Daily WHUFC News - 15th June 2016

U14s win Dutch tournament
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's U14s ended the season by winning the SV Blerick International Tournament in the Netherlands. The Hammers participated in the event as part of the Club's Academy partnership with Dutch side VVV-Venlo, going through all seven matches without conceding a single goal. The group stage saw Danny Searle's side held goalless by Roda JC before beating fellow Dutch trio PSV (1-0), Willem II (2-0) and SV Bleric (4-0) before overcoming Germany's SV Rot-Weiss Essen 3-0. The semi-finals saw West Ham paired with fellow English club Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were beaten by a single goal. The final aptly gave the Hammers an opportunity to take on first opponents Roda JC again, and second time around the Claret and Blue youngsters proved too strong by winning 2-0. Unsurprisingly, West Ham's unbeatable stopper Serine Sanneh won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament after keeping seven straight clean sheets, while outfield teammate Sam Caiger won the Player of the Tournament award. Head of Coaching for the U15-18 age group Searle expressed his pride in the squad's performance, while also thanking his backroom staff. "This was a great opportunity for the players to finish the season against good foreign opposition," said Searle. "We met up with our partner club VVV-Venlo, who were also involved in SV Blerick's Tournament. "The players were very professional throughout the Tournament, which helped them in some tough situations against good opposition. "The performances improved over the two days and by the time we reached the semi-final and final you could see the team had grown in confidence. To win the Tournament was an excellent achievement and to do so not conceding a goal was even better. We would like to thank SV Blerick for their hospitality.
"I would also like to place on record my thanks to the staff – coach Anthony Limbrick, sports scientist Scott Carter, analyst Gavin Boorman, physiotherapist Charlotte Pilgrim, driver and kit man Tony Falco and driver Dennis Lepine."

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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com

Following the seeding of the pitch at West Ham United's new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park last week, whufc.com brings you all the developments from elsewhere at the new Stadium.

The brand new official Stadium Store is almost complete, with the vast majority of the fixtures and fittings in place - including three leaves of the John Lyall Gates and turnstiles relocated from the Boleyn Ground.

Manikins, ready to model the Hammers' new kits throughout the 2016/17 campaign, are also ready for the grand opening on Thursday 23 June.

Downstairs in the Store, which is three times the size of the its Boleyn Ground equivalent, supporters will be able to have their replica shirts printed with names of their Claret and Blue heroes at the printing desks, which are also near completion.

Supporters may take inspiration from the huge shirts which look down from high above the concourses.

Now hanging alongside the shirts of Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet, Mark Noble, Billy Bonds, Sir Trevor Brooking, Bobby Moore and others are those depicting the honours won during 121 years of history.

Also downstairs, making superb progress and looking the part is the West Ham United Coffee Co., where the aforementioned turnstiles have been specially adapted for fans to sit or stand alongside to enjoy their refreshments.

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Hammers catch winger Feghouli
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce the capture of exciting Algeria winger Sofiane Feghouli from Valencia CF. The 26-year-old will arrive from Spain on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee on 1 July, having successfully completed his medical at Spire Roding Hospital and agreed personal terms on Monday. The Paris-born wideman has been a regular in La Liga since joining Valencia from French side Grenoble in 2010, scoring 42 goals in 243 appearances for Los Che. Feghouli, who has scored eleven goals in 40 caps for the country of his parents' birth, is looking forward to playing under Hammers boss Slaven Bilic in the Premier League. "I am very happy to sign for the Hammers and for Slaven Bilic," Feghouli told whufc.com. "The history of the Club is important for me in my decision. "Playing in the Premier League is very important for players in their careers and I am happy to play for the Hammers."

Born in the northern Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret on Boxing Day 1989, Feghouli spent time with local clubs Red Star and Paris FC before joining Grenoble as a teenager. The winger spent six seasons in the Alps, helping Grenoble gain promotion to Ligue 1 in 2007/08, and moved on to Valencia following the club's relegation two years later. After a loan spell with Almeria, Feghouli was a first-team regular for his new club from the start of the 2011/12 season, averaging nearly 50 appearances over each of the last five campaigns.
Among them were 42 appearances in European competition, including 22 in the UEFA Champions League, which brought the Algerian an impressive haul of ten goals. The 2012 Algerian Footballer of the Year, Feghouli is an important figure for his national team, appearing at three major tournaments. The West Ham new boy played age-group football for France before pledging his allegiance to Algeria in 2011, scoring the winner on his debut in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia in February 2012. After helping the Desert Foxes to qualify for the Brazil 2014, Feghouli netted his country's first FIFA World Cup goal in 28 years when he scored from the penalty spot against Spain. Feghouli could come face to face with new teammates Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho at the 2017 African Cup of Nations in January after both Algeria and Senegal clinched qualification earlier this month.

You can follow the new Hammers' winger's social media accounts now on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! He becomes the second senior signing of the summer, following Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit.

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Ten Fast Facts - Sofiane Feghouli
WHUFC.com

Find out more about West Ham United's second summer signing - Algeria international winger Sofiane Feghouli...

Sofiane Feghouli hails from the same Paris suburb – Levallois-Perret – as 1905 Tour de France winning cyclist Louis Trousselier
Feghouli is the youngest of four sons of Algerian-born parents who emigrated to France
The winger played for Red Star and Paris FC in the French capital before moving to Grenoble Foot 38 as a teenager
Feghouli won promotion to Ligue 1 in 2007/08 – his first season as a regular in Grenoble's starting XI
The 26-year-old joined Spanish Primera Division club Valencia CF on a free transfer in summer 2010
The wideman made his UEFA Champions League debut for Valencia against Manchester United at Old Trafford in December 2010
Feghouli switched international allegiance from France to Algeria in 2011, scoring on his debut against The Gambia in February 2012
The Desert Foxes star won the Algerian Footballer of the Year award in 2012 – an award won last season by Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez
The Hammers new boy appeared at the 2013 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and also scored against Belgium at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals
Feghouli has averaged more than 47 games per season over his five full campaigns with Valencia

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The Big Interview - Sofiane Feghouli
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's second summer signing Sofiane Feghouli says the Hammers' ambition was a key factor in his decision to move to east London. The 26-year-old opted to join Slaven Bilic's revolution amid interest from a host of Europe's top clubs, admitting the manager played a big role in his move from Spanish giants Valencia CF.

With a strong season behind them, a strong squad and a move to the 60,000-capacity London Stadium to look forward to, Feghouli told West Ham TV he cannot pull on the famous Claret and Blue shirt…

Sofiane, congratulations and welcome to West Ham United! How does it feel to sign for this Club and to be here in London?

"Thank you very much. I am very happy to have joined West Ham United and I am really looking forward to making my first appearance for the Club."

Why did you choose West Ham over the other clubs that were interested?

"First of all, it was the ambitious sporting project that was presented to me by the Club and the manager. After considering the options with my family, I think it became an option that instantly stood out from the others. The direction of the Club, the new Stadium, the squad, the manager and the opportunity to play in the Premier League made it an easy decision for me to join West Ham.

A new era is beginning at this club with the move to the New Stadium, how will it be for you to play in front of 60,000 people?

"For a footballer, to play in front of lots of fans is really important. I love the passion that comes from the crowd and as I said, I can't wait to get the season underway and to play for a club with a great history in England."

Last year was a success for the team and we have secured Europa League football for this season, what did you think of what the team achieved last year?

"What surprised me last year with this team is the spirit that it has. It was a team that fought hard in every game and gave their all. There is also great quality in the squad and so I think that this season, the team can go on and achieve some great things both in the Premier League and the Europa League."

How would you describe yourself as a player?

"I would describe myself as generous, it is always difficult to describe yourself, but I give my all every week."

You have played in Ligue 1, La Liga and now, in the Premier League, how do you feel about the opportunity to play here?

"I have played in both Ligue 1 and La Liga. I think that La Liga and the Premier League are the best leagues around at the moment. It is a great challenge for me to play in the Premier League and this opportunity makes me really happy to be here at West Ham."

Last year you worked with some English coaches at Valencia, how did you find that experience?

"I worked with Gary and Phil Neville at Valencia and it was a great experience for me. I have worked with a lot of coaches in my career and this was the first time I had worked with English-speaking coaches, so it was a good experience for me."

Do you know any of your teammates here at West Ham?

"I know the players here because I follow football all the time, but I don't know any of them personally yet."

Have you played against any of them?

"I played against Cheikhou Kouyate for the Algeria national team when he was playing for Senegal and I came up against Dimitri Payet in the Champions League when he was at Lille in 2012/13."

Your fellow countryman and Algerian national teammate Riyad Mahrez had a huge impact on the Premier League last year, do you feel you can have a similar impact?

"What he achieved last year was incredible and fully deserved as he worked hard to get to there. I have my own objectives, I am ambitious and want to achieve great things in Europe with the Hammers and to leave my mark."

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Joint-Chairman - He is an outstanding player
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is thrilled to have secured the signing of Sofiane Feghouli and believes he is an 'outstanding player'. Mr Sullivan reveals the Club have been working hard to finalise a move for the 26-year-old who attracted interest from a number of big clubs across Europe. Feghouli showed his quality in La Liga producing some of his best form at Valencia and will look forward to facing his Algerian team-mate Riyad Mahrez who was voted PFA Player of the Year for Leicester last season. After securing the signings of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini last summer, Mr Sullivan feels the Club have brought in another special talent who has a wealth of experience and will be another big addition to the squad. Mr Sullivan said: "It's a deal myself and my team have been working on for many weeks. I had a lengthy meeting with his agent ten days ago. "He's an outstanding player and as big a star as Mahrez in his own country. "If he adapts to the Premier League we have signed another very special player with experience all over Europe via the Cup competitions for his club."

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Feghouli enticed by 'ambitious project'
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Sofiane Feghouli says he was persuaded to join West Ham United as a result of the club's ambition. The 26-year-old winger rejected a series of offers from around the globe in order to put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Hammers, whom he joined on a free transfer today.
"I am very happy to have joined West Ham United and I am really looking forward to making my first appearance for the club," he told whufc.com.
"After considering the options with my family, I think it became an option that instantly stood out from the others. The direction of the club, the new stadium, the squad, the manager and the opportunity to play in the Premier League made it an easy decision for me to join. "There is great quality in the squad and so I think that this season, the team can go on and achieve some great things both in the Premier and Europa League."

Feghouli's arrival represents yet another major coup for chairman David Sullivan and chief scout Tony Henry, following the success of last season's transfer policy that netted stars such as Michail Antonio, Angelo Ogbonna and Dimitri Payet. "It's a deal myself and my team have been working on for many weeks," revealed the club's co-owner. "I had a lengthy meeting with his agent ten days ago. "He's an outstanding player and as big a star as Riyad Mahrez in his own country. If he adapts to the Premier League we have signed another very special player with experience all over Europe via the cup competitions for his club."

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Hammers sign Feghouli on three-year deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have completed the capture of Albanian international Sofiane Feghouli. The 26-year-old, French-born winger has joined West Ham after agreeing terms on a three-year contract, it has been revealed. Voted as La Liga's best African player in 2014/15, Feghouli spent the last six years at Valencia but only became a regular first team player during the 2011/12 season. Prior to agreeing terms with West Ham, he had also been strongly linked with Turkish Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce, Manchester United, Seville and an unnamed Chinese Super League club.

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No summer gambles, insists Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic says that player performances in Euro 16 will play a role in his summer transfer policy - but that he is unlikely to sign anyone purely based on their exploits in France. Bilic - who completed the capture of Sofiane Feghouli from Valencia on a free transfer earlier today - admitted that some players will be judged partly on their performances in the tournament, which kicked off last Friday. However he denied that the club would sign anyone based on their Euro 16 achievements alone, insisting that all main targets had been monitored throughout the last season (and beyond). Bilic - speaking from Paris, where he is currently part of ITV's European Championship team - also revealed that the club were keen to tie up one or two deals prior to the start of the competition, but were unable to do so. "We tried to do something before the Euros but it wasn't possible, it didn't happen", he said. "But as I said to the Board, we're not panicking. We have a good team and if we can add something to that team to make us better, then we're going to try."

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West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet transfer would cost ridiculous money, says agent
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 14/06/16 3:55pm
SSN

Dimitri Payet's agent says it would take "ridiculous money" to sign the West Ham midfielder this summer. Payet joined the Hammers from Marseille last summer and enjoyed a sensational debut season in the Premier League, earning a call-up for the France squad for Euro 2016. He justified his inclusion in Didier Deschamps' final 23-man squad with a dazzling display in France's opening Group A match against Romania, scoring a stunning last-minute goal to earn the hosts a 2-1 win. Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have since been linked in the national press with moves for the 29-year-old, with figures quoted as high as £60m. But Payet's agent, Mark McKay, insists his client is content at West Ham and feels only a mega-money offer could tempt the Hammers to sell their star man. "As far as I am concerned, he's been happy at West Ham and it's down to West Ham that he's in the position that he is in," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "He's doing great now for France and to get him now, you've got to be talking ridiculous money. But football is football, so you never know." He added: "When he first came last year, we hoped for the best with him. We knew that he was a really good player, but I don't think anyone could really expect what he has gone on to do in the Premier League so far. "The game against Romania the other night was a joy to watch."
Mckay also confirmed West Ham forward Diafra Sakho is seeking assurances over his future at the club. Sky sources understand Sakho has told Hammers boss Slaven Bilic he wants to leave this summer, with Sunderland keen on signing him. "He has had conversations with people at West Ham and he wants to know where his future lies. He wants to start pre-season where he wants to be playing," McKay said. "West Ham are looking for that top, top striker and Diafra is a bit concerned, that once they find that striker, what his place in the team is going to be. "If he gets those assurances from West Ham, I am sure he'll be happy to stay there, but otherwise he may be looking elsewhere. "I think if you look at Diafra, he is a victim of the success West Ham have had. Now they are going to the Olympic Stadium, they want to kick on and he may just be left behind, he's not that star name they are looking for maybe. "So, we'll wait and see on that. It's up in the air at the moment. He's a West Ham player as it stands until David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic turn round and say differently."

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West Ham complete transfer of Sofiane Feghouli from Valencia, according to Jack Sullivan
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 14/06/16 2:58pm
SSN

West Ham have completed the transfer of Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli, according to the son of Hammers co-owner David Sullivan. Jack Sullivan confirmed on his Twitter account that the Algeria international has signed a three-year contract with the Londoners. The 26-year-old was a free agent after seeing out his contract at Valencia and leaves after six years at the La Liga club. Sullivan tweeted: "Feghouli has signed for West Ham for the next 3 years." West Ham have already been busy in the transfer market, having agreed to sign Norway international Havard Nordtveit from Borussia Monchengladbach. Feghouli, who represented France at U18 and U21 level before switching his allegiances to Algeria, joined Valencia from French side Grenoble in 2010 and scored 30 times during his six season stay at the Mestalla. His arrival at West Ham will be another boost to manager Slaven Bilic, who is looking to shape his squad ahead of the club's first season at the 60,000-seater Olympic Stadium. On Monday, Bilic confirmed to Turkish television he was interested in signing Besiktas duo Atiba Hutchinson and Gokhan Tore, while David Sullivan confirmed to Sky Sports News HQ in May that he was confident of acquiring a "top striker" this summer.

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Lyon demand £40m for star asset
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

According to our good friend, Darren Lewis over on the Daily Mirror, Lyon has rejected a second bid from West Ham for Alexandre Lacazette. Darren says West Ham have had an improved £32million bid rejected today. The French club are insistent that they will not do business for a fee less than their valuation of £40m before appearance fees and goal bonuses. The bid from West Ham was their second crack at 24-year-old Lacazette who has netted 23 times from 44 appearances this season.Last month West Ham had a package worth £31million rejected for Lacazette by Lyon. Last month Lyon confirmed they rejected a €40m offer for Lacazette from West Ham. "For a sale to be made, all three parties must agree. We have refused several offers, the most important from West Ham for 40m euros and we refused it," Lyon President, Aulas previously told French daily Le Progres.
Yesterday we reported that Lacazette screamed "Payeeeeeeeet" followed by eight smileys and the French flag on twitter to show his love for the West Ham midfielder but it appears both clubs are miles apart on their valuations.

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Payet linked with £40m bid from Real Madrid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Real Madrid has been the latest club to be linked to a possible bid for Dimitri Payet tjis summer. French website, Le Sport10 claim "Real Madrid are understood to be readying a bid worth €50m (£40m) & offer Payet €160,000 (£128,000) weekly in wages to persuade him to come."

Yesterday, Darren Lewis on the Daily Mirror said Chelsea scouts have been urging incoming boss Antonio Conte to make a move for Payet but Lewis confirms our weekend story that West Ham's board are adamant they won't sell Payet at any cost and refuse to even put a potential valuation on his head that could tempt them to sell.

Over the weekend we spoke to West Ham chairman David Sullivan who told Claret and Hugh "It's as simple as this – we are not selling him – not at any price. West Ham United is building a team around Dimi Payet – he will not be moving anywhere and that is that."

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West Ham linked with another Senegalese striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham is reportedly looking at 23-year-old Senegalese striker Khouma Babacar of Fiorentina, who has been compared to a young Didier Drogba. Babacar scored seven goals in 24 games last season but is seen as a physical player who would be suited to the Premier League. The Fiorentina striker has been linked with Crystal Palace, Everton, Southampton and West Ham and last week the Italian press reported the 23-year-old could be available for just £10m. The agent of Khouma Babacar has remained coy over the striker's future amid links with Premier League clubs. Babacar was the subject of substantial interest in the January transfer window and was reportedly close to leaving Italian club Fiorentina. The forward's agent, Patrick Bastianelli, previously told Radio Blu: "What of Babacar's future? We'll see, at the moment he is contracted on the objective to be achieved with Fiorentina." Media speculation suggests that fellow Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho wants out of West Ham this summer suggesting he spoke to Slaven Bilic over the weekend and asked to be sold ahead of next season.

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Cherries man to join West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Head of media and communications at AFC Bournemouth, Max Fitzgerald will join West Ham as the new Hammers Head of media relations before the start of the new Premier league season.
The position was left vacant after West Ham fan, Paul Stringer left to join the Premier League after four years in charge of the press and media department. Max graduated from Bournemouth University in 2011 receiving a BA (Hons) in multimedia and journalism. During his time at University the life long Bournemouth fan was the editor for Bournemouth's official multimedia portal called 'Cherries player'. On leaving University he joined Bournemouth football club in May 2011 as a media and communications executive receiving a promotion to the top job as Cherries head of media and communications in August 2012. Max is likely to become a familiar face standing next to Slaven Bilic in press conferences next season fielding difficult questions and driving forward a new press and media strategy as we move to the former Olympic Stadium.

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Hammers update Sakho and Sunderland
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham have this morning denied any new bid from Sunerland for striker Diafra Sakho. The Daily Mail yesterday reported that Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce had come in with an offer and that he wanted a deal sorted out as soon as possible. However, a Hammers source revealed this morning: "There has been no new bid. That hasn't happened. Maybe after the first one that was lodged they feel to embarrassed to come back with another!" The Mail had appeared to hang their story on the suggestion that Sak is unhappy and that he and manager Slaven Bilic have had a meeting at which that was expressed. However, we were told: "There's no sugesstion that's the case at all. It's very very quiet with the Euros on but that is something that someone would definitely have heard about. "It seems a little bizarre given that Slav has been racing between England, Croatia and France and Diafra is away. "
The first Sunderland bid was reported at £11 million which was totally incorrect in REAL terms with CandH being told it was nearer £6 million up front with all sorts of "embarrassing clauses attached." One was that the player would need to make 30 appearances a season for three seasons in order for the fee to rise to the reported £11m. With his injury record that is ublikely to happen! And we were told regardless: £11 million is a ridicuus bid anyway. We would not even look at anything under £15m."

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Sullivan on marks with another bid
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hammers Chat, News, Whispers
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David Sullivan is ready to step up his bid for Alexandre Lacazette. The Hammers chairman saw a new £32 million bid rejected by Lyon yesterday but is encouraged by the falling of away of interest by both Paris St Germain and Spurs. Lyon are claiming that they want £40 milion for the 25 year old but with the Irons seemingly the only club in the frame at the moment that has zero chance of happening at this stage. We were told this morning that a fresh bid is likely and that the striker remains the prime target as the Hammers look to get their transfer business done as quickly as possible. Sullivan is a relentless negotiator and will go on until the bitter end in his pursuit of the player with a source saying this morning: "It's not over at this stage – there is likely to be another offer. As we have seen many times, David is not a man to throw his hands in the air and say: 'That's it.'
Lacazette showed his prowess for Lyon last season, scoring 21 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games, although he w as only placed on stand-by for France's Euro 2016 squad.

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Payet's agent breaks silence on Dimi's future
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Dimi Payet's agent, Mark McKay has told Sky Sports News today that Dimitri Payet is 'happy at West Ham' adding it would take "ridiculous money" to sign the West Ham midfielder in this summer transfer window. Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with interest or bids for the 29-year-old, with figures quoted as high as £60m. As far as I am concerned, he's been happy at West Ham and it's down to West Ham that he's in the position that he is in," McKay told Sky Sports News. "He's doing great now for France and to get him now, you've got to be talking ridiculous money. But football is football, so you never know." He added: "When he first came last year, we hoped for the best with him. We knew that he was a really good player, but I don't think anyone could really expect what he has gone on to do in the Premier League so far. The game against Romania the other night was a joy to watch."

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What will become of your Boleyn bricks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 14, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
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A number of West Ham supporters have been asking me recently what will become of their Boleyn Ground commemorative bricks. The messages on the current bricks have been transcribed and will be transferred to new granite stones in Champions Place outside the Olympic Stadium free of charge.

Many fans missed the statement on the official website in November last year which stated:

"West Ham have decided that each message on the Commemorative Bricks will be inscribed on a brand new Champions Place Stone. The Club believes that this landscaped area of the new Stadium – a place for Hammers fans to meet and pay stoneshomage to their heroes – will be the most appropriate location to leave a permanent, individual tribute, engraved in granite, to all those loved ones.The Club will take on all the costs of this process, as part of its on-going commitment to ensure the new Stadium looks and feels, unmistakably, like the home of West Ham United."
A number of supporters have asked if the bricks can be removed from the Boleyn Ground, Claret and Hugh have been told that the club looked into this but the bricks are just thin brick veneers which would disintegrate on attempted removal. The named bricks will be demolished along with the stadium by Galliard homes some time after August when the club hand over the keys.
The granite stones are available to buy from £60 to supporters who did not commemorative bricks from https://championsplace.whufc.com/index.htm

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Bilic gives opinion on Irons new boy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
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The boss has hailed our summer recruit Sofiane Feghouli as a 'great signing after the Algerian winger joined on on a free transfer. Feghouli follows defender Havard Nordtveit into the Olympic Stadium and Bilic declared he had received a message earlier today notifying him that the deal had gone through. Speaking on ITV as a pundit for the Euro 2016 clash between Hungary and Austria, Bilic said of the 26 year old: "Today I got a message from the chairman that we had signed Feghouli. He's an Algerian winger from Valencia. "Top player. Top winger. We got him for free on a Bosman so, we're active. We are preparing. "He's a great signing for us."

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Baggies double Hammer striker swoop
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
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New reports suggest that West Bromwich Albion have not yet given up on signing West Ham Striker Diafra Sakho and are willing to fight for his signature this summer. The article in the Daily Express says the Baggies see Sakho as a young, dynamic replacement for Victor Anichebe who was released at the end of the season.

Sakho scored 12 times in 26 appearances in his first debut season with West Ham, but last season he was plagued with injury yielding just seven goals from 24 games.The Express also claim Baggies are also interested in his West Ham striker team-mate Enner Valencia. Like Sakho, the 26-year-old who scored in Ecuador's 4-0 Copa America win over Haiti is open to a move away from West Ham this summer.

The Express also claim Baggies are also interested in his West Ham striker team-mate Enner Valencia. Like Sakho, the 26-year-old who scored in Ecuador's 4-0 Copa America win over Haiti is open to a move away from West Ham this summer as the Hammers look for a marque 20+ goal scorer . Valencia has scored 10 goals in 61 appearances since joining West Ham for £12m from the Mexican league in 2014 and can also play wide if required. West Ham put a valuation Valencia at £12m while Sakho is valued at £15m by the Irons. I am sure we would take £25m for cash if it was all up front for the pair though.

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Exclusive: Irons look for strikers AND defenders
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham – having brought Sofiane Feghouli to the club on a free transfer today – are on the trail of two strikers, a right back and central defender.

And that would bring the number of signings up to the six promised by David Gold towards the end of last season.

The Hammers see Feghouli as a replacement for Victor Moses and with him and Michail Antonio looking after the right side of midfield, the next requirement is for a right back with Paris St Germain's Gregory van Der Wiel still a target.

James Tomkins may not be an option for the position with Slaven Bilic believed ready to let him move on if the right sort of offer is received.

That would leave the Irons light on the right side of the back four with Sam Byram the only player who could naturally fill the position although Antonio could be used in emergencies.

A very well placed source told ClaretandHugh today: "Our shopping list is fairly pretty well set up; one very prolific striker as everybody knows plus a second given that Enner Valencia is likely to move on.

"We will definitely be bringing in a right back this summer as we are clearly light in that position and the manager is also keen to strength at central defence ."

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Agent McKay reveals Sakho's feelings
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Football agent Mark McKay has confirmed West Ham forward Diafra Sakho is seeking assurances over his future at the club. Speaking to Sky Sports News today Mckay said "He has had conversations with people at West Ham and he wants to know where his future lies. He wants to start pre-season where he wants to be playing," "West Ham are looking for that top, top striker and Diafra is a bit concerned, that once they find that striker, what his place in the team is going to be. " If he gets those assurances from West Ham, I am sure he'll be happy to stay there, but otherwise he may be looking elsewhere." "I think if you look at Diafra, he is a victim of the success West Ham have had. Now they are going to the Olympic Stadium, they want to kick on and he may just be left behind, he's not that star name they are looking for maybe. "So, we'll wait and see on that. It's up in the air at the moment. He's a West Ham player as it stands until David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic turn round and say differently."

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Slaven Bilic hails 'great signing' Sofiane Feghouli as he becomes West Ham's second summer recruit
20:15, 14 JUN 2016 UPDATED 20:15, 14 JUN 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The Algerian winger has joined from Valencia on a free transfer after his contract with the La Liga side expired
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has hailed West Ham's latest summer recruit Sofiane Feghouli as a 'great signing' after the Hammers confirmed his arrival. The Algerian winger has joined from Valencia on a free transfer after his contract with the La Liga side expired. Feghouli follows defender Havard Nordtveit through the door at the Olympic Stadium after he also joined on a free from Borussia Monchengladbach. Bilic confirmed he received a message earlier today notifying him that the deal had gone through and describes the tricky 26-year-old as 'a top player'. Speaking on ITV as a pundit for the Euro 2016 clash between Hungary and Austria, Bilic said: "Today I got a message from the chairman that we had signed Feghouli. He's an Algerian winger from Valencia.

On signing for the Irons, Feghouli said: "I am very happy to sign for the Hammers and for Slaven Bilic . The history of the club is important for me in my decision. "Playing in the Premier League is very important for players in their careers and I am happy to play for the Hammers."

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West Ham to be offered transfer swap of West Brom's Saido Berahino for fellow striker Diafra Sakho
22:30, 14 JUN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Baggies' star has turned down a new deal, while his Hammers counterpart is unhappy about his playing time and pay and has seen two Sunderland bids rejected
The Mirror

West Brom are ready to offer Saido Berahino to West Ham in a swap for Diafra Sakho. The Hammers have rejected two bids from Sunderland for striker Sakho, because they did not meet their £15million valuation. And Sam Allardyce could be frustrated further with the player unsure about a move to Wearside and the Baggies prepared to offer Berahino in exchange for him. Everton, Stoke and Crystal Palace are also interested in Sakho, who has scored 19 times in 49 games since a £3.5m move from French club Metz two years ago. But he is unhappy about not playing more regularly and over his basic wage of £27,000 a week. He has told manager Slaven Bilic he wants to leave and the club will let him go if they get the right offer. Sunderland's improved bid was of £12m, but the East Londoners want £3m more and to have the bulk of the fee to be paid up front. The Baggies, however, believe Bilic could be tempted if Berahino is involved in any deal. The 22-year-old former England U21s regular has 12 months left on his contract, has rejected a new offer worth more than £50,000 a week and made it clear he does not intend to change his mind.

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France's Euro 2016 match-winner Dimitri Payet thanks the Premier League for making him a star
22:30, 14 JUN 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
"Patrice Evra told me playing in England would take my game to a new level — and he was right. There is no doubt I have become a better player there"
The Mirror

Dimitri Payet believes he has taken his game to a new level – thanks to the Premier League. Playmaker Payet continued his stunning season by lighting up the first game of Euro 2016 against Romania last Friday. The West Ham star ran the show for France and capped his brilliant ­individual performance with a last-minute wonder goal to fire the relieved hosts to a 2-1 victory in Paris. The Romania clash saw the 29-year-old win just his 20th cap — a low tally for a player of such huge talent. Payet has often been ­overlooked by his country and, even midway through this season, his chances of making Didier Deschamps' final 23 looked bleak. But he reckons moving to England helped him raise his game and become impossible to ignore. He said: "Many players in the French squad play in the Premier League, or have played in the Premier League, so I knew about the level. "Patrice Evra told me that playing in England would take my game to a new level — and he was right. It is the most ­competitive league in the world — every game you have to fight for. There is no doubt I have become a better player there." As well as for his goal and display, Payet also won praise for his emotional response when he was subbed at the Stade de France, which showed ho w much playing for his country means to him. A visibly-moved Payet broke down in tears as he received a deserved standing ovation from the home crowd. He said: "It was pure emotion that people saw from me the other night. "There were times when I didn't think I would even be at the European Championship. so to be walking off the field, having scored the winning goal in front of our home fans, just got too much for me. The emotion all came pouring out."

Payet's late heroics helped below-par France avoid making a false start to their bid to win a third successive home tournament, after Euro 1984 and the World Cup in 1998. He said: "I don't think we were at our best against Romania, but we got the job done which was the most ­important thing. Next up is Albania, and I am expecting another tough game. They fought hard against Switzerland, and I expect them to fight hard against us. "I think there is always an added incentive to play well against the host nation. There is pressure on France, but we are OK with that. We have an excellent team and are playing at home, so of course there will be pressure on us, but we expected that. "Our aim is the same as the fans', and that is to win the tournament."

Deschamps is considering making some bold changes for Wednesday's clash in Marseille, having been left underwhelmed by the performance against Romania. France's 1998 World Cup-winning captain raised eyebrows on Friday night when he hooked perceived star men Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba and switched from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1. But the changes paid off as Les Bleus improved in the closing stages and Payet won the game at the death. Deschamps is now weighing up leaving both Griezmann and Pogba out of his starting XI against Albania. France looked nervous at times in their opener with the weight of expectation from the nation on their shoulders. But legendary former midfielder Zinedine Zidane insists the French won't crumble and will instead feed off the backing of their fans. Zidane, who steered Real Madrid to European Cup final victory last month, said: "I faced the exact same experience in 1998. "The fact of having the cup in Paris and in France is a great support for the team – it's in their own country with all the fans, the supporters and the good energy."

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West Ham sign winger Sofiane Feghouli on three-year deal after beating Inter Milan and Sevilla to snap up free agent from Valencia
Sofiane Feghouli has signed for West Ham after sealing a three-year deal
Winger's contract ran down at Valencia and there was plenty of interest
Sevilla, Inter Milan, Fenerbahce, Villarreal and a club in China were keen
But Feghouli was convinced by Slaven Bilic and the Olympic Stadium
By ASHLEY CLEMENTS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:33, 14 June 2016 | UPDATED: 14:36, 14 June 2016

West Ham have agreed to sign Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli on a three-year contract. The 26-year-old free agent had a lucrative offer from China, plus proposals from France and Spain but has been lured by the prospect of playing under Slaven Bilic at West Ham's new Olympic Stadium home. Sevilla, Villarreal, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce were all among the clubs who had sounded out his representatives but the exciting Algeria international has made his choice.

SOFIANE FEGHOULI FACTFILE
Full name: Sofiane Feghouli
Age: 26
Nationality: Algeria
Position: Right winger
Previous clubs: Grenoble, Valencia, Almeria (loan)
Record this season
Appearances: 31, Goals: 4

Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are also continuing to work on the prospective transfer of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon with a £32million deal on the table for the France international forward. Manager Bilic has also confirmed talks with Besiktas over the prospective transfer of former Chelsea forward Gokhan Tore and utility player Atiba Hutchinson. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia are ready to leave the club though. Sakho has interest from Sunderland in particular while Valencia has interest from the Bundesliga.
Feghouli is the Hammers' second addition of the summer after they completed a move for Havard Nordtveit from Borussia Monchengladbach, again on a free transfer. Bilic is pushing on with his plans for the new season after guiding West Ham to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League in his first season in charge.

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