Daily WHUFC News - 22nd January 2016

Slaven Speaks - Man City
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has faced the media ahead of Saturday's game against Manchester
City. The Gaffer spoke at length about his new signing Sam Byram, other
potential January targets and team news ahead of the visit of the Citizens.

Sam Byram first of all. Tell us what you see in him and what he'll bring to
the team?

SB: "It's a good buy for us. He is a young player, he's English, he's
home-grown, very young but with the experience of playing in the
Championship. We are planning for the next season, and he has been on our
radar for a long time. To be fair it was more of a plan for next season, but
it is good to have him now."

How did the deal come together, because Everton thought they were pretty
close to signing him, but you moved in very quickly…

SB: "We didn't react on Everton. We had been tracking him for a long time,
and it wasn't only Everton, there were a few other clubs who wanted him. At
the end, we didn't jump in after we heard some other clubs were interested
in him. According to the television and all that he was quite close to
signing for Everton, but we knew we had a good chance and we're delighted
that he came to us."

He said he was persuaded by what you said to him – can you give us a flavour
of what was said?

SB: "I told him that I like young players and I told him my opinion about
him and about in which areas he can and should improve. He liked it and I
didn't promise him anything, but what he really liked is that he found out
we were watching him for a long time and he realised we were serious about
him and had big plans for him. It's up to him to show us in training and in
games his improvement and he wants to be a part of our big project. It was a
simple talk and after he talk he decided to join us."

At what point might you introduce him to the first team?

SB: "I will be open and say that he was more for us for the next season,
because we have Carl Jenkinson, who is on loan from Arsenal and at the start
of the season they said this is the last year they will give him to us.
Then we started to look who could fill that gap for us. We have Tomkins
there, we have Joey O'Brien, who is a long time injured, and we lost a few
players from last season like Guy Demel so we did it [signed Byram]. He has
come now and it is only a plus for now, but I can't tell you now when he is
going to play."

About ten days left before the window closes. Are you looking for a striker
still?

SB: "Yes, but not big time. We are not panicking, we have a couple of
players injured still, but both should be fit early or mid-February. On the
other hand there are a couple of players who may leave the Club – maybe
Zarate maybe Jelavic, and if that happens we will try to get one striker."

How are you looking for team news on Saturday?

SB: "Joey O'Brien is back. He has been through a lot of setbacks regarding
his injuries and I'm glad for him that he will join us on Thursday.
Hopefully he will be fit for the long term now. James Tomkins has a small
injury from the game against Newcastle. He is going to train individually on
Thursday and will join us in training on Friday so we will see if he is
available. All the others are good, apart from Sakho, Carroll and Lanzini.
They are still out, but are recovering ahead of schedule."

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Chadwell Chatter - Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone,

We know the size of the task that faces us on Saturday and we'll probably
have to play a practically perfect game to beat them. But anything's
possible. If we play the match with the same intensity as we did away from
home, that should do it. On current form I think Sergio Aguero is among the
best attackers in the Premier League and even in the world.

It's important that we keep an eye on him, but it's also important to have
an eye on the players like Yaya Toure, Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, who give
him the ball. If the ball doesn't make it to him it's even better! The
league's so tight at the moment, whether you're talking about the top,
middle or bottom. Everyone has something to play for and you see that each
weekend, the games are very important. But to my mind, I think the title's
between Manchester City and Arsenal.

I hear there's already been some chat about footballer of the year and to be
compared with the likes of Aguero and Mesut Ozil is obviously pleasing. I
think, nevertheless, that they're a little bit ahead of me right now, but
it's touching to be compared with such players. I'd say my free-kick against
Bournemouth was one of my best goals. It was the one where I felt the most
joy, because it was a goal that came after two months without playing, so I
really felt a great sense of satisfaction to be able to score so quickly
after returning. But there will be no fighting over free-kicks with Enner!
It's just a question of feeling at the time, he who feels the best
generally, there's no problem there.

I saw videos of the Arsenal fans singing my song on social media. I took it
with a smile, because I've heard a lot of comparisons between me and Mesut
Ozil. I think he's a truly an exceptional player who's having an
unbelievable season and he's had a lot to do with their league position this
season. It made me laugh, I'm looking forward to West Ham Arsenal now!

Come on you Irons,
Dimi

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Young Hammers ready for Cottagers clash
WHUFC.com

The Development Squad return to Barclays U21 Premier League action on Friday
22 January with a trip across London to play Fulham. The two sides have
played each other as recently as last week when the Hammers recorded a 3-2
victory over the Cottagers after extra time in the U21 Premier League Cup.
Since scoring a match-winning brace that day, Elliot Lee has joined
Colchester United on loan while left-back Stephen Hendrie has joined
Southend United. This means Academy director Terry Westley will have to
shuffle his pack and turn to exciting younger players including Vashon
Neufville. The 16-year-old left back has impressed during his 14 appearances
for the U18s this season.
The young Hammers are now eight games unbeaten, since losing to Fulham
earlier in the season, a 2-0 defeat at the Boleyn Ground. This impressive
run of form has taken the claret and blues to fifth in the table, just two
points off the play off spots. Meanwhile, Fulham are eighth, however a win
could see the Cottagers overtake their opponents.

Kick off from Motspur Park is 7pm, make sure you follow @whufc_official and
whufc.com for team news, updates and reaction.

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Hammers enter European Top 20
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have been strongly praised after the Club entered the
prestigious Deloitte Football Money League Top 20. Compiled by the
multinational professional services firm Deloitte, the Football Money League
ranks European clubs by their overall revenue, with the Hammers appearing in
the Top 20 for the first time in a decade at No20. With strong and decisive
leadership from the Board leading to increased matchday and commercial
revenue, a large rise in income by way of broadcast revenue and a move to a
new 54,000-capacity stadium to look forward to, Deloitte predicts that West
Ham 'should…overtake some of the club's continental competitors' soon. In
the 2016 Football Money League report, Deloitte's Sports Business Group
editor Dan Jones lauded the Hammers for their ability to grow the Club's
income from both internal and external sources, while also taking the
decision to make 'major price cuts' to Season Tickets for the 2016/17
season. Jones explained that the Club's overall revenue had risen 5% from
£116.5m in 2013/14 to £122.4m last season, helped by a 9% (£1.9m) increase
in commercial revenue and a rise in the Hammers' share of Premier League
broadcast distributions. He described the partnership with Principal Partner
Betway, which was agreed in February 2015, as a 'significant mid-season coup
and the 'key driver of the rise in commercial revenue'.

Jones wrote: "West Ham's re-emergence in the Money League Top 20 is mainly
buoyed by the current levels of Premier League centralised broadcast
distributions, but is also a positive reflection of the work being done
within the club. "As the Hammers prepare to bid farewell to Upton Park, a
combination of the aforementioned commercial gains, as well as the expected
increases in matchday and broadcast revenue as of 2016/17, should see the
club consolidate its position in the Money League top 20 in the medium term,
and even overtake some of the club's continental competitors."

Commenting on the report, West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said:
"We are pleased to see West Ham United being named in the top 20 in the
Deloitte Football Money League as it is evidence that my Board's strategy to
stabilise and grow the club is continuing to bear fruit. "We are determined
to turn West Ham into a global force, while still maintaining the same
community values that make us so special
"West Ham's improved ranking is also a recognition of the expertise and
dedication of our colleagues throughout the business, who work tirelessly on
a daily basis to better the club. "With the correct management, excellent
player recruitment and a constantly improving commercial operation, our
potential knows no limits. "These are truly unprecedented times for West Ham
United."

West Ham are one of nine English clubs to appear in the Top 20, with
Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham
Hotspur, Newcastle United and Everton also included. The remainder consists
of three clubs from Spain, including top-two Real Madrid and Barcelona, four
from Italy, three from Germany and one from France. West Ham's achievement
is all the greater when it is considered that the Hammers were one of just
four clubs in the Top 20 not to participate in European competition in
2014/15 – Manchester United, AC Milan and Newcastle United being the other
three.

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New striker to arrive in London this weekend
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st January 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's replacement for the outgoing Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic is
scheduled to arrive in London this weekend for talks.

The KUMB Forum and social media have been awash with claims and
counter-claims this week after co-owner David Sullivan revealed in an
interview with Sky Sports that the club were hoping to sign a new striker
ahead of the transfer deadline.

A veritable host of names have been bandied around in the past 48 hours with
some of the leading candidates including Tigres' Andre-Pierre Gignac - a
former team mate of DImitri Payet's at Marseille, Fenerbache's Nigerian
international Emmanuel Emenike, Moussa Sow of Al Ahli and Demba Ba, who
spent four months at the Boleyn during West Ham's relegation season of
2010/11.

And whilst speculation continues to mount over the identity of Sullivan's
man, KUMB has learnt that the player will arrive in London this weekend
ahead of talks regarding a short-term move that will include an option for a
permanent deal.

Speaking to Sky on Tuesday, Sullivan revealed: "We are looking long-term for
a 20-goal-a-season striker and there's a possibility that an overseas
striker will come in on loan within the next seven days.

"I can't tell you [in which country he plays] because you'd know exactly who
it is! It's like when we signed Manuel Lanzini from Saudi Arabia, but he has
played in higher leagues."

The main players; who's your money on?

Demba Ba: Looked excellent during his brief spell at West Ham in 2011 and
scored seven in just 12 appearances. Now 30, currently playing in China for
Shanghai Shenhua having left Besiktas last summer.

Emmanuel Emenike: Contracted to Fenerbahce but currently on loan with Al Ain
in the UAE Pro-League. Now 28. Retired from international football last
October so a question regarding work permit status.

Andre-Pierre Gignac: Aged 30, currently plays for Tigres in Mexico's Liga
MX. Linked with West Ham last February and then again in June, before opting
to move to his current club. West Ham also made recent enquiries into his
availability. Used to play alongside Dimitri Payet and Swansea's Andre Ayew
at L'OM.

Moussa Sow: Another who left Turkey for the riches of the Middle East last
summer. Now featuring for Al Ahli with Emenike in the UAE Pro-League. Aged
30.

Carlton Cole: Well stranger things have happened, right..?

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Byram for England, says Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Co-owner David Sullivan has welcomed new signing Sam Byram to the club - and
has already linked the youngster with a potential England call-up. Sullivan,
speaking after West Ham had completed the £3.7million signing of the former
Leeds United full back insisted that the versatile 22-year-old had the
potential to represent his country - if not for a while yet. "He has been
bought for the future and long term, he could well be an English
international," he said. "He is a utility player who can play anywhere down
the right hand side and when played in a forward position he can score
goals. He has already scored three times for Leeds this season. "He is still
young and is improving all the time. His uncle and cousins are West Ham
United season ticket holders."

And Sullivan confirmed that West Ham had not planned on moving for Byram
until the end of the season - until Everton had an offer for the player
accepted last week, compelling the Hammers to act. "We had planned to sign
him in the summer," he said, "but we were forced to move sooner as it was
clear that Everton had agreed terms with Leeds to sign him." Meanwhile
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic revealed that he was delighted to tie up the
capture of the highly-rated youngster. "It's a good buy for us," he told the
media during his Thursday press conference.
"He is a young player, he's English, he's home-grown, very young but with
the experience of playing in the Championship. We are planning for the next
season, and he has been on our radar for a long time. It was more of a plan
for next season, but it is good to have him now."

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O'Brien to join Nolan revolution?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Popular full back Joey O'Brien looks set to leave West Ham within the next
few days - with two clubs fighting to land the former Irish international.
The 29-year-old defender has barely featured for West Ham this season having
suffered from a string of injury problems in recent months. However that
has not dissuaded Sunderland, currently managed by former Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce - nor League Two Orient, now under the control of Kevin Nolan from
registering interest in O'Brien. Sunderland thought last night that they had
got their man - however KUMB understands that the Dublin-born defender has
spurned Big Sam's advances and opted to remain in London, by joining former
team mate Nolan at Brisbane Road instead. Slaven Bilic confirmed this
morning that O'Brien had regained full fitness and was expecting to train
with the squad for the remainder of this week. "He has been through a lot of
setbacks regarding his injuries," he said. "I'm glad for him that he will
join us. Hopefully he will be fit for the long term now."

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Zarate and Jelavic may go, admits Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Mauro Zarate is in talks with Fiorentina -
and that fellow striker Nikica Jelavic is also likely to leave the club
during the current transfer window.
Bilic, speaking during this morning's pre-match press conference confirmed
KUMB.com's exclusive from yesterday linking Zarate with the Serie A club.
And he also revealed that fellow striker Jelavic - who only joined the
Hammers on transfer deadline day back in August, just five months ago - is
also on the verge of leaving the Boleyn Ground. "There are a couple of
players who may leave the club - maybe Zarate and maybe Jelavic," he said.
"Then, if that happens - and it may happen - we're going to try and get one
striker. "In football sometimes it looks close - and then it's not. But it
looks like he [Zarate] is going to go to Fiorentina."

But Bilic denied that one potential replacement was Liverpool striker Daniel
Sturridge, who had been linked with West Ham during the past 48 hours.
"That's only a rumour, there's nothing behind it," he confirmed. "I'm not
talking about who we'd like, I mean Daniel Sturridge is a big player, a big
name and a great player. But that's only paper talk. What ifs? I'd take
Messi also! But it's only an 'if' and there's nothing in it."

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A Potential signing: Emmanuel Emenike
January 20, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
RJTHEGAME

Height: 5 ft 11 in.
Age: 28
Current Team: Al - Ain
Position: Striker

Emmanuel Emenike is a popular name and a player that is quite well known
across Europe. He has scored goals wherever he has gone and I feel he would
be a top signing for West Ham!

He is one on a list of strikers I have always wanted to join West Ham when I
watched him and I feel he could add a lot of qualities to our striking
options. I feel he is a confident, determined striker which is what I like
in my strikers and won't shy away from shooting and trying to grab the game,
he won't hide and will want the ball! He is very quick and powerful, a
threat to any opposition, in my opinion with his quickness and good
movement.

I don't feel he would get bullied in the Premier League, I think he would be
perfect. He shows good body strength to hold off defenders when needed and
can turn them. I think he would be horrible to play against for defenders
as he is unpredictable.

With his attributes he is a real threat in behind the defence and with the
ball. He will show effective skill and is good at getting past players.

He is accomplished in many areas as a striker, he can score in many ways
plus bring his teammates into play. Mentally he is strong, he had to deal
with racial abuse in the past from opposition fans in Russia and Turkey. So
I feel playing in England would be a lot nicer for him obviously.

I'll stick my neck on the line and say I believe he has the ability to grab
between 15-20 goals a season if fully fit all season. I would be very
excited to see him in a West Ham shirt! I think he could make a similar
impact to what Demba Ba made. I'd love to see him up front with Sakho and I
think they would be a good mix and obviously with Payet behind it would be
great. I feel he could play up front on his own also, so either way he can
make an impact. I think Emenike would thrive off of the service from Payet
and the quality between them would be a good match.

The board deserve credit if they capture Emmanuel Emenike!

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Mauro Zarate leaves West Ham to join Fiorentina
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 21/01/16 10:24pm
SSN

Mauro Zarate has ended his 18-month spell with West Ham by joining
Fiorentina on a permanent contract. The forward has not featured for West
Ham since the 1-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on
January 10 and has joined Fiorentina for a fee believed to be £1.6m. "I
would like to thank David Sullivan and David Gold for believing in me and
for giving me the opportunity of playing at such a special club like West
Ham," Zarate said via his official Twitter account. "I would also like to
thank my team-mates for the good times we shared and wish them the very best
for the future, and especially I would like to thank from the bottom of my
heart all the West Ham supporters for their unconditional support and
affection, you are truly unique. "Thank you all very much! COYI."

Zarate joined West Ham from Argentinian side Velez Sarsfield in the summer
of 2014, but spent the second-half of the 2014-15 season on-loan at Queens
Park Rangers after falling out of favour under then-manager Sam Allardyce.
He was reintegrated into the first-team squad at the beginning of the
current campaign following the appointment of Slaven Bilic as Allardyce's
successor and has featured in 21 matches, scoring five times.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan confirmed to Sky Sports News HQ the club
were hoping to sign a new forward in the next seven days and the departure
of Zarate is likely to have freed up funds for them to continue their
pursuit of a new frontman. Sky sources understand the Hammers have made a
bid to take Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike on loan for the remainder of
the season.

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Daniel Sturridge West Ham link played down by Slaven Bilic
By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 21/01/16 1:04pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic says West Ham could sign a striker this month but has described
reports of a move for Daniel Sturridge as "paper talk".
Bilic is currently without injured forwards Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho,
while Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic could leave the club during the
January transfer window. That would leave room for a new recruit, but the
Hammers boss has played down suggestions Liverpool's Sturridge is a target.
"That is only a rumour and there is nothing behind it," Bilic said. "I am
not talking about who we want - Daniel Sturridge is a big player and a big
name - but that is only paper talk." Pressed on whether he would be
interested if Sturridge became available, he said: "What if? I would take
Lionel Messi also, but it is only an 'if' so there is nothing in it." Sky
sources say Fenerbahce's Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike is a loan target
as talks continue with Fiorentina over Zarate's departure. "We are not
panicking," Bilic said. "We know that we have a couple of players that are
injured. "On the other hand there are a couple of players that may leave the
club. Maybe Zarate, maybe Jelavic and if that happens, and it may happen,
then we are going to try and get one striker."

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SUCH A…PERFECT DAY...
By Terence Bates 21 Jan 2016 at 17:00
WTID

A Lou Reed song and one of my favourite records…. And a song to be applied
to…

September 19th 2015, a day that is etched into my life time memories for
many reasons. I am going to share this day and story with you and let out a
secret that could very much land me in big big trouble!

West Ham were playing Manchester City at the Eithad Stadium and frankly were
expecting to get walloped by almost everyone. The season before I had for
the first time travelled to the Eithad and watched West Ham get beat 2-0.
Manager at the time Sam Allardyce pictured here captured perfectly how I
felt.

Mr Angry
So come to… September 19th 2015 Manchester City were riding high, unbeaten
and frankly looking unbeatable and on course to go 6 points clear at the top
of the Premier League. West Ham at this stage had beaten Arsenal and
Liverpool to a great fanfare, but also suffered losses to Bournemouth and
Leicester sending out at the time mixed messages as to their performances.
The media, like West Ham fans were a little bit unsure as to the quality of
the two stand out results and our less than favourite pundit Mark
La-wrong-sen was unhappy with the Liverpool performance and believes that
West Ham are not a 'good' team (apply expletive here!).

My best friend Dean also a Hammers fan and I were talking about the
forthcoming match against City and both of us were hugely optimistic after
all West Ham had turned over Arsenal and Liverpool, so we were looking
forward to the game which was live on TV with a 5.30 kick off on Saturday
19th September. A date indelibly inscribed into my head.

The weather was also perfect certainly in London, dry and warmish with the
sun showing its hat every now and then. So what could possibly get in the
way of us watching the match on TV or in the pub?

Well a wedding was in the way for both my friend Dean and I. And what's
worse, the wedding was just like the match, a late kick off on the Saturday
set at 5.30 how ruddy inconvenient!

What inconsiderate idiot would do this to me and have their wedding on this
day at this specific same time?

Err… well me to be precise I was the architect of missing the game live in
any way, shape or form. Three months earlier I had proposed to my then long
term girlfriend Hilary and we set the date for the 19th September at Stoke
Newington Town Hall. I was getting married, but not in the morning like most
do, no I was getting married at 5.30 precise. Doh.

Weddings my god are one of the most stressful things to organise, surely a
good reason not to get divorced is in order not to face the stress of
getting married again!

The reception venue was still not complete on the Friday night before the
wedding, the electrics had malfunctioned, the wine had gone missing in
transit from the merchants and I ridiculously decided I didn't like my suit
on the morning of the wedding and much to everyone's disdain decided to go
to Charlie Allen's a local tailor on the Saturday morning and get a new one.
The TV programme 'Don't Tell the Bride' had nothing on what was unfolding
here in East and North London, and to cap the stress of organising a wedding
I was going to miss the live game of Manchester City v West Ham.

What was needed was a Black Adder Baldrick type inspiration… Indeed a
'cunning plan'. Dean had been appointed as Best Man. There was no way he was
getting out of his duties, he was not going to call in sick with a hangover
or saunter up later, we were in this together.

We figured it would probably not go down too well if I had my eyes glued to
my iPhone or zip out my iPad to follow the game live during the service.
Dean likewise would need to be discreet. Texting was out of the question. So
Dean had his phone and mini headphone wired to one ear and we devised hand
signals. Right hand up with finger pointing up meant West ham had scored,
left hand finger pointing up meant City had scored. What could possibly go
wrong?…

West Ham scoring is what could go wrong! Six minutes played and there was I
holding hands with my bride to be gazing into her eyes and out of the corner
of my eye I see best man Dean who could hardly contain his glee, giving out
a secret hand signal like a professional bidder at a Sotheby's Auction. 1-0.
My reaction?… aargh I fluffed my lines and drew sniggers from all the
audience in the Town Hall chambers!


Whoops… I regained my composure and the rest of the ceremony went smoothly
and beautifully. My bride looked stunning in a dress she had designed (I
have to mention this!) and I knew I had made the perfect decision to marry a
wonderful woman and West Ham were winning 1-0! How could it possibly get
better?

The ceremony finished at 6.00 some 30 minutes after the ceremony had begun.
We then marched hand in hand out to the sunshine and our waiting guests
(That's me and my Bride/wife… not me and the Best Man). There were cheers,
there were tears, there was joy, there was confetti and there was oddly
bubbles randomly blown by some of the children and then there was this….

6.02 minutes and Dean approaches me and whispers in my ear 'Sahko has put us
two up!' Set free of focusing on the registrar and the protocols of the
marriage ceremony I could throw the shackles of restraint away.

I could write another thousand words to explain and capture the thoughts in
my head at the time… but as they say a picture paints a thousand words. To
many on that day these images captures some lovely moments…

We've Scored!
Only the Best Man and I knew the other contributing factors to this image!
I'd got the girl and the Hammers were also winners. Purr…fect.

This Saturday West Ham entertain Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground in
what will be the last time City are likely to play at the ground in the
return fixture. The game again is live on TV, I won't be getting married
this time and as perfect a day as it could be if West Ham win, it will never
ever be as perfect as the 19th September 2015, for obvious reasons! COYI.

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West Ham close in on transfer deal for Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike
after Sam Byram signing
22:30, 21 JAN 2016
BY DAVE KIDD
The Hammers are hoping to bring in the 28-year-old on loan from Turkey's
Fenerbahce as a replacement for the Fiorentina-bound Mauro Zarate
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic is close to completing a loan deal for Nigerian striker
Emmanuel Emenike this month. West Ham will offload Mauro Zarate to Serie A
club Fiorentina, freeing up a place in their squad for the 28-year-old
Fenerbahce hitman Emenike, who is currently on loan at Abu Dhabi club Al
Ain. When boss Bilic managed Turkish side Besiktas, Emenike played for their
Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce; and when the Croat was in charge of Lokomotiv
Moscow, the Nigeria international was at crosstown rivals Spartak. And Bilic
said: "There is a new situation with a couple of our players might leave the
club and if that happens then we are going to try to get one in - and
Emenike is one of them (we're looking at). But is not a done deal. "Of
course he is a good player. He is one of the players we have been linked
with and we will see."

Bilic has denied hijacking Sam Byram's transfer to another of his former
clubs, Everton, after West Ham completed the £3.7million signing of the
full-back. Byram had been close to joining the Goodison club from Leeds, but
Bilic insists the Essex-born 22-year-old had been a long-term target of the
Londoners - and is likely to feature regularly after their move to the
Olympic Stadium next season. Bilic said: "We didn't react on Everton's
interest. We have been tracking Sam for a long time. Not only Everton but
other clubs wanted him. We didn't just jump in after we heard other clubs
were interested - although according to TV, he was close to signing for
Everton. "We were going under the radar and were thinking about Sam more for
next season. We have Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal this season and
other options in that position. "I told Sam that I like young players, I
told him that he can improve, I didn't promise him anything, no guarantees -
but he found out we were watching him for a long time and that we were
serious about him and had big plans for him. We are delighted to have him,
he is a talented home-grown player."

James Tomkins faces a Friday fitness test to see if he can face Manchester
City on Saturday after picking up a knock in last weekend's defeat at
Newcastle, while Joey O'Brien is fit again.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate thanks West Ham owners and fans ahead of £1.6m move to
Fiorentina
20:41, 21 JAN 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The Mirror

The attacking midfielder is set to finalise his move to the Serie A club
after struggling to hold down a first-team place at Upton Park
Mauro Zarate has publicly thanked West Ham's owners David Sullivan and David
Gold ahead of his £1.6million move to Fiorentina. The attacking midfielder
is set to finalise his move to the Serie A club after struggling to hold
down a first-team place at Upton Park.
He has started just nine games in the league this season having been loaned
to QPR during the last campaign following his switch from Velez Sarsfield in
the summer of 2014. Zarate scored five times in the top flight for the
Hammers during his stint in the East End.
He wrote on Twitter: "I would like to thank David Sullivan and David Gold
for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity of playing at such a
special club like West Ham. "I would also like to thank my teammates for the
good times we shared and wish them the very best for the future, and
especially I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the West
Ham fans for their unconditional support and affection, you are truly unique
"Thank you all very much! COYI."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
One out, one in
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Emmanuel Emenike has posted a sticker of himself in a West Ham top
superimposed over a photo Zarate peeling away on his personal instagram
account this evening. He earlier posted a picture the football film 'Green
Street'.

The Nigerian has been in London this week in order to negotiate a deal. The
28-year-old joined Al Ain FC on a season-long loan deal in the summer of
2015, but it has been cut short. Slaven Bilic knows Emenike from his time in
Turkey as Besiktas manager. Fenerbahce are said to want at least £7million
for their striker on a permanent deal and will give West Ham to buy at the
end of the season.

Emenike is expected to be announced a new a loan signing tomorrow

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sad Zarate farewells from Gold and DS jnr
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold, David Sullivan jnr and Mauro Zarate have tweeted their
farewells from the Ironson Twitter over the last few minutes..

David Sullivan Jnr released a Twitter conversation between himself and
Zarate in which he said: "Good luck in Italy."

"You have left us with great memories and me my family and the rest of us at
West Ham wish you nothing but success. You never know we may see you back at
West Ham again some day."

Zarate responded by saying: "Thanks Dave, was a great experience. West Ham
is a beautiful club. I'll never forget you all."

And a few minutes ago the player said: "I would like to thank David Gold
and David Sullivan for believing in me and giving me the opportunity of
playing at a special club like West Ham United.

"I would also like to thank my team-mates for the good times we shared and
wish them the very best for the future, and especially from the bottom of my
heart all the West Ham supporters for their unconditional support and
affection. You are truly unique. Thank you all very much."

David Gold then tweeted his best wishes to the player saying: "Good luck to
@mau_zeta for the future, will always be remembered and welcome at west ham.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic on the hunt for further West Ham signings
JAMES BENGE 8 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard

West Ham remain in the market for new signings despite this week's signing
of Sam Byram, Slaven Bilic has confirmed. Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic
are both approaching the Boleyn Ground exit door, with the former set to
join Fiorentina in the coming days. Those departures will free up space on
the wage bill, allowing West Ham to move for a new striker, with a loan move
for Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike or Juventus' Simone Zaza among the
options being considered at Upton Park. Bilic confirmed that he remained on
the lookout for further signings, saying today: "We are still looking around
for more players but we are not panicking, we are not desperate to do
anything, I am happy." The Hammers have already completed their first full
signing of the January window, bringing in Byram from Leeds for an
undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old right-back has been a regular in the Elland
Road first-team for the past four years and chose West Ham over Everton on
the expectation of greater playing opportunities. His new manager seemed
sufficiently enamoured with Byram to suggest that would indeed be the case.
"We delighted to have signed Sam Byram," Bilic said. "He's a great buy for
us. He's still young, he's English and he has a lot of experience. "I like
working with young, hungry players. I have been very honest with him about
what I expect, and where we think he can improve. "He's been on our radar
for quite a while and we have very high hopes and expectations for him."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan appointed Leyton Orient player-manager: Former West Ham
midfielder signs two-and-a-half year deal
TOM COLLOMOSSE 23 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard

Kevin Nolan has been appointed player-manager of Leyton Orient. The former
West Ham midfielder, who also played for Bolton and Newcastle, was due to
take training today after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal and Standard
Sport understands he is likely to be assisted by experienced coach Wally
Downes. Nolan had been training with Orient during Ian Hendon's time as
manager, but could not agree terms on a playing deal. Hendon was sacked last
weekend after the League Two club's run of only one win in eight matches.
Nolan has no management experience but will be expected to lead the club,
owned by Italian Francesco Becchetti, back towards the play-off places in
League Two. He takes charge with immediate effect, meaning his first game
will be on Saturday, when Orient travel to Wycombe. Veteran Italian coach
Franco Colomba had been expected to take charge at Brisbane Road earlier
this week, but the Os have now turned to the 33-year-old Nolan. It is
unclear what influence Nolan will have over recruitment and how he will work
with the club's new technical director, Andrea Pressenda. Pressenda held a
similar role at lower-league clubs in Italy but he is known mainly in his
home country for his work as a sports journalist on television. A statement
on the club website read: "Kevin brings with him invaluable expertise and
know how, with 17 years' experience in high level football. "A number of
strong candidates were interviewed by the Chairman, but Kevin's hunger,
desire and passion to succeed at Leyton Orient, coupled with his experience,
were key in the decision process and the Club believe they have the man to
take Leyton Orient forward and improve the Club's position. Everyone at
Leyton Orient would like to welcome Kevin to the Matchroom Stadium and look
forward to working with him."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Mauro Zarate set to join Fiorentina
TOM COLLOMOSSE 28 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard

Mauro Zarate was on Thursday on the brink of leaving West Ham to join
Fiorentina in a £1.5million deal. Sources in Italy believe the Argentine
forward, 28, was close to signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the
Serie A club after rejecting the chance to move to Real Betis in Spain.
Standard Sport understands Zarate is willing to take a pay cut to link up
with Paulo Sousa's team, who have an outside chance of winning the domestic
title this season. Zarate has made 15 starts in the Premier League this
season, scoring three times, including in the victory at Arsenal on the
opening day of the season, and the 2-1 win over Chelsea in October. The
28-year-old knows Italian football well after spells with Inter Milan and
Lazio. He had a stint with Birmingham in 2008 and joined West Ham in the
summer of 2014, also spending two months on loan at Queens Park Rangers last
season. Zarate is expected to take the place of Giuseppe Rossi in
Fiorentina's squad. The former Manchester United forward's career has been
blighted by injury and it is believed he is close to joining Spanish club
Levante on loan for the rest of the campaign.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Byram 'a great buy for West Ham' says manager Slaven Bilic
By Chris MacRae
Last Updated: 21/01/16 11:34am
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic admits he has high hopes for the club's latest
recruit, Sam Byram, claiming he is 'a great buy' for the club. The full-back
has moved south from Leeds for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-and-a-half
year contract after rejecting overtures from Everton. Bilic said: "We're
delighted to have signed Byram. He's a great buy for us. He's still young,
he's English and he has a lot of experience. "I like working with young,
hungry players. I have been very honest with him about what I expect, and
where we think he can improve. He's been on our radar for quite a while and
we have very high hopes and expectations for him. "We are still looking
around for more players but we are not panicking, we are not desperate to do
anything, I am happy."
Bilic also backed his opposite number on Saturday, Manuel Pellegrini, but is
confident his side can complete a league double over the title chasers; West
Ham won 2-1 at the Ethiad in September. He said: "There's a lot of pressure
for any manager of a top club, it comes with the territory. I think
Pellegrini is handling it with ease. He is a very strong guy, mentally very
tough. I have a lot of respect for him." "We have beaten them already this
season, I think they are better now, but we are confident and know what we
can achieve. "Apart from Carroll, Lanzini and Sakho we are healthy, so we
are in a good position for a crucial part of the season. "Joey O'Brien is
back, he's had a lot setbacks so I am happy to see him fit. We will assess
James Tomkins today also."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll, Lanzini and Sakho to return in Feb
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 20, 2016 in News
C and H

Head of Medical and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke has given his
regular injury update to the club's website. He has revealed that Andy
Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho are all set to return to action
next month. Stijn told WHUFC.com "Injury-wise, we picked up a couple of
minor knocks at Newcastle United last weekend but we hope to recover the
players affected for the next game against Manchester City on Saturday. Andy
Carroll is making good progress after suffering a hamstring injury at
Bournemouth last week and has started running. We hope to have him available
for the manager again on schedule, four weeks after he suffered the initial
injury, by the middle of February."
"Manuel Lanzini is going well with his rehab after suffering a thigh injury
against Liverpool just after Christmas. He is recovering well and we hope to
have him back available in February
." "Finally, Diafra Sakho was involved in a minor car accident this week.
The Club doctor gave him a thorough check-up and we are pleased that he did
not suffer any new injuries in this accident. Diafra did not miss a day of
his rehab from the thigh injury he suffered in the game against West
Bromwich Albion and is on course to return in February."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons outline Byram plans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sam Byram will be starting his West Ham career in the Development team and
is seen as "one for next season." Slaven Bilic will stick with James Tomkins
in the right back role into the foreseeable future whilst he is making a
serious assessment of the 22 year old. ClaretandHugh was told by a senior
Hammers source last night: "In some respects it's like the Michail Antonio
situation. We have had him scouted and we know he's a fine prospect. "But we
need to see him on the training ground and take a good look at his strengths
and weaknesses so I don't think the fans will be seeing too much of him at
first team level this term. "He could be a squad member and could make the
odd appearance as substitute but it is a learning curve for him and the
manager will make sure he is developed 100 per cent."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll, Lanzini and Sakho to return in Feb
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 20, 2016 in News
C and H

Head of Medical and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke has given his
regular injury update to the club's website. He has revealed that Andy
Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho are all set to return to action
next month. Stijn told WHUFC.com "Injury-wise, we picked up a couple of
minor knocks at Newcastle United last weekend but we hope to recover the
players affected for the next game against Manchester City on Saturday.Andy
Carroll is making good progress after suffering a hamstring injury at
Bournemouth last week and has started running. We hope to have him available
for the manager again on schedule, four weeks after he suffered the initial
injury, by the middle of February." "Manuel Lanzini is going well with his
rehab after suffering a thigh injury against Liverpool just after Christmas.
He is recovering well and we hope to have him back available in February."
"Finally, Diafra Sakho was involved in a minor car accident this week. The
Club doctor gave him a thorough check-up and we are pleased that he did not
suffer any new injuries in this accident.Diafra did not miss a day of his
rehab from the thigh injury he suffered in the game against West Bromwich
Albion and is on course to return in February."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers talk on Ba return speculation
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Hammer Demba Ba is being regularly linked with an Irons return. The
guessing game started again after West Ham chairman David Sullivan revealed
the club are looking to sign a '20 goals a season striker' in the summer
when speaking to Sky Sports News. But there's litte chance of it happening
according to a top Irons insider who said: "He's a player we all like but he
is known to have had some knee problems which make it difficult. "He will
also be 31 in May which doesn't really fit out age profile although there's
no question he is a player who has a lot to offer."
Ba scored seven goals in 13 games for West Ham after signing from Hoffenheim
in January 2011 for £1m, but his goals couldn't keep the Hammers up that
season and we suffered relegation to the Championship at the end of the
2010/11 season. Ba's post West Ham career saw him turn out for Newcastle
United who he joined as free agent only yo sold to Chelsea for £7m. The
Blues sold him Besiktas under then manager Slaven Bilic for £8m who sold him
last year to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua for £9m on a weekly wage reported
to be around £89,000.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic denies bid for Liverpool striker Daniel
Sturridge joking, 'I would also like to sign Lionel Messi'
Slaven Bilic compared Daniel Sturridge rumour to a move for Lionel Messi
By PHIL DUNCAN, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 12:28, 21 January 2016 | UPDATED: 12:45, 21 January 2016
MailOnline

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied making a move for Liverpool striker
Daniel Sturridge. With both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho sidelined through
injury and Mauro Zarate closing in on a deal to join Fiorentina, Bilic is
keen to bolster his attacking options in the transfer window. But the
Hammers boss has dismissed speculation that Sturridge, the England striker
who has featured just six times for the Reds this season due to a string of
injuries, is poised for east London. 'That is only a rumour and there is
nothing behind it,' said Bilic when asked about the Chelsea and Manchester
City forward. 'I am not talking about who we want - Daniel Sturridge is a
big player and a big name - but that is only paper talk.' Sturridge has not
trained with the Liverpool squad in six weeks, and manager Jurgen Klopp is
reported to be growing increasingly frustrated with the situation. But when
it was put to Bilic that Sturridge, 26, may become available, the West Ham
boss replied: 'What if? I would take Lionel Messi also, but it is only an
'if' so there is nothing in it.' Bilic said Sakho, who this week was
involved in a car accident, and Carroll are both 'ahead of schedule' on
their return from injury and are expected to be available in mid-February.
But the Croat revealed he remains interested in signing another striker with
Nikica Jelavic, who scored in the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday,
possibly leaving the club in January. 'We are not panicking,' added Bilic.
'We know that we have a couple of players that are injured. 'On the other
hand there are a couple of players that may leave the club. Maybe Zarate,
maybe Jelavic and if that happens, and it may happen, then we are going to
try and get one striker.' Bilic, whose West Ham side entertain Manchester
City in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday evening, has already been
busy in the transfer market, signing highly-rated full-back Sam Byram from
Leeds. The 22-year-old was in talks with Everton, but opted to join the
Hammers and trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday.
'We have been tracking him for a long time and there was not only Everton
interested in him, but a few other clubs, too', said Bilic. 'According to
the TV, he was quite close to signing for Everton, but we knew we had a good
chance and we are delighted that he came to us. 'I told him that I like
young players and I told him my opinion and which areas he can improve and
he liked it. 'I didn't promise him anything, but what he really liked is
that we had been watching him for a really long time and he realised that we
were serious and that we have big plans for him, but it is up to him to show
us in training and in games his improvement.'

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham forward Mauro Zarate ready to end Boleyn stay by accepting pay-cut
on £40,000-a-week wages to join Fiorentina
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:09, 21 January 2016 | UPDATED: 11:34, 21 January 2016

West Ham striker Mauro Zarate is set to complete a January switch to
Fiorentina - and is ready to accept a pay-cut to leave Upton Park. The
Italian club are in talks with the Hammers about the Argentine forward, who
has scored five goals in 21 games for Slaven Bilic's side this season. The
South American will be offered a two-and-a-half year deal worth around
£2million-per-season - a sum that represents a pay-cut on his current
£40,000-per-week wages. Zarate, 28, also has an offer from Spanish club Real
Betis, but prefers a switch to Florence.
Viola manager Paulo Sousa views Zarate as a ready-made replacement for
Giuseppe Rossi, who is set to join Levante. Zarate has endured a topsy-turvy
career at Upton Park; he was sidelined by Sam Allardyce last season
following his arrival from Velez Sarsfield and was allowed to join QPR on
loan. Bilic, however, has reintegrated the forward back into the Hammers'
first-team squad this season. Zarate has 18 months left on his Hammers
contract, but Bilic will hope his transfer will free up extra transfer funds
in order to sign another attacking player this month. Hammers joint chairman
David Sullivan talked up the possibility of the club signing a striker in
the next 10 days in a guest appearance on Sky Sports News HQ earlier this
week. The player in question is believed to be Emmanuel Emenike, who is
currently on loan at Abu Dhabi-based Al-Ain from Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Ahead of Sam Bryam's move to the Boleyn Ground, Sullivan said: 'There's a
possibility that a striker will come in on loan, with the option to buy,
within the next seven days. He's an overseas striker. 'If I told you, you
wouldn't believe it. I can't tell you which league because then you'll know
exactly who it is. We are signing from a very strange league. But he has
played in higher leagues.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's lack of depth a problem vs. Manchester City
ESPN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was disappointed with their loss to Newcastle,
saying his side should've had more confidence. The return of midfielder
Dimitri Payet from injury has rather masked the fact that West Ham still
have a number of key players on the treatment table. Saturday's defeat to
Newcastle at St James's Park however gave lie to the suggestion that manager
Slaven Bilic has managed to negotiate his way around the worst of the
perennial injury crisis.

Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho have scored 10
goals between them but, more importantly, their presence in the team has
caused opposition defenders many more problems. While it can certainly be
argued that Newcastle's aggression and determination against West Ham may
well have seen the Magpies two goals to the good regardless of the absence
of West Ham's four injured players, the quartet's loss was still keenly felt
in the second half.

When Nikica Jelavic pulled a goal back to make it 2-1 after 49 minutes,
Newcastle started to wobble. It's certainly true that the Hammers didn't
deserve to get anything from the game and, had they taken their chances, the
home fans would have seen their side four of five goals ahead at that point.
Nevertheless, that doesn't alter the fact that West Ham will inevitably
struggle without their key stars and, had Carroll been available on his old
home ground, there's reason to think the Hammers might have possibly
fashioned an unlikely point.

Club owners David Gold and David Sullivan have managed to pull the club
around since they took over from the Icelandic consortium in 2010. Alongside
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, the Hammers have become a more professional
outfit. Investment in players has been much improved and, of course, the
move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford could be the most significant
development since the club won the Cup Winners Cup in 1965. The Hammers
still aren't big enough to cover the loss of expensive key players, however.
The likes of Jelavic are an improvement on past season's squad players
perhaps, but they still aren't the type needed to keep the club in the top
six or seven over a long period.

There's still a feeling around the East End that West Ham would do better
taking a chance on one or two Championship strikers rather than trying to
chase marquee signings. Enner Valencia is an excellent footballer certainly,
but the £12m that the Hammers paid for the player means the club need more
from the Ecuadorian than he can probably provide in the Premier League.

Chelsea were once interested in Valencia and -- had they signed him -- it's
hard to imagine last season's champions relying on the player in the same
way the Hammers do. As he showed with his sumptuous free kick against
Bournemouth, Valencia has an abundance of skill, but West Ham really need a
player capable of providing 12 goals a season and it's difficult not to see
the World Cup star as a bit of a luxury. Perhaps in a season or three the
Hammers will be able to afford such luxury. At the moment they can't.

Even with Dimitri Payet returning, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic must still
contend with a number of key absences against Man City. West Ham will get an
early example of what a huge squad can achieve, as there's no better example
of a club with recently changing fortunes than Saturday's visitors to the
Boleyn. Manchester City are one of Europe's top sides now; but they had to
endure some torrid season's at the end of the 1990's before huge investment
turned the club around in 2008.

The Hammers produced one of the shock results of the season when they
triumphed 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium back in September. The scorers that day
were Sakho and Moses, and while the former will certainly not be fit, Moses
may well return after his 30 minute performance as a substitute at St
James's.

West Ham have shown what they are capable of against City. Manuel Pellegrini
and his men will not need reminding that they need to be careful at Upton
Park. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic may be more wary than he cares to admit
though; his team need to be tight at the back and sharp up front and the
injury list still hampers his tactics. This could be a tough game for the
home crowd.

Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is the author of a regular
column at WestHamOnline.net and the East London Guardian.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer latest: Mauro Zarate agent confirms Fiorentina talks
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Thursday, January 21, 2016

The agent of West Ham striker Mauro Zarate has confirmed his client is in
talks with Fiorentina. talkSPORT told you on Wednesday about the Serie A
side's interest in the 28-year-old, who is struggling to hold down a
first-team place at Upton Park. Fiorentina are keen to sign the Argentinean
on loan, ahead of a permanent move this summer. And now Zarate's agent and
brother, Rolando, has confirmed he is trying to broker a deal during the
current transfer window. "We are in negotiations to reach an agreement with
West Ham and I am in London to find a solution for this transfer," Rolando
Zarate told Radio Bruno. "It won't be easy, but we hope to conclude the move
by the end of this week. Fiorentina are a very competitive side who always
attack and play good football. "Mauro has the right characteristics to play
for Fiorentina. This is why we are talking to West Ham, to find the best
solution for Mauro and Fiorentina. "Mauro wants to leave London and he
really likes the idea of playing for Fiorentina. "He is playing regularly
for West Ham, so they don't want to let him go, but his desire now is to
play for Fiorentina."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deloitte Football Money League: Arsenal, West Ham, Spurs and Chelsea in Top
20 as Palace join financial elite
JAMES BENGE 8 hours ago0 comments
Evening Standard

Four London sides have been named in the Deloitte Football Money League top
20 as West Ham make the European rankings for the first time since 2006. No
city other than London has ever had three teams in the top 20; four sets a
new record to further reinforce the sense that the capital's financial
pre-eminence is being reflected on the football field. Both Arsenal and
Chelsea find themselves in the top 10 having earned over £300 million each,
with Arsene Wenger's side leapfrogging the champions largely due to the
largest matchday revenue of any club in the world.
Tottenham remain a firm fixture inside the top twenty, rising one place to
12th after a substantial 38 per cent increase in their commercial revenue.
West Ham saw a five per cent rise in their revenues to move into 20th, just
behind Inter Milan and on course for significant further revenue growth when
they move into the Olympic Stadium at the start of next season. That
includes Crystal Palace, planning to undertake an ambitious redevelopment of
Selhurst Park after investment from American duo Josh Harris and David
Blitzer, who make their debut in the lower rankings of the Money League, in
28th place after raising revenue to £99.5m.

In further proof of the financial muscle of the English game Palace find
themselves ahead of major continental names such as Napoli, ranked 30th, and
Porto, Celtic and Besiktas, all giants of their domestic games who do not
make it into the list of monied elite. For the Premier League clubs who also
happen to be in London it is a case of a double win, as editor of the report
Dan Jones explained to Standard Sport. "The Premier League is the most
valuable competition in football, being in it automatically lifts you into
the top echelon of European clubs, and London is the most-high profile city
around the globe. "If you're lucky enough to be in London it's another layer
of value to your brand. "So even for a relatively small club like Palace
their presence in the Premier League, in London brings an awful amount to
them."

The Money League paints a particularly rosy picture for Spurs and West Ham,
echoing the bright performances on the pitch that have defined both team's
season. With both clubs set to move into new grounds in the coming years,
and the Olympic Stadium offering West Ham a 54 per cent increase in
available seats, West Ham and Spurs are likely to remain firmly ensconced in
the top 20. Despite the success of London sides the gap between Europe's
biggest sides and the chasing pack has grown dramatically over the past
year, with over £30m separating 10th placed Juventus and their nearest
rivals Borussia Dortmund. And Jones doubts that either West Ham or Spurs
will be able to bridge that gap, even with their new stadia: "The top 10 is
a really big ask for any side. "Juventus are twice as big as West Ham. Even
allowing for a new TV deal, that's a heck of a gap to bridge." "For West Ham
a more realistic ambition is to consolidate and cement their place in the
top 20." The Premier League's new £8 billion TV deal, set to kick in at the
start of next season, is likely to further entrench English sides financial
dominance over the rest of Europe.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reject chance to sign trialist despite Manchester City interest
07:10 21 January 2016
London 24
Brad Pinard

West Ham will not be signing trialist Reece Brown this month. The attacking
midfielder had been on trial with the Hammers in recent weeks and the
Birmingham Mail claims Manchester City and Bournemouth have also spoken with
the 19-year-old who is back at St Andrews. Under contract with the Blues,
Brown is now trying to break into the first team, for whom he has already
made eight league appearances. West Ham were impressed with Brown, but the
England under-20 international didn't do enough to earn a contract. A
possible Football League loan is now an option for Brown who has been tipped
to still have a successful career. West Ham have had to use their budget
sparingly this month, despite splashing out on Sam Byram from Leeds United,
which takes them over their FFP wage budget for the season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Departed West Ham star admits move was 'out of the blue'
07:19 21 January 2016
London 24
Brad Pinard

Norwich winger Matt Jarvis admits he didn't expect to make his move from
West Ham permanent before January. The versatile winger enjoyed a positive
start to life with the Canaries before being out for over a month injured.
In that time, Norwich and West Ham came to a deal to make the move permanent
and so the former £12million man can settle down and focus on a relegation
battle with the improving Yellows. West Ham were keen to get Jarvis off of
their wage bill, with first team opportunities non-existent, and so both
clubs and the winger have benefitted.
"It was out of the blue but it was fantastic for me to sort out my future,"
he told the club's official site. "It's a great for Norwich to want to sign
me up early while I was injured, which I was more than happy to do. "It's a
great bunch of lads - I know everyone probably says that when you come to a
club, but it does help you settle in and they've really made me feel
welcome. "One of the first things I got told before I came here was that
Norwich always sell-out their season tickets and that they've got a waiting
list, which is incredible and shows the fan-base the club has got. It all
helps when it comes to matchday."

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