changed history and we'd have had a winners medal instead."
At 3-3 after extra-time, the game went to penalties with Liverpool emerging triumphant. Gerrard famously paid tribute to the West Ham fans for the way they reacted following the heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat and the team won the hearts of neutrals everywhere for pushing the Reds all the way. But now, nearly a decade on, the Hammers are still without a major trophy since that 1980 FA Cup win over Arsenal. It is galling to think just how different things might have been had Walker, as he has claimed, been on the pitch to tip the ball to safety.

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Europa League match with FC Lusitans reversed
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Yesterday West Ham was drawn away against FC Lusitans of Andorra in the first led of the first qualifying round of the Europa League but that schedule is about to change.

UEFA have given permission to reverse the fixtures after fellow Andorran team UE Sant Julia were also drawn at home.

A lack of UEFA category 2 stadiums in the small European microstate means that West Ham will now play at home at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday 2nd July with the away trip in Andorra now moved to Thursday 9th July.

Chairman David Gold confirmed the news saying "We have just told by UEFA that our tie against FC Lusitans has been reversed and we will now be at HOME in the 1st Leg. dg"

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Irons fly out as "nightmare" beckons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 23, 2015 in News
C AND H

West Ham's players flew out to Ireland today for close season training ahead of the busiest pre-season in the club's history. There were some notable absentees such as Enner Valencia who is involved in an international competition whilst one or two of the squad have been given extra time off. But James Tomkins (right) was back on the training round yesterday and expected to be on the trip along with the likes of Doniel Henry. Manager Slaven Bilic will join the squad later in the week after talks with the board where transfer prospects are expected to be finalised. Co chairman David Gold told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "We were in Ireland two years ago and the lads are o n their way back there – it provides an ideal opportunity for pre-season training close to home." He added: The players are coming back in stages and those who have been injured will be able to step up their preparations ahead of the European campaign."
David Sullivan said on the pre-season: "It's a nightmare really but it's fascinating and fun. It will be the most meaningful pre-season because instead of playing just friendlies where the results don't matter, you're playing games where the results do matter. It's very exciting but quite arduous and quite complicated to work out a strategy. It's a nightmare but what can you do? Apart form the Europa Cup qualifiers we visit Peterborough on 11 July and include games against Southend, Colchester, Charlton, Norwich and possibly Werder Bremen, when youth players will get more of a run-out than normal. Sullivan explained: "The most difficult thing is the pre-season because you don't know what round you are going to get knocked out in. "You have to have fixtures lined up in case you are knocked out. We've got a full pre-season of games and we have to juggle players between that with European competition.

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Jenks odds "stacked in our favour"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham believe the odds are stacked in their favour of re-signing Carl Jenkinson on loan this season. The Gunners right back – currently on England under 21 duty- will make his decision when he returns but the Irons feel they have an outstanding chance of keeping him at the Boleyn. Sunderland and the Hammers have both agreed a loan fee for the player at £1.5 million but the player will want to negotiate his personal deal. We understand that Arsenal were forced to drop the fee after neither club were prepared to meet their original £2million despite reports that Sunderland had topped that demand! A key insider told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "We feel that Carl is likely to come back here. He loved last season and is a London boy.He has a girlfriend here and is very settled in the capital. "To go to the north east is a massive upheaval for them both and I think that gives us a big edge. I'd personally be very surprised if he would not want to come back here. "We will wait for him to come back and hopefully get something sorted out as quickly as possible. We think the odds are stacked in our favour"

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West Ham's Diafra Sakho and Matt Jarvis happy to see teammates again despite shortest ever summer break
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United might have had the shortest summer break of any Premier League team in history but stars Diafra Sakho and Matt Jarvis are all smiles. The Hammers will start the 2015-16 season on July 2 against Andorran minnows FC Lusitans following the Europa League qualifying round draws on Monday. That's just 39 days after the 2014-15 campaign ended in defeat at Newcastle United on May 24. And it is a shorter break than any other Premier League side has ever had since its inception in the 1992/93 season. The next shortest break came as Sheffield Wednesday had just 41 days off after the end of the 1994/95 season when they were involved in the now defunct Intertoto Cup, a competition West Ham fans know well after winning it under Harry Redknapp. Despite the short break, a lot has happened at West Ham in that time. The club has parted company with Sam Allardyce and welcomed back former player Slaven Bilic to East London as his replacement. The Hammers have also brought in goalkeeper Darren Randolph on a free transfer and Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria with more additions on the way.

Despite the abridged break to their summer holidays, West Ham's squad returned to Chadwell Heath in good spirits with top scorer Sakho and winger Jarvis feeling positive. Sakho told West Ham's official website: "I am happy to see all the players and the new players and I'll be happy to start the season." Meanwhile, playing for a new manager in Bilic could be the fresh start £10.5 million winger Jarvis needs after just 11 appearances under Big Sam last season, mostly as sub. SEE ALSO: West Ham boss makes declaration about summer transfer policy Jarvis said: "It's always good to meet everyone back here and everyone is all tanned up and talking about their holidays, it's all good fun." Meanwhile, Sakho has wasted no time at all in setting his targets for next season, confidently declaring that he would like to score 20 goals in the claret and blue after such an emphatic debut season in the Premier League in 2014/15.

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Co-owner David Gold says these are exciting times for West Ham and delivers transfer update
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United co-owner David Gold says these are exciting times for the squad which he and fellow co-owner David Sullivan are working hard to strengthen. Gold was speaking to West Ham's official website in the wake of the club's Europa League first qualifying round draw on Monday afternoon. The Hammers were drawn to face Andorran minnow FC Lusitans in a two-legged affair on July 2 and 9, and with the first game just 10 days away, West Ham's players were back in pre-season training on Monday. Although it means a much earlier start to competitive football than usual for the club, Gold says the players are buzzing about what lies ahead. And he says the excitement will only build as he and Sullivan work to add more quality additions to Slaven Bilic's squad following the signings of goalkeeper Darren Randolph and Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang. "I know some of the players have returned for the start of pre-season training and there is a great deal of excitement around the squad," he told West Ham's official website. "This is the beginning of a new adventure and there is a really good feel around the place.
"We have already signed Darren Randolph and Pedro Obiang and we are working hard behind the scenes to try and strengthen the squad," he added.

More strength in depth

Both Gold and Sullivan are striving to provide Bilic with more strength in depth after watching the East Londoners slip from fourth at Christmas to 12th by the end of last season.
Realistically Randolph, as a back-up 'keeper for number one Adrian, would not fall into the category of 'major signing' so Hammers fans will hope to see more key arrivals as the club gears up for the last ever season at its historic Boleyn Ground. And you can see where Gold gets his enthusiasm from too, with the Irons all set to move down the road to Stratford and the 54,000 seater Olympic Stadium this time next year. The move will undoubtedly help the club attract better quality players and enable them to bid big for world stars given the increased revenue streams, which can only help new manager Bilic.

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Jack Sullivan suggests reason for delay over further transfers at West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe

Jack Sullivan, son of David Sullivan, has suggested the possible reason the Hammers haven't yet backed up a deal for Pedro Obiang. Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham co-owner and joint-chairman David Sullivan, told the club's website that that Hammers won't be throwing cash at any deals this summer that Slaven Bilic doesn't believe to be worth it. Sullivan has hinted that West Ham do have the resources to be competitive in the transfer market, but has cast doubt over deals happening quickly as manager Bilic looks to improve his playing options for next season. "The transfer speculation continues to surround who we could bring into the Club. I know that my dad is working extremely hard to bring in new players and we are trying to get value for money," he told whufc.com. "We could buy someone for £15m but it has to be right for the football club and we are not panicking."

Caution the best strategy

He's hit the nail on the head with the suggestion of a cautious approach, which contradicts the strides already made by some other clubs in terms of signing players before the deals go through on July 1. There's no reason for the Hammers to chase deals. The club's season may start earlier than most of their rivals, which means an earlier pre-season but they don't need to push the panic button. Bilic can take a more thoughtful approach to the market as he looks for ways to get more value and more quality into his squad, before the Premier League starts, which is West Ham's bread and butter.

Why don't Hammers go all out?

There will be some fans asking why the club isn't going all out considering the importance of a good season before the move to Stratford. A squad with a higher quality of player gives the Hammers the best chance of competing for a place in the top eight. However, Bilic will know that he's got a good squad in place already and he'll be aware of the lengthy negotiations which are common in the modern transfer market, meaning swift deals aren't always possible.

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West Ham awaiting answers from Marseille following their £12m offer for Dimitri Payet
By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:11, 23 June 2015 | UPDATED: 06:47, 23 June 2015

West Ham hope to find out on Tuesday where they stand on highly-rated Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet. The Hammers made an improved offer of £12million for the 28-year-old last week with the French club overhauling their squad, with several big name departures. Andre Ayew has already signed for Swansea and he could be joined by Payet in the Premier League as he looks to avoid a pay cut. Payet and team-mates will take an automatic wage drop as the club failed to qualify for the Champions League with Payet facing a loss of around £12,000 a week.
Payet has a good relationship with Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa who wants him to stay and has asked the club to re-negotiate his contract. But a move to the Premier League has increasing appeal for financial and sporting reasons with the east London side reportedly offering a four-year deal worth around £70,000 a week.

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West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan calls Europa League a 'fascinating but fun nightmare' ahead of facing FC Lusitans
By CRAIG HOPE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:34, 22 June 2015 | UPDATED: 01:43, 23 June 2015

West Ham's new season will kick off against FC Lusitans from Andorra next week – some 37 days before the start of the Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's side were paired with the minnows in the draw for the first qualifying round of the Europa League and they will travel to the principality – situated between France and Spain - on July 9 following the first leg at Upton Park a week earlier. Lusitans's Camp de Futbol d'Aixovall has a capacity of just 1,000 and West Ham' s visit will mark the first time an English club has played in Andorra. Their participation in the much-maligned competition saw the Hammers return to their Chadwell Heath headquarters on Monday to begin pre-season preparations, although several youth-team players are expected to be promoted to the senior ranks for the early qualifying rounds. First-team players who featured prominently last season have been given extra rest and any new signings will also be ineligible for the two-legged tie.
After qualification through the Fair Play League, new boss Bilic has inherited a scenario whereby his team will have to play eight additional matches if they are to make it to the group stages of the Europa League and, if successful, will see their season disrupted by Thursday night fixtures. Co-chairman David Sullivan has described the schedule as a 'nightmare'. However, with a move to the Olympic Stadium just 12 months away, he knows the value of raising the club's profile on the continent and is even allowing himself to dream of winning the trophy, a feat which would guarantee entry to the Champions League. The club are just 16 years old, having been formed in 1999. Lusitans have a strong Portuguese identity. The fanbase and squad are mostly Portuguese immigrants. Midfielder Oscar Sonejee, 39, is Andorra's leading appearance-maker with 100 caps. Lusitans are one of just eight teams in Andorra's Primera Divisio and have won it twice, in 2012 and 2013. Their last European appearance saw them beaten 7-3 on aggregate by EB/Streymur of the Faroe Islands in a 2013-14 Champions League qualifier. They play their matches at three different stadiums, with their home tie against West Ham likely to be played at the Estadi Nacional d'Andorra, which has a capacity of 3,306 and an artificial surface.
'It's a nightmare really but it's fascinating and fun,' he said. 'It will be the most meaningful pre-season because instead of playing just friendlies where the results don't matter, you're playing games where the results do matter. 'It's very exciting but quite arduous and quite complicated to work out a strategy. It's a nightmare but what can you do? 'It's also a dream, another route to the Champions League. 'We'd be 1,000-1 to get that. Success is participation, giving fans a taste of Europe. 'We'll be pricing the games to sell them out and anticipate very large gates from the early rounds on. Our supporters are very excited.' West Ham will face either Birkirkara of Malta or Armenian outfit Ulisses if, as expected, they negotiate their tie with Lusitans. However, they could do so with Stewart Downing. The 31-year-old former Middlesbrough winger is a serious target of Sunderland and is thought to be open to the idea of a return to the North-East.

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West Ham and Spurs pull out of race for £8million Celtic star leaving Sunderland ready pounce
06:30 23 June 2015 Brad Pinard
London 24

Sunderland are the clear favourites to sign Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk this summer as a number of clubs look elsewhere. The Evening Chronicle claims the £8million-rated start tops Sunderland's list along with Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates and the pair could be snapped up by the Black Cats. Norwich and Crystal Palace have both been linked with bids for the Holland international too, but Celtic's heft price-tag has put a number of clubs off. Arsenal had been long-term admirers of Van Dijk, however their interest has gone, with West Ham and Spurs also currently looking elsewhere for summer recruits. Celtic have snapped up Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata this summer already, a player seen as a replacement for Van Dijk by some, but coach John Kennedy believes there wont be a lot of transfer activity at Celtic Park this summer. "We are very content with what we have," Kennedy said. "We have brought in Boyata, who will be a very good signing for us, and the two boys from Dundee United (Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven) were bought in specifically for this season. "So that's three signings and you don't want to make too many changes, you want to make sure you are consistent. When you make multiple changes, it's like going back to the start."

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West Ham handed crucial injury boost as Hammers return early to pre-season
06:55 23 June 2015 Brad Pinard
London 24

West Ham striker Diafra Sakho returned to full training with the rest of the Hammers squad at Chadwell Heath. With their first Europa League clash in just nine days, the Hammers are returning early from their summer holidays and Slaven Bilic took his first session yesterday. A trip to Andorra awaits early next month and then possible clashes with Maltese or Armenian sides come thick and fast should they progress. Sakho's return to fitness will be crucial after missing the final six games of last season with a thigh injury. The Hammers scored just two goals in those six games without their top scorer who smashed 12 goals and also broke into the Senegal squad for the first time. Fellow striker Andy Carroll is also back at the training ground but is nowhere near ready for game time and Enner Valencia is in South America with the Ecuador squad. Sakho's absence would leave just castaways Mauro Zarate and Modibo Maiga to lead the line alongside youngster Elliott Lee in the upcoming Europa League games.

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West Ham star James Tomkins reminds teammates a place in the Champions League is at stake this season
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United defender James Tomkins has urged his teammates to take the Europa League seriously, because they could end up in the Champions League. The Hammers favourite was speaking to the club's official website in the wake of the draw for the Europa League first qualifying round on Monday. With the first game just 10 days away, the Hammers have had to return to pre-season training earlier than any other Premier League side. The East Londoners will take on Andorran minnows FC Lusitans in a two-legged match and face another three two-legged qualifiers if they are to make the group stage proper where they will be joined by fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Liverpool. Despite being overwhelming favourites in the qualifiers - the Hammers were the top seeds from 104 teams in the draw - Tomkins has warned his teammates their path will not be easy and reminded them that a place in the Champions League awaits the winners of the competition. "People seem to forget really (that the winners get a place in the Champions League), we had a meeting this morning and that's what we were shown, that is the end goal and that's what we're aiming for which is right you know," Tomkins told West Ham's official site. "That's the end goal, trying to win, but you've got to get through the early stages first and that's never easy against teams that are in different countries and different cultures. "That's going to be a massive experience for everyone and all the players involved."

A fitting send off to the Boleyn Ground

If Tomkins and his teammates were to go all the way in the Europa League on their return to the competition for the first time in nearly a decade, it would add a staggering 23 games to their calendar. Playing some big European nights at the Boleyn Ground in what will be the club's last season there after 112 years will be a fitting send off for the historic stadium.
Securing the Europa League trophy would also see West Ham start life at their new 54,000 stellar Olympic Stadium in an equally fitting manner with Champions League football gracing East London. The gauntlet has already been laid down to new boss Slaven Bilic with co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan insisting they are 'in it to win it'. The manager, owners and fans are under no illusions though that a squad which struggled to cope when injuries hit last season needs considerable strengthening in a number of areas. While everyone associated with West Ham would dearly love a long European adventure which would obviously benefit the club on and off the pitch, there are concerns too. SEE ALSO: West Ham co-owner asks for patience as he promises some 'serious' additions Many pundits feel the burden of Thursday-Sunday fixtures for large parts of the season and the fatigue as a result could impact on Bilic's chances of success. The likes of Everton and Liverpool are examples of clubs who have struggled to combine those demands with results domestically and last season it was not until the Toffees were knocked out of the Europa League that their league form improved.

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Danny Murphy: Dembele would choose West Ham over Chelsea
HITC
Lewis Doe

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy feels West Ham have the edge in the race to sign Mousa Dembele from Tottenham. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show for talkSPORT that he feels Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele is more likely to move to West Ham than Chelsea. The Independent has reported that both the Hammers and the Premier League champions are interested in the Belgian middle man, but Murphy feels if he's going to join either, Slaven Bilic's side have the edge "I'm not sure he's going to go from Tottenham's bench to Chelsea's first team - I think it's more likely that West Ham are going to take him from Spurs," he told talkSPORT. It's arguable that West Ham need to try and replace Alex Song in the transfer market, following the end of the Barcelona owned player's loan spell with the club. Dembele is a good fit because he's got that aggressive edge and he loves to go up against opponents in physical duels. He's a sensible passer of the ball and links all areas of a team effectively, so there are a lot of pluses if the Hammers want to push for a move.

What might prevent a deal?

Price could be an issue, because Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy always pushes for the best possible price when he sells any player. Chelsea have the resources to be able to blow West Ham out of the water if they want a player should a bidding war start to develop between the clubs. The rivalry between Tottenham and West Ham may also work against any deal happening, because Dembele will be wary of how he'll be perceived by Tottenham fans should he take a move to the Hammers. If he's available and a deal looks simple in light of the above, it will be a no-brainer for Bilic.

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