Preview - Man City
WHUFC.com
The background
West Ham United suffered the rare feeling of defeat a week ago at Newcastle United, so will be aiming to bounce back when they host Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
The Hammers could complete their second double of the season, having already defeated Liverpool twice.
City are challenging for the title, but could not find a way past the Hammers when the two sides met at the Etihad Stadium in September.
There, Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho struck inside the opening half-hour to ensure Kevin de Bruyne's reply – and a second half bombardment of the visitors' goal – counted for little.
The victory was one of a number of impressive early-season results for Slaven Bilic's men, who have continued their good form into the New Year – with last weekend's reverse the first loss in nine Barclays Premier League outings.
City, as expected, are challenging for the title, a point behind both Arsenal and Leicester City in third position.
Their away record is indifferent, winning four, drawing three and losing three in the league, but a 2-1 win at Watford in the last league game on their travels showed their resilience.
The history
Saturday's game will be the 102nd meeting between the Hammers and Manchester City, with City's recent winning record giving them a favourable slant in the head-to-head stats.
City have won 48 times to the Hammers' 37, with only 16 ending in draws, although West Ham have emerged triumphant in two of the last three clashes, winning by 2-1 scorelines at the Boleyn Ground last term and at Etihad Stadium this season.
Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho were West Ham's goalscorers in that east London meeting, with David Silva replying for City, while Sakho was on target again in Manchester, alongside Victor Moses.
Match info
Team news
West Ham United
James Tomkins will be assessed ahead of Saturday's game, having picked up a minor injury in last weekend's defeat at Newcastle United.
Winston Reid is fit and available again, but Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini remain sidelined.
Manchester City
Man City are without a quintet of players for Saturday's trip to London. Wilfried Bony, Aleksandar Kolarov, Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Samir Nasri are all out.
However, Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho is available for selection again after overcoming a muscle injury.
Match facts
Saturday's referee is Craig Pawson. He will be assisted by Stephen Child and Dave Bryan. The fourth official is Jonathan Moss. Pawson has taken charge of 24 games this term, issuing 70 yellow cards and just one red card. This is his first West Ham appointment of the campaign.
Victory would see West Ham complete a league double against Manchester City for the first time since the 1962-63 season, when they won both meetings 6-1.
The Hammers have won two of the last three meetings, having failed to win any of the previous 10 in all competitions.
Defeat at Newcastle was West Ham's first loss in nine league games (W3, D5).
The Hammers lost their opening two Premier League home games this season but are unbeaten in their subsequent eight top-flight matches at Upton Park (W4, D4).
Fourteen players have scored a Premier League goal for West Ham United this season - only Chelsea have had as many goalscorers in top flight this term.
A Hammers victory would give them 38 points and represent their highest ever total after 23 matches of a Premier League season.
City have scored 10 goals in 10 away fixtures in the top flight this season, compared to 33 in 12 matches on home turf.
Ticketing, coverage, travel and other info
Tickets for Saturday's game have SOLD OUT. However, tickets may become available online as Season Ticket Holders relist.
District and Hammersmith & City line trains are scheduled to be running as normal on Saturday. Click here for the latest on TfL services and here for National Rail.
A cloudy, yet dry, day is expected on Saturday. Temperature at kick-off is set to be around 9C (48F).
If you're not heading to the game, make sure you stay right up to date on our digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre will have live audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats and pictures. You can also get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag #WHUMCI
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Zarate departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that forward Mauro Zarate has joined ACF Fiorentina on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee. Zarate spent 18 months with the Hammers, scoring seven goals in 29 appearances, including memorable strikes against Arsenal, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion in recent months. The Argentinian, who joined West Ham from Velez Sarsfield in summer 2014, has returned to Serie A following previous spells in Italy with Lazio and Internazionale. West Ham United would like to thank Mauro for his efforts in Claret and Blue and wish him all the best for his future career.
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Hammers capture youngster Trott
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of exciting young goalkeeper Nathan Trott on a two-and-a-half year deal. The Bermudan-born shot stopper has put pen to paper on a long term deal which, subject to FIFA approval and International clearance, will keep him at the Club until June 2018. Trott is widely regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers around, having impressed during his trial at the Club. Speaking after committing his future to the Hammers, a delighted Trott said: "I'm very happy; there's been a lot of hard work put into this, not just by myself but also my Dad, my agent and all my family. I was very surprised when they told me; it's a huge moment for me. I like it a lot here, I love the club. Everyone round here is very friendly."
Having impressed during his trial the keeper can't wait to keep learning at the Academy of Football. Trott continued: "I came here for a trial a few months ago and I knew during my second week here thatWest Ham were interested. "The coaches at the Academy have made it very easy to settle in, so have the players, they're very friendly."
So highly sought-after is Trott that as part of his trial the youngster was thrown into the deep end – training alongside first team
stoppers Adrian and Darren Randolph. Trott continued: "I've had a few training sessions with the first team which was really exciting, you have to work hard! It was a great experience, it was scary at first, I was pretty nervous but I got used to it and will hopefully do it again soon."
When asked about his playing style and keepers he admires, Trott named arguably three of the best in world football: "I look up to David De Gea, Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois, they are my favourites." And as for the youngster's own strengths? "I like to think my footwork and my reflexes are my main strengths. I have a few areas to improve but I am confident I can do that. "Now, I just want to get as much game time as possible under my belt." While Trott is clearly delighted to have signed for the Hammers, he has already set his sights on the future and playing at the club's fantastic new stadium. Trott explained: "The new stadium was definitely a factor in my decision, it's big! "I haven't visited yet but I've seen pictures and the goal is to play there regularly one day, that's the goal."
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Tactically speaking - Manchester City
WHUFC.com
An in-depth analysis of how Manchester City could approach Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture...
Like so many clubs in the Premier League, Manchester City have joined those using the 4-2-3-1 formation initially made popular by Jose Mourinho. Having utilised the system in 18 of their 22 league matches this season, and for the vast majority of last, City's players are well used to fitting into this shape and approach. The strength and versatility of City's squad means every player is able to fit into this system. However, while City are figuratively lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, their movement and interchanging of positions makes keeping track of their players extremely difficult. Like all good sides, City can adapt to different situations, playing possession football, on the counter attack or even going more direct when the need arises. Centre forward Sergio Aguero roams wild in the attacking third to get on the ball as often as possible, with David Silva supporting and also running into wide areas the left attacking midfield role. Aguero is explosive, quick and can create half a yard of space in an instant to get his shots and passes away. An all-round forward despite his relatively short stature, the Argentine can come short or get on the shoulder of the last defender and spin in behind.
On the right flank, Kevin De Bruyne is mobile, sharp and an outstanding passer of the football. The Belgian and the Spaniard will swap sides regularly, while De Bruyne is also capable of playing through the middle as the centre forward if the need arises. The No10 role was filled by young Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho in the emphatic home win over Crystal Palace last weekend, where he impressed with his quick feet, energy and fine technique, but it remains to be seen if the 19-year-old will keep his place. The outstanding Ivorian Yaya Toure or England international Raheem Sterling could replace Iheanacho, with each offering something very different to Manuel Pellegrini's team.
Toure is a known quantity. He is tall, powerful, yet languid and outstanding in possession. Sterling is more enigmatic, with his strengths being the ability to draw fouls and open up defences with his passing and dribbling. Another option is Spanish right winger Jesus Navas, who is a diminutive speedster who loves to get the ball out in front of him, beat his opposing full-back on the outside before crossing into the penalty area. The two deep-lying midfield roles are expected to be filled by the powerful Fernando, who will hold in a deep position, harry his opponents, put in the challenges and force mistakes, and England's Fabian Delph.
After waiting for his chance to impress, Delph was in fantastic in last week's win over Palace, getting about the pitch superbly and showing his ability to keep possession and shoot accurately from distance, as he did by opening the scoring from 25 yards.
As is always the case in a 4-2-3-1 formation, City's full-backs serve as an important attacking outlet. Right-back Pablo Zabaleta is an aggressive, hard-working player who closes down well and snaps into the tackle defensively, while never being afraid to get forward and take on his opposing left-back.
City's left-back of choice is Aleksandr Kolarov, but he may be released by the Frenchman Gael Clichy after being stretchered off against the Eagles. Centre-back has been a problem position for City in some fixtures this season – namely the ones which Vincent Kompany has missed through injury. While the combination of fellow countrymen Martin Demichelis and Nicolas Otamendi showed encouraging signs against Palace a week ago, City did still look a tad vulnerable from set pieces.
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFc.com
We have had some movement in the transfer window this week with the signing of Sam Byram from Leeds United and the departure of Mauro Zarate to Fiorentina. We are all excited by the arrival of Sam who I am sure will be another quality addition to the squad. Our plan was to bring him in during the summer, but we needed to move fast as Everton were also hoping to sign him and we won the race to clinch his signature. Sam has the potential to be one of the best full-backs in the country and he is a player who could be with us for many years to come.
Mauro has left the Club for a new challenge in Italy. I first saw him play at Birmingham as a young man and we knew he would be a good player. We wish him well in his new adventure at Fiorentina and I thought his message on leaving the club was one of the warmest I have seen in all my years in football, with the exception of Jack Collison whose heartwarming message will never be forgotten.
We have players coming back from injury and it will not be long before we see Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho back in first-team action so we are in pretty good shape. But having said that, if another opportunity comes along before the window closes we will grasp it. This has been a big week for myself and David Sullivan after we celebrated our sixth anniversary since arriving at West Ham United back in 2010. It was an emotional day on Tuesday and I have to say a big thank you to the fans for all the messages of support.
We are now preparing for another big game against Manchester City on Saturday. We have already come away with some big victories this season, including a memorable double over Liverpool and there is no reason why we cannot do the same against the former Premier League champions. We are sixth in the table and only a few points behind Manchester City, so we should not fear playing against them. In the past I have approached games like this wondering if we could come away with a point. Now I feel we can come away with a victory? I am sure Slaven would agree with that and will be saying the same thing to his players.
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FT- Fulham 1-3 Dev Squad
WHUFc.com
That's the final whistle and the Hammers have extended their unbeaten run to nine games! A determined performance has been rewarded by a Djair Parfitt-Williams brace and a Josh Cullen penalty. Reaction to follow.
90+1: What a goal that would have been! Humphreys chests the ball with his back to goal, spins round and unleashes an unstoppable volley which cannons off the post. Unlucky, he has been by far and away the host's best player tonight.
89: U16 Conor Coventry comes on to make his Dev Squad debut, he replaces George Dobson who has been superb this evening.
86: GOOOOAL!! Djair Parfitt-Williams scores his second of the evening, this time steering Cullen's cross into the top corner. Get in! 3-1! COYI!
85: Free-kick to Fulham in a dangerous position, just outside the box...Humphreys takes it, yet the wall stands tall and blocks it. Smile connects well with the rebound yet Howes sweeps up.
81: Blistering run from Adeniran, he beats three men but can't beat Howes who makes a good save down to his left.
78: Fulham appeal for a penalty themselves but the referee is unmoved. Down the other end, Sam Ford shows intelligent forward play by holding the ball up well.
77: Reece Oxford with the overhead clearance on the edge of his own area. Why not?
73: Terry Westley responds to going a goal up by bringing on fresh legs in the shape of Amos Nasha who replaces Jaanai Gordon.
72: GOOOOAL!! Josh Cullen is felled in the box and it's the clearest penalty you'll ever see. He dusts himself down, picks his spot and sends Norman the wrong way. 2-1.
70: Josh Cullen's range of passing is a joy to watch. The precision, the creativity, the execution. You can tell training with the first team has really rubbed off on him.
68: The Cottagers make a change as Sakari Mattila is replaced by Joshua Walker. Plenty of industry and effort, the next goal is absolutely crucial.
66: Howes does well to clear his lines after a short pass back. Danger averted with minimum fuss.
64: Humphreys tries his luck from the edge of the box but Howes is more than equal to it.
62: The game is becoming increasingly stretched, very end to end but little by way of clear cut chances.
59: More superb play by Vashon Neufville, what a prospect this youngster is. He delievers two peaches, the first Makasi almost scores, the second almost catches Norman out.
56: Luka Belic is replaced by Sam Ford. A Dev Squad debut for the young trialist, he scored on his U18 debut last weekend...
54: More superb play by the midfield trio. Everything is coming from the Dobson-Cullen-Makasi axis. This time they work it out wide, the ball is whipped in and Pike swings a boot which is blocked well.
51: Just like the first half, the Hammers have come flying out of the traps. Can they make their dominance count this time?
48: Good hassling from the front three almost pays off as Parfitt-Williams is inches, millimetres even from blocking Norman's clearance and taking the lead. Pike does superbly to get to the byline, his cross finds Gordon who's looping header is held by Norman.
46: Back underway here at Motspur Park and the Hammers are almost off to the perfect start as Moses Makasi fires narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
45: Sam Howes makes a great save to deny Humphreys his second of the game after a quick breakaway. Half-time.
42: The momentum has switched back to the visitors know who look the more likely to score. We're into the final few minutes of a frantic first half.
39: GOOOOAL!! The Hammers equalise through Djair Parfitt-Williams who taps it home from Neufville's driven cross. That's his third goal in as many games! 1-1. COYI
32: Yet again, Neufville bursts forward causing havoc in the Cottagers' ranks. Unfortunately the move breaks down on the edge of the box. Seconds later, Makasi comes through with an expert sliding header-tackle, brave and improvised but it worked!
30: Lucas De La Torre smashed the apex with a fierce drive from the edge of the box.
28: Going a goal down has seemed to rattle the Hammers as Fulham are pushing for a second. However, Belic goes close, beating Norman for pace and finishing well only to be flagged for offside.
23: GOAL for Fulham. Joshua Smile shows an extra burst of pace to get down the left-flank, his cross is swept home by No9 Stephen Humphrys. 0-1.
20: Superb intricate passing between Oxford, Makasi and Dobson which allows Gordon space down the right. He cuts back but his pass to Cullen is cleared.
18: Chance for Fulham following sloppy passing at the back which allows Dennis Adeniran a sight of goal. His effort doesn't trouble Howes.
16: Following a head injury, Fulham's Nikolay Bodurov is replaced by Aron Davies.
14: Again the Hammers try and play it out from the back. Howes plays it to Dobson, who with men around him spins and lays it to Neufville, the youngster, with impressively quick feet plays it to Makasi who is fouled.
11: First proper shot of note as George Dobson bursts forward and unleashes a fierce drive which falls just wide of Norman's far post. Good effort! Down the other end, Doneil Henry outmuscles Humphreys to recover possession.
9: Half chance for Gordon who latches on to Dobson's superb ball over the defence, however with his back to goal, Fulham manage to shepherd him away from the danger zone.
7: Good move Hammers again. Makasi and Cullen keep it moving in the middle before Pike spins his man expertly. Unfortunately his pass is just too hard for Gordon to control.
5: Good early pressure from the Hammers. Josh Cullen drives a corner into the box, it's cleared to George Dobson who scuffs his shot, worth an effort though!
3: Sam Howes has to rush off his line to clear the danger before Doneil Henry plays an inviting ball forward. Jaanai Gordon chases after it but his pass to Alex Pike on the overlap is intercepted.
1: The hosts, in their traditional white get us under way. The Hammers are kicking right to left in the first half.
Here we go then! Reece Oxford leads the team out, pre-match handshakes are done and we're just seconds away!
18.45: Looking at the Barclays U21 Premier League table makes for pleasant reading these days. The Hammers' eight game unbeaten run has taken them to fifth, with another win today taking them joint second.
Added to that, a quarter-final on Wednesday against Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green to look forward to and it's Happy Hammers all round!
18.30: Away from tonight's game, there was more good news for the Academy of Football with the announcement that highly promising youngster Nathan Trott has signed a contract with the Club. Watch his first interview here.
18.20: Having already played each other twice already this season, the scores are 1-1. Tonight is the decider! The Cottagers sealed a 2-0 win back in October however the Hammers avenged the defeat by knocking the Cottagers out of the Barclays U21 Premier League Cup last week, after a thrilling 3-2 victory after extra-time.
18.00: As you can see from the Hammers' starting line up there are plenty of talking points. Since the Hammers last played, Kyle Knoyle, Stephen Hendrie and Elliot Lee have all gone out on loan. Alex Pike, Vashon Neufville and Luka Belic come into the side.
Doneil Henry comes in for Leo Chambers while Moses Makasi starts in place of Alex Song. Trialist Sam Ford starts on the bench while youngster Conor Coventry is also on the bench.
Hello and welcome to tonight's coverage from Fulham's Motspur Park as the Development Squad face the Cottagers for the second time in consecutive weeks.
Fulham: Norman, Sheckleford, Elworthy, Smile, Soler, Bodurov (Davies), Voser, Mattila, Humphreys, De La Torre, Adeniran
Subs: Dawber, Walker, Kwietniewski
Development Squad: Howes, Pike, Neufville, Dobson (Coventry 89), Henry, Oxford, Gordon (Nasha 73), Makasi, Belic (Ford 56), Cullen, Parfitt-Williams
Subs: T. Brown, Onariase
Referee: Ian Fissenden
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Kouyate - I'm back at my top level
WHUFc.com
Cheikhou Kouyate insists there will be no hangover from last weekend's defeat by Newcastle United come Saturday's early-evening kick-off against Manchester City. After returning to the side for the 2-1 reverse at St James' Park, the Senegalese midfielder says he already feels back to his lung-busting best. Kouyate readily admits that nothing short of full throttle will do on Saturday and sees no reason why the Hammers cannot do the double over the Citizens. "I've been training really hard and I feel that I'll be back to my top level," he told whufc.com. "You need to be at 100 per cent to perform at your top level in the Premier League. I've been training hard and I'm ready for the weekend. "I'm feeling much better now after the injury. I felt a bit tired after the Newcastle game, but I've had a good few days to recover and now I feel 100 per cent."
What chance, then, of a repeat of the Hammers' 2-1 success at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the campaign? "It's football, anything's possible," he added. "We're not here to give out presents to any other teams. We're playing at home and we want to get the three points. "They've got players, they're a top side and of course it won't be easy. We'll do everything we can to win. Naturally, all the work we've been doing in training this week has been aimed at the match and I hope it will pay off."
Though the 26-year-old has a habit of popping up with a goal against the big boys, Kouyate knows that much will depend on his side's ability to stifle their free-scoring visitors. He continued: "I think their main strengths lie in attack, they've brought in Kevin de Bruyne who's a player I really admire. He's technically very gifted. "Sergio Aguero's back to his best, he's a top striker and of course Yaya Toure is a player who needs no introduction. We know they're a top team but we also know what we need to do in order to get the win."
Saturday's contest will be another interesting gauge of the Hammers' fine progress this term and Kouyate knows that expectations are as high as ever. "The Club has big aims and we're doing all we can to achieve them and I hope that the team continues to get better and better so that we handle that. We're keeping our feet on the ground and working hard as always."
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Knoyle loaned to Dundee United
WHUFC.com
Promising right-back Kyle Knoyle has joined Scottish Premiership club Dundee United on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old defender will travel to Scotland to link up with The Terrors on Sunday and could make his debut for Mixu Paatelainen's side in Saturday's fixture at Partick Thistle. The defender is an England U18 international and made his Hammers debut in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round fixture with Astra Giurgiu in Romania in August. He has 15 Development Squad appearances and one goal to his name this season. Knoyle joins former Hammer Guy Demel at Tannadice and will hope to gain valuable first-team experience during his time on Tayside.
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Olympic Stadium: Appeal due on West Ham deal from LLDC
BBC.co.uk
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
An appeal against the decision to release full details of West Ham's Olympic Stadium deal is due to be heard in London on Monday.
Stadium bosses, the London Legacy Development Corporation, have spent about £17,000 fighting a ruling that the contract should be made public. It argues the deal contains commercially sensitive information. Last month the London Assembly called for the rental agreement to be published in full. Monday's independent tribunal hearing is open to the public, although it is likely to be several weeks before a decision is announced. West Ham are in their final season at the Boleyn Ground before moving about three miles to the former Olympic Stadium in east London.
The cost of appeal
At a meeting earlier this month, the London Assembly heard thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money has been spent in an effort to keep full details of the West Ham deal out of the public domain. Giving evidence to the assembly's budget and performance committee, LLDC board chairman David Edmonds said that:
• The LLDC has spent £4,000 to date on legal fees on its appeal after the Information Commissioner - an independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest - ordered the whole deal should be made public.
• These legal costs are expected to rise this month to £17,000. This could be more should the LLDC appeal against the tribunal decision.
• The final bill for transforming the Olympic Stadium might top the previous estimate of £272 million, as the LLDC negotiates the cost of further work.
The commissioner's ruling followed a freedom of information request from a coalition of football supporters. "We will continue to make the same demands for transparency as we made when we set out on this campaign, because we believe that a fair deal for the taxpayer, is a fair deal for football," it said in a statement.
Stadium bosses are worried that if all the figures are made available, it would place them at a commercial disadvantage, undermine negotiations and reduce returns to the taxpayer. Other venues in London, such as Wembley and Emirates Stadiums, do not publicise all the details of their arrangements. "The long-term deals with both West Ham United and UK Athletics alongside the appointment of an operator, incentivised to bring in other events, such as AC/DC this summer, mean the stadium has a viable future requiring no ongoing subsidy and is truly a world-class multi-use arena," said an LLDC spokesperson.
What questions remain unanswered?
One big unknown from the deal is who benefits, and by how much, from the stadium naming rights. This arrangement is likely to run into tens of millions of pounds.
Other questions the coalition say it wants answered include:
How much the stadium costs to hire
Cost of stadium maintenance, and who pays for it
What happens if West Ham United is sold by its current owners
How much the club earns from matchday catering
In August, the BBC revealed West Ham will not have to pay for a range of staff including cleaners and turnstile operators when they move in. Heating, lighting and a variety of other costs will also be covered. The LLDC denies the sums are being funded by the taxpayer, saying use of the stadium - including rental fees - will generate additional revenue.
Cost of transforming the stadium
Of the £272m costs, £15m is being provided by West Ham, with £1m coming from UK Athletics. The stadium will have an initial 54,000 capacity and has already staged other events including rugby union matches and motorsport. Work has included installing a new 45,000 square metre cantilever roof, twice the size of the original, covering all the seats - it will e the largest of its kind in the world.
The local borough of Newham is contributing £40m, and national government £25m, with the rest 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, and the venue will host the 2017 World Athletics Championships.
What are West Ham paying for?
West Ham's vice-chairman Karren Brady says she fought for the best deal, but denies this was at the expense of taxpayers. The Hammers are paying £15m towards the transformation costs of the stadium, and reportedly £2m to £2.5m rent annually as part of a 99-year lease. West Ham will also have to fork out a different amount each year based on which division the club is playing in, with the cost rising for every position above 11th they finish in the Premier League. Additional fees will be charged if they win the FA Cup, qualify for the Europa League or Champions League, and should they triumph in those tournaments.
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West Ham v Man City
Sam Byram is available for West Ham after completing his move from Leeds, but is unlikely to start, while Joey O'Brien is fit after a lengthy lay-off. James Collins is doubtful with a knock, while Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho are still out. Manchester City welcome back Fernandinho, who has missed their last three matches. But Aleksandar Kolarov has joined Wilfried Bony, Eliaquim Mangala and Vincent Kompany on the injury list.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Jonathan Pearce: "Last season's 2-1 defeat at Upton Park was the moment when I doubted Manchester City would win the title.
"They had 70% possession but did not have the desire or discipline to win the game. It's happened too often on their travels.
"An instant replay would be a body blow. If Dimitri Payet is at his best and the Hammers shackle Sergio Aguero, it could happen. They're unbeaten at home in five months. City have been poor away.
"West Ham haven't managed a double over City since 1963 - the year TV instant replays were first used, featuring in coverage of the annual American football game between the US Army and Navy.
"Commentator Lindsey Nelson had to advise viewers left confused by a replay of a touchdown: 'Ladies and gentlemen, Army did not score again!'"
Twitter: @jpearcefootball
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on Manchester City: "They are definitely one of the favourites to win the league, but like other big teams they are also not that consistent - which is not their failure as it is not only them but all the big clubs, which shows that the smaller clubs have closed the gap."
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "We must try to arrive as soon as we can at the top of the table. It is not easy but we must try to demonstrate why we are fighting for the title.
"It is a difficult game because we are playing against a very good team that beat us at home at the beginning of the season."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Yaya Toure
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Victory would see West Ham complete a league double against Manchester City for the first time since the 1962-63 season, when they won both meetings 6-1.
The Hammers have won two of the last three meetings, having failed to win any of the previous 10 in all competitions.
West Ham
Defeat at Newcastle was West Ham's first loss in nine league games (W3, D5).
The Hammers lost their opening two Premier League home games this season but are unbeaten in their subsequent eight top-flight matches at Upton Park (W4, D4).
Fourteen players have scored a Premier League goal for West Ham United this season - only Chelsea have had as many goalscorers in top flight this term.
West Ham have used 245 players in the Premier League since its inception in 1992 - more than any other side.
A Hammers victory would give them 38 points and represent their highest ever total after 23 matches of a Premier League season.
Manchester City
City have kept three successive clean sheets in all competitions.
Manchester City's win over Watford ended a run of six Premier League away games without a win - a run which had seen them score just two goals.
City have scored 10 goals in 10 away fixtures in the top flight this season, compared to 33 in 12 matches on home turf.
The average age of Man City's starting XI in the Premier League this season has been 28 years, 182 days old. Only West Brom have fielded an older side on average (29 years and 239 days).
In seven Premier League appearances against West Ham, Sergio Aguero has two assists and four goals.
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Mauro Zarate: West Ham striker joins Fiorentina
BBc.co.uk
Striker Mauro Zarate has moved from West Ham to Italian club Fiorentina. The 28-year-old joined the Hammers from Velez Sarsfield in summer 2014 struggled for first-team football last season before going on loan to QPR. Argentine Zarate scored five goals in 21 appearances this season for the Upton Park club. "West Ham would like to thank Mauro for his efforts in claret and blue and wish him all the best in his future career," said a Hammers statement.
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Yilmaz, pure and simple?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are once again being linked with a move for Galatasary forward and Turkish international Burak Yilmaz. Sources in Turkey are claiming this afternoon that West Ham have made enquiries into the 30-year-old forward's availability, with one journalist suggesting that negotiations between the two clubs have already begun.
Yilmaz was previously linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground in 2012 when still at former club Trabzonspor. At the time he was available for a cut-price €5million, due to a release clause in his contract. And co-owner David Sullivan confirmed the following summer that West Ham had indeed been close to landing the Antalya-born goalscorer. "We tried to get him this time last year but he wanted to stay in Turkey," he srevealed during a social media Q&A seassion in July 2013.
Gökmen Özdemir
@gokmnozdmr
West Ham bugün resmen Galatasaray'ın kapısını Burak Yılmaz için bir daha çaldı. Teklif kulübe ve Burak'a iletildi +++
Translated from Turkish by Bing Wrong translation?
West Ham today officially Galatasaray played again for Burak Yilmaz's door. The offer was passed to hut and Burak +++
As recently as August 2015, West Ham were again linked with a move for Yilmaz with reports suggesting that the club made two bids for the 6'2" striker (an initial bid of €3.5million, which was rejected, and later a revised offer).
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A difficult game against a very good team - Pellegrini
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes that West Ham will provide another stiff test when his side travel to London looking to avoid consecutive defeats against West Ham. The City boss, speaking this morning ahead of tomorrow evening's clash admitted that his side will have to be at their best to beat the in-form Hammers - something they were unable to do in the previous encounter at the CoM stadium, which Slaven Bilic's side won 2-1 last September. "We have a difficult game against a very good team," said Pellegrini. "They beat us at home earlier this season in a match [in which] I think we had 20 chances to score, but didn't. "I hope we will go for the three points and that we demonstrate why we're involved in the title [race]. In some games, especially away, we haven't been able to score so I hope tomorrow we will return, as we did against Watford, to scoring goals and winning."
Pellegrini also confirmed that he expects to be without five players for the trip to London, with Wilfried Bony, Aleksandar Kolarov, Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Samir Nasri all unlikely to be involved. However he revealed that 30-year-old Brazilian international Fernandinho - whose last outing came against Everton a fortnight ago - will be available for selection once again. "Fernandinho is fit, he's worked with the squad for the last two games," said Pellegrini. "Mangala, Bony, Kolarov, Kompany and Nasri are out. "Vincent is seeing different specialists to try to learn more about his injury. He will start working, I hope, next week, but we will see. Bony maybe has an injury which is longer than we supposed. I hope next Monday he will start working with the squad. "Aleks has a muscle injury in his calf – not very big. I hope at the end of the next week he'll be working with the squad."
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Sour grapes, Bobby brown shoes?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Roberto Martinez has claimed that a move to Everton wouldn't have suited new West Ham signing Sam Byram. Toffees boss Martinez, who lost out to the Hammers this week despite submitting the opening bid in the battle to sign the highly-rated 22-year-old full-back bizarrely insisted that moving to Goodison Park "wasn't a challenge" Byram would have been able to "embrace". "Sam's situation was one where, as on many occasions, we were first to identify a good player in the Championship," Martinez told the media. "We went through the correct procedures, established a good relationship with Leeds, but in the end it was not the right move for Sam nor [was he] the right player for us - and that was the end of it. "I am pleased we were at the forefront of identifying a player but it was not for us. I can always give a correct path for a youngster to fulfil their potential but it wasn't right to bring a young talent in for the sake of it. "It was not right for him and it wasn't a challenge he could embrace." West Ham completed the signing of Thurrock-born Byram earlier this week and will hold talks with a striker this weekend as Slaven Bilic seeks to replace Mauro Zarate, who finalised a £1.7million move to Fiorentina yesterday.
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Mauro Zarate leaves West Ham to join Fiorentina
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 21/01/16 11:43pm
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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Slaven Bilic believes West Ham can complete City double
By Peter Gilbert
Last Updated: 22/01/16 2:24pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes West Ham can complete a Premier League double over Manchester City. Bilic has hailed City as the best team in England but the Hammers boss is confident his side can follow up September's 2-1 win at Upton Park on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
Manuel Pellegrini's side warmed up for the clash with a 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace last time out, but Bilic is hopeful West Ham can continue their impressive record against the established big teams this season with another scalp.
Bilic has overseen victories against Arsenal, Chelsea, City and twice against Liverpool already this season. "We have the confidence but we know we have to be on top of our game," said Bilic. "We have done it before, so we don't have to dream to do something that other clubs have done. "We have done it this season - and with the greatest respect to them as I really believe they are the best side in England - we are playing at home. "We have been playing really well at home. Our last game was against Liverpool and we beat them 2-0 and we played really well."
City, who invested heavily in the summer with Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne both arriving in big-money deals, have endured a stuttering campaign with Pellegrini coming under increasing pressure after Pep Guardiola announced he is to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season. But Bilic believes the former Real Madrid and Malaga manager is dealing admirably with speculation surrounding his future.
"If you are the Manchester City manager than the pressure comes with the territory," Bilic added. "But he is handling that pressure and that situation with ease. He is so strong mentally and so experienced that he is above the situation."
Pellegrini will be able to call on the services of star striker Sergio Aguero, who has scored four goals in his last five appearances since returning to fitness following injury. The Argentine has endured a stop-start season, missing seven games with a hamstring injury and then four matches due to a heel problem, but his two goals against Palace last Saturday, suggested he is returning to something near his best. "Aguero is back on form and for me he is definitely of the top five strikers in the world," Bilic said. "He wasn't out of form, but he was injured and he also needed a few games to get back. But he is unbelievable. He is quick, he is lethal, he is very clever and very patient in the box and his movement is unbelievable. If you add to that the service from Yaya Toure, David Silva and De Bruyne, they have amazing quality."
Watch West Ham vs Manchester City live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday from 5:00pm
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West Ham owner David Sullivan reveals how Slaven Bilic has become a fan favourite after Sam Allardyce
13:53, 22 JAN 2016 UPDATED 13:53, 22 JAN 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
Bilic took over from Allardyce at the start of this season and the Hammers have since put themselves into surprise Champions League contention
The Mirror
David Sullivan says that Slaven Bilic has become a West Ham hit after endearing himself to the club's famed style of play. Hammers fans were left frustrated throughout the last two seasons after former boss Sam Allardyce continually showcased a more direct game. But this year, under Bilic, West Ham have become unlikely top four contenders after a string of impressive results - which include away wins at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. Sullivan says that the significant contrast in playing styles has helped Bilic become a fan favourite in rapid time. And the Croatian is already halfway to a new deal.
Speaking to the Daily Mail , Sullivan said: "Judge every manager over three years but I think we have got a very good one. He played for the club, knows what the supporters want, knows that the FA Cup is important to us. He tries to play good football." Sullivan admits that he knew Allardyce was not going to be given a new deal at Upton Park when the side were still booed off the pitch despite winning a game last season. Fans remained frustrated by the long-ball tactics for which West Ham had been known, despite enjoying a run in the top half of the table. On Allarcyce, Sullivan said: "When we were booed off after winning, it was the weirdest thing. I felt the same. That's one of the reasons we knew we had to make a change. Sam had done his job well and we thanked him for doing it. "He is a good manager but he does it his way and at West Ham we do it our way. Sam never really bought into that. West Ham fans want a dream, they don't want reality."
The Hammers host Manchester City on Saturday evening and could move to within one point of the top four with a win.
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TRANSFER NEWS ROUND-UP WEEK THREE
By Sean Whetstone 22 Jan 2016 at 15:28
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Here is week three of my transfer news round up to cover what has happened in the last seven days.
We have our first confirmed signings: Leeds right back Sam Byram signed on a four a half year deal for a transfer fee close to £3.8m. His wages will increase to £30,000 per week although he will start in the development team to be fully assessed before being let lose in the Premier League.
West Ham have also signed a young goalkeeper called Nathan Trott on a two-and-a-half year deal. The Bermudan-born shot stopper has put pen to paper subject to FIFA approval and International clearance.
Outbound we have seen the departure of Mauro Zarate to Italian club Fiorentina for a fee of around 3 million Euros. His departure releases £40,000 per week from the wage bill. Bilic confimed Nikicia Jelavic could also be outbound in this transfer window during a press conference on Thursday.He has been linked to a mega money move to China and is thought to be on wages of £55,000 per week at West Ham.
Slaven Bilic has welcomed Joey O'Brien back from injury and he was immediately linked to Sam Allardyce & Sunderland as well as Leyton Orient and their new player/manager Kevin Nolan.
Carl Jenkinson has been linked with a return back to parent club Arsenal after it emerged that Liverpool and Aston Villa cancelled a season long loan involving Tiago Ilori. The news that Arsenal right back Mathieu Debuchy has confirmed his intention to leave in January has also added fuel to the fire.The Premier League told us: "We can't comment on individual deals but as far as we are concerned they are generally for the season.However, should the two clubs agree via a clause in the contract that the deal can be brought to an end by mutual consent that's entirely up to them." However, a club insider made it clear that there was little chance of Jenks returning to the Emirates as things stood. He said: "I honestly don't know whether such a clause exists but it really doesn't matter because Arsenal are never going to agree as they would be well out of pocket.The loan fee was £1.5 million so we would want £750,000 of that back plus they would be responsible for paying Jenkinson the £1 million we agreed to pay him. It's not in their interests and it won't happen."
An article in La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy claimed Roma will look to make a move for West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna despite the player having only moved to Hammers in the summer and settling in well.
Seventeen year old Reece Oxford was yet again been linked to a move to four of the so called top six clubs in the Premier League.The London Evening Standard recycled an old story to claim he is on the short list of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. However, don't worry a club insider told us "It's the usual silly season stuff. There is no question of Reece being allowed to leave."
Football agent, Jose Miguel Gonzalez told CalcioMercato that his client Pedro Obiang would consider leaving if a team made a proposal for him. A top club source told us: "In reality 99% of players at all clubs would consider/like to move if they were offered say twice the money they are on."
Loans
Elliot Lee has joined League One club Colchester United on loan until the end of the season. Southend United announced the signing of Hammer Stephen Hendrie on a 31 day loan deal this week. Reece Burke has extended his loan spell at League One side Bradford City until the end of the season despite interest from Coventry who also wanted him on loan. 19 year old right-back Kyle Knoyle has joined Scottish Premiership club Dundee United on loan until the end of the season.
Martin Samuelson extended his loan at Peterborough until the end of the season with Club insiders suggesting they will extend his contract in the summer with just 12 months remaining. On Samuelson we have been told "We have an option to extend and we'll look to offer him a longer contract in the summer which truly reflects his value to us. We are thrilled with the progress he is making and realise he's a very exciting young player."
Transfer gossip
West Ham look likely to sign Emmanuel Emenike on loan after the player posted a sticker of himself in a West Ham top superimposed over Zarate. 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.
Andre-Pierre Gignac who plays Mexican team Tigres UANL was briefly linked with a loan move to West Ham when he appeared to match a description made by David Sullivan on Sky News. Sullivan told viewers "There is a possibility that a striker could come in on loan in the next seven days with an option to buy him. He is an overseas striker. If I told you (the league) you wouldn't believe (it)."
West Ham insiders have admitted they have made a first inquiry for Watford's £20 million rated striker Odion Ighalo.The Express had reported a bid was on for the summer but a top Irons insider revealed to ClaretandHugh: "We have already inquired but Watford aren't ready to sell at the moment.He could be on the radar again in the summer but then so could several others – we are determined to secure a 20 goals a season striker and are working on several options.We have certainly made an inquiry for Ighalo and will continue monitoring him – mind you he has dried up over recent games!"
Former Hammer Demba Ba has once again been linked with an Irons return after 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."
The Times suggested West Ham have their eyes on another Championship defender.Six foot six, Centre-back Jake Cooper has made 21 appearances this season for Reading which have impressed many in the division. The 20 year England youth international is contracted until 2018 but the report claims if the Hammers signed him in this transfer windows he would loaned back immediately to the Royals.
West Ham will look at Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi for the summer claimed the Daily Mail. The report claims the Irons have identified the £20million-rated Batshuayi and are ready to turn to agent Mark McKay to help.McKay was credited by David Sullivan for being instrumental in the signing of Dimitri Payet from Marseille and West Ham hope to utilise his strong relationship with Marseille president Vincent Labrune again to steal a march on rivals in the summer. Spurs are also said to be following Belgium international Batshuayi who has scored 15 goals so far this season.
West Ham has been linked with Ben Yedder after reports on French radio station claimed he is ready to force a move out of Toulouse this month. The twenty-five year striker is one of French football's rising stars netting six goals in his last six games for the Ligue 1 outfit.That form has attracted the attention of the Spurs, Lyon, Marseille and West Ham.Radio station RMC reported that Toulouse have told their Ligue 1 rivals that the former France Under-21 international would be available for just £5.3million — as long as he is loaned straight back to the club for the rest of the season.
Besiktas midfielder Veli Kavlak says that he is not interested in a move to West Ham. "Currently I am not interested in a move to West Ham United," Kavlak was quoted as saying by the daily Turkish newspaper Radikal.
17-year-old Martin Odegaard has been linked with a loan move to West Ham on social media in recent days.The young Real Madrid starlet has recently been linked with Liverpool with reports that Real Madrid rejected a permanent move for the promising attacking midfielder who has been tipped for the top.
Scouting
West Ham sent scouts to a Belgium league game between Gent v Anderlecht to watch as yet an unknown player.The Hammers were not alone as scouts from fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Leicester City watched the same game. German clubs Borussia Mönchengladbach, Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim and Bayer 04 Leverkusen were also present as were Spanish club representatives from Athletico Madrid and Celta de Vigo.
Hammers scouts were also back in France looking for the next Dimtri Payet or Diafra Sakho to come out of the French top leagues. Arsenal, Sunderland, QPR, Borussia Dortmund, Real Sociedad and Wolfsburg also sent representatives to watch as Bordeaux beat Lorient 2-0 to book their place in the French Cup semi-final.
West Ham's scouts were present at a match between Pacis de Ferreira and Victoria Setúbal match in Portugal last week. The game finished 2-1 to the home team.
Barcelona, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Cologne, Wisla Krakow, Nice, Lille, Granada and Atalanta all sent scouts in addition to the Hammers. Besides the ten foreign clubs Portuguese clubs FC Porto, Boavista and Arouca also sent representatives.
Silly season
As Iain reported earlier this week, The Brentwood Gazette have done their best impression of Sunday Sport ridiculous headlines to rival World war two bomber found on moon. These include stories that we were in for Milan striker Mario Balotelli, Spurs winger Andros Townsend, Emmanuel Adebayor, Swansea winger Andre Ayew,Swiss striking sensation Josip Drmic, Boca Junior striker Carlos Tevez and Daniel Sturridge from Liverpool. Take anything that the Brentwood Gazette print with a large dose salt.
Bilic told the press on Sturridge "That is only a rumour, there is nothing behind it to be fair. I am not talking about do we want or whatever, Daniel Sturridge is Daniel Sturridge, he is a big player, a big name, a great player but it's only paper talk. I would take Messi also but it is also an if so there is nothing in it!"
I will be back next week for my final weekly round up before the infamous transfer deadline day. Until then as Crimewatch used to say "Don't have nightmares, do sleep well" or for the slightly older generation, as Shay Taylor used to say "Keep 'em peeled!"
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Irons hit snag on Emenike loan deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham negotiators are still battling to put a deal to a loan deal together for Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike. The club has been trying to get a deal sorted out all week but admitted to ClaretandHugh this evening they are hitting some snags with his club Fenerbache.
The player is currently on loan at Al Ain and the Hammers need to work out a deal with the Turkish outfit for the rest of the season.
However, a source admitted to us this evening: "We are unable to get any answers from his club but we will keep trying to make it happen."
Emineke has a controversial background as detailed in a story on this site under the headline 'Emeneke's controversial baggage' but the club are unfazed by his previous problems. We were told that if they could get the loan done they would and then see how things go before triggering any permanent arrangement at the end of the season should they be in a position to do so.
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Emenike's controversial baggage
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Emmanuel Emenike controversy dates back more a decade, when he was arrested for kicking a football at a policeman in his homeland of Nigeria.
He moved to Turkey in 2009 signing a one year deal with Karabukspor. In May, 2011, he initiated a lawsuit against the newspaper 'Haber Turk' for what Emenike's agents describe as "misleading" and "malicious" claim that Emenike's age is 7 years different than is shown on his passport.
Later in May 2011, Emenike joined Fenerbahce for around €9 million. Just three months later he quickly moved to Russia after he was sold to Spartak Moscow for €10 million after he was arrested and released without charge in relation to a Turkish match fixing scandal. While playing in Russia he was fined US$17,000 for an offensive gesture towards Dynamo Moscow fans who racially abused him in a Russian league match. In a second incident was he red carded after scoring a goal against Zenit, he was sent off after making an 'obscene' gesture towards the opposition bench, which saw him tap him own arm as if making a heroin injection.
In December 2011 Emenike and several officials of his former club Fenerbahce were formally charged in an alleged match-fixing scandal in Turkey despite Emenike never making a first team appearance for them. Despite his re-arrest in 2012 he was later cleared of all charges in 2013.
Prosecutors alleged that Emenike missed Karabukspor's clash Fenerbahce because of an injury he did not have. Shorn of their star man Karabukspor lost game 1-0, allowing Fenerbahce to win Turkish League title. It was further alleged Fenerbahce then signed him as repayment of that debt. A claim he strongly denied.
In 2013 Emenike returned to Fenerbahce for around €13 million. Last year Emenike stormed off the field after the striker was the victim of alleged abuse from his own fans in Turkey. Soon after missing a one on one image1 (3)chance with Besiktas' Tolga Zengin Emenike was booed vociferously by his own fans, with allegations that some of the abuse was also racist. The Nigeria international angrily remove his shirt and marched towards the sidelines against rivals Besiktas. Fenerbahçe later denied claims that their striker was racially abused during their game against Besikstaks.
Before the 2015-2016 season started, Emenike was loaned to Al Ain FC on a one-year deal. He ended his loan deal after six months despite scoring nine goals in 15 appearances after a board member of the club, Mohammed Obeid Hamdoun accused the striker of not being committed.
Emenike played for the Nigerian team along side Victor Moses until recently, he announced his retirement from International football in October 2015. He announced his retirement by posting "After five great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my National team career for the sake of national peace."
Let's just hope controversy doesn't follow him to the Boleyn Ground if he joins and this is a new start for the talented player with a colourful past.
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Zarate proved a £3m point – RESULT!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Twelve months ago Mauro Zarate was being described as seriously unfit by Queens Park Rangers to whom he'd been loaned by the former manager Sam Allardyce.
The Argentinian had arrived at Upton Park having bought himself out of his contract at Velez Sarsfield and as most observers believed was never truly fancied by the previous boss.
Firstly he had been a David Sullivan signing and secondly was not the type of player one would associate with Big Sam's style and player – it tended to look like a lose/lose situation for all concerned.
It came as no surprise when he was farmed out to QPR but the unfitness claims came as something of a shock as the player attempted to sort out some kind of future for himself.
It looked a lost cause but a return to Upton Park with an injury followed by a change of management gave us a better opportunity to judge the player who had after all cost us next to nothing.
Twenty nine appearances and seven goals later he's gone after a change of management for a reported £3 million and whether you like him or not, that's good business.
Throughout his difficulties Zarate conducted himself with good grace and departed with dignity. Allardyce – like every manager – has the right to make decisions about players.
I have no interest in describing his attitude beyond that – it's history !
The player was a very useful guy to have around during that devastating injury crisis earlier in the season and for the club to come out with a £3 million profit after all that has gone before is a result!
Despit some drawbacks in his game I liked him and wish him all the best. He proved a £3 million point!
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Martinez and a bowl of Byram sour grapes
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Roberto Martinez – at best is involved in double talk – and at worse has eaten a bowl of sour grapes in claiming Sam Byram would not have been right for Everton.
Despite the right back agreeing personal terms after a fee had been agreed between the Toffees and Leeds, Byram decided to jump into West Ham almost as soon as we approached him.
So Mr Martinez's words tend to sound as though he had eaten several bowls of sour grapes before deciding to regale us with them.
He bleated: "Sam's situation was one where we were first to identify a good player in Championship. We went through the correct procedures, established a good relationship with Leeds, but in the end it was not the right move for Sam or us and that was end of it for us."
Martinez claimed he could not comment on claims that Byram felt his first-team prospects would be better at West Ham.
"I don't have a crystal ball," he said. "I can always give a correct path for a youngster to fulfil potential, but it wasn't right to bring a young talent for the sake of it and it was not right for him, and it wasn't a challenge he could embrace."
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FFP is a reality – not an excuse
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
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An accusation often aimed at West Ham co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold is the amount of times they mention Financial Fair Play and the annual wage cap limit.
West Ham fans claim our chairman are the only ones to mention this regulation and as such see it is used as an excuse not to spend more.
First of all I need to say this: Name me any other Premier League chairmen who would answer fans questions on Twitter or do regular media interviews?
Sullivan appeared on Sky Sports News earlier this week in a frank and honest interview about transfers and he was also featured in a heart warming article about fans in the Daily Mail today. Our Chairmen are the most accessible in the Premier League – we at ClaretandHugh know that for a fact – they are unfailingly helpful whenever we approach them.
icelandPremier League Chairmen like Daniel Levy and Mike Ashley are anonymous businessmen rarely giving interviews or engaging with their fans which may be a relief given that both give the impression of having had personality by-pass operations!
On FFP it simply isn't true that no other club mentions it. We live so much in our West Ham bubble that we completely fail to notice when other clubs talk about it. Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn, for example, has been quoted as saying he believes existing financial fair play rules are unfair and unsuitable for all clubs.
Chelsea and Southampton's Chairmen have also condemned FFP in the past.
Chelsea's chairman Bruce Buck says "The problem with FFP in essence is it goes a long way to preserving the status quo. One of the great things about football in this country, and many others, is if you are last in League Two you can still hope one day you will be in the Premier League. That is difficult, if not impossible, with FFP."
Nicola Cortes, the former Southampton Chairman previously said: "It is wrong to call it 'financial fair play', it is financial regulation. Though we are a club that believes a lot of things are possible to close the gap in commercial income with a club like Manchester United will be virtually impossible."
Whatever your view on the subject, the financial fair play rules have to be followed or we risk the risk of sanctions. Our Chairmen have invested over £50m of their own money to fund West Ham since 2010.
And had they not fetched into their on pockets this week, be assured that Sam Byram would have been an Everton player, regardless of Roberto Martinez's comments that he wasn't for them.
I would rather have chairmen who run our football club on a sustainable financial model than the boom and bust process we suffered under the Icelandics who bought our great club to its knees saddling us with over £100m of debt in the process.
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