Daily WHUFC News - 7th July 2016

Page pleased with progress
WHUFC.com

Young left-back Lewis Page was philosophical about West Ham United's 3-0 pre-season defeat at the hands of MLS side Seattle Sounders. The Sounders, who are midway through their domestic campaign, were the more clinical in a match that saw each side register more than 20 shots on goal. Both teams fielded much-changed starting XIs, with West Ham missing many regulars, and Slaven Bilic made ten substitutions at half-time to safeguard his players from over-exertion. Page, who started the game at left-back and had one of those 20 goal attempts following a typically marauding run down his flank, was pleased to see his teammates come through the match with no ill-effects. "We've only had a couple of days training so we're a bit low on match fitness, but with that performance we didn't deserve to lose 3-0," he told whufc.com. "I see they are near the bottom of their Conference, so they were probably out there to prove a point with their fans against a Premier League side, but it wasn't really a full st rength side for us either. "But we have got to take the positives out of it. We got through it without any injuries and it's another 45 minutes under our belt."

The 20-year-old, who made three senior appearances for the Hammers in last season's UEFA Europa League campaign, is enjoying every moment of the Irons' US Tour and is hoping that exposure to the first team will help him make strides this season. Training alongside the outstanding Aaron Cresswell will also, he believes, stand him in good stead if and when he is called upon this coming campaign "It's great to be here," he continued. "The Seattle Seahawks facilities are unbelievable, probably one of the best training grounds I've ever been to. I am enjoying it a lot and the weather is pleasant to train in. "It's exactly what I wanted, to do a pre-season with West Ham and see where it goes from there, whether I need a loan or to stay here and push on. "Getting experience again in Seattle in front of a big crowd was another thing that I need to push on, so it's been good. "I had a little bit of experience last year in the Europa League and I thought I did quite well there, but obviously Cress is one of the best left-backs in the league at the moment. I look up to him in training and see what he does to try and learn from him."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Hammers to represent Three Lions
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Sam Howes and Reece Oxford have been selected to play for the England U19 squad for next week's European Championship Finals in Germany. Manager Aidy Boothroyd has selected the two Hammers as part of an 18-man squad, following three separate training camps at St. George's Park. Following the announcement, the squad will meet up on Friday 8 July to travel to Germany ahead of their Group B opener with France in Heidenheim on Tuesday 12 July. After facing their French counterparts, the Young Lions will take on the Dutch on Friday 15 July before facing Croatia on Monday 18 July. Should they finish in the top two of the group, they will progress to the semi-finals where they will meet one of Germany, Italy, Austria or Portugal. Progression to the semi-final would also mean qualification for next year's U20 World Cup in South Korea. Following the duo's participation with the national side, they will join up with the Hammers' first team as they prepare for the upcoming 2016/17 season.

As ever, you can follow the Young Lion's progress on whufc.com and across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sam Howes (West Ham United), Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United)

Defenders: Callum Connolly (Everton), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Jonjoe Kenny (Everton), Taylor Moore (RC Lens), Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea), Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Ryan Ledson (Everton), Ainsley Maitland Niles (Arsenal), Joshua Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur), Reece Oxford (West Ham), Jordan Rossiter (Rangers)

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Isaiah Brown (Chelsea), Ademola Lookman (Charlton Athletic), Sheyi Ojo (Liverpool), Dominic Solanke (Chelsea)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginge's Dragons bow out at semi-final stage
WHUFC.com

James Collins' Wales were left heartbroken in Lyon as they were beaten 2-0 in the UEFA Euro 2016 semi-final against Portugal. Goals from former Manchester United men Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani secured the victory which ended Chris Coleman's side's superb campaign in France. The last-four tie was Collins' first start in the tournament after suspension to Ben Davies had given him an opportunity to play his part for the Dragons.
And Wales were defensively superb during the opening 45 minutes, limiting superstar Ronaldo to few opportunities and snuffing out any Portugal attacks, with Ginge particularly impressing. But five minutes into the second half, the Real Madrid forward rose highest from a corner to break the deadlock, heading past Wayne Hennessey, before his ball into the box three minutes later was stabbed home by Nani for the second Despite their best attempts, Collins' side could not cut Portugal's advantage, and Fernando Santos' team secured their place in a second European Championship final. Even after their elimination, Wales will be extremely proud of their achievements in France, where they performed well beyond the expectations of many. Collins, who was substituted in the 65th minute in Lyon, also made an appearance in his side's incredible 3-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals. Portugal will now, in Paris, face either Dimitri Payet's France or world champions Germany in the final on Sunday 10 July.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet set for semi-final showdown
WHUFC.com

They will be sharing the pitch in Marseille, and they even share a song, but one thing is for certain; there will be no love lost between Hammers star Dimitri Payet and Arsenal's Mesut Ozil on Thursday. The pair will come to blows in the second UEFA Euro 2016 semi-final when hosts France take on world champions Germany and both playmakers will be desperate to come out on top. The West Ham midfielder has starred in France since the first match of the tournament, scoring spectacularly on three occasions, while Ozil has been important cog in the powerful German machine. It would be the third time this season, should France conquer their German counterparts, that Payet has got the better of Ozil – the 29-year-old picked up the coveted London Footballer of the Year award in March ahead of the Gunners man. That came after Payet had helped the Hammers – in his first ever Premier League game – to victory over Arsene Wenger's side, containing Ozil, at the Emirates in August. Payet's stunner against Romania in the opening match at this summer's Euros cemented his position in Didier Deschamps' starting XI, and he hasn't let his boss down; crackers against Albania and in the 5-2 quarter-final thrashing of Iceland have ensured that. But it's fair to say France have not been properly tested yet. They breezed through knockout-round ties against the Republic of Ireland and Iceland and won two of their three group fixtures. There is no doubt, though, Germany will provide the test that the French have not yet faced; Joachim Low's team beat a strong Italian side in the quarter-final, albeit on penalties, and have conceded just one goal in the entire tournament so far. Ozil himself scored in the Italy tie, but France legend Bixente Lizarazu backed Hammer Payet to come out on top. He said: "Six months ago, Payet wasn't in the squad. It's incredible what he's done. He has played world-class games." The winners of the eagerly-awaited clash will face Portugal, who beat James Collins' Wales 2-0 in the Lyon semi-final on Wednesday night.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 6 JULY 2016 AT 10:00PM
The WestHamWay.co.uk

Here is our daily feature. Before I start I am pleased to announce that myself and SDCC have a very exciting weekly joint collaboration about to launch in two weeks. I really am buzzing about it and I hope it is a new feature that you will all enjoy. More information will come in the next few days. So over to the transfers.

Carlos Tevez to West Ham- I decided to reveal through tweets (back to the old school) two days ago that we had offered a "substantial" deal to bring back Tevez to the club. It was out of the blue but I was responding to a question that was asked to me. With a lot of the more "sensational" stories comes the "rubbish" comments, probably at least twenty that day! Earlier today Jack Sullivan confirmed this to be true and now it has been turned into an "exclusive" by a number of jounalists. The facts of the "exclusive" articles are correct though. We offered Tevez £150,000 a week to return to the club as it was seen he would be the perfect marquee signing to take us into the new stadium. Tevez turned down the deal saying he was happy at his hometown club of Boca and would only consider a move her for £250,000 a week. A figure which would totally smash our wage structure so we swiftly turned the deal down and the rest is history. This offer was not made in the last few weeks though as these articles would suggest. We started to speak to Tevez in January and then again before this window back in May to see if we could persuade him.

Tore on his way-It is looking extremely likely that the Turkish winger Tore will join the club tomorrow. He has been at the Spire Roding Hospital today for a medical and will complete the second part of this and his personal terms tomorrow. The deal is expected to be originally a season long loan costing between £4m-£6m in fees. This fee will then be deducted from the £13m that is the agree fee at the end of the loan spell. The Turkish club need to sell because they are close to reaching the Financial Fair Play Limit and so were determined to secure a large payment before negotiating. They had expected Tore to join West Ham in January this year and so his departure has been long over due.

Bacca also close: Whilst the deal for Bacca is no way near as close as Tore, it appears there has been progress. Milan seem accepting of the fact that he will leave the club now and we appear to be able to reach their demands. We also intend to offer him a very decent wage salary which would help to put us above a number of Spanish clubs in his priority list. He is one of our top targets and we believe we can get him for around £22m. We would then spend further money on at least another forward. The forward could be Gomez as his initial fee would be a lot less that some of the other targets.

Payet to Inter Milan for £38m. This isn't going to happen. Payet would not be interested in moving there and we would want more money that that.

Obiang to stay at the club: As we reported in an earlier article on the site it looks like that Obiang is now prepared to fight for his place at the club. He has been told that he will play in Europe and be given the chance to cement his place as a first team regular. It is believed that he has offers from Italy and Spain on the table but he wants to at least try for a place at the club before he considers a move. His future may have been made a lot clearer with the fact that the club are losing faith with Besiktas and that we would ever come to a deal. Personally I am pleased with this as I think Obiang was very good last year and is underrated.

Robert Green to Leeds: Former favourite Robert Green has joined Leeds United. There was some talk that we may offer him a deal should Randolph be sold but this is obviously no longer an option.

Cullen to leave on loan: Having reported that Alex Pike is likely to join Charlton on loan yesterday, we are hearing today that Josh Cullen may earn himself a loan move either to a Championship club or back to Bradford. Bilic is said to be a fan of Cullen and believes that he will make it in the game.

Brady to West Ham: It seems a very odd move and one that I don't think can be happening. The player can play left back and on the wing but this is two positions where we don't really need any players. Yes we could do with left back cover for Cresswell but I very much doubt this will come in the form of Brady, despite what the bookies say.

Valencia to leave: The club are starting to receive some offers for Valencia notably from Italy. These are mainly loan offers yet we want around £10m for him. Bilic was impressed with him at the Copa America and had considered giving him a second chance however if the right offer comes in I am sure he will go.

I have also been told that there has been some movement on a "surprise" target. This target has not been reported before and the club are determined to keep it quiet for the time being. It has been published on the official site but some people are still asking me. The home shirt will be launched on Saturday 16th July at the stadium with a number of other promotions.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OBIANG WANTS TO STAY AND FIGHT FOR HIS PLACE
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 6 JULY 2016 AT 6:35PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Encouraging words emerged today via twitter from Pedro Obiang amidst rumours that he may be sold on/return to Serie A this Summer. The 24 year old former Spanish U21 international stated that he's trying to learn/adjust to the game in England and that he wants to earn his place in the side. These will be great words to hear for many of the Hammers faithful, considering most were shocked/upset that the club were even contemplating letting Pedro go after only one season in the Premier League, as many considered that he did not get enough chances to prove himself last season. It was widely rumoured that he was going to be replaced by Besiktas', Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson but that deal has failed to materialise thus far with the Turkish Champions determined to hold on to their defensive midfield veteran. With the Hammers hoping to be fighting on both fronts this season, Slaven Bilic will need at least 4 experienced, combative central midfielders and he'll have that now if Obiang stays alongside, Cheikh Kouyate, Mark Noble and new signing Havard Nordveit.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DOMINGOS QUINA & CO MATCH ANALYSIS
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 6 JULY 2016 AT 6:07PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Having stayed up late last night to watch the Hammers take on Seattle Sounders. I thought I'd post my thoughts on the players who impressed me briefly. Firstly Domingos Quina who looks an exceptional player for a 16 year old. Very comfortable on the ball, creative and knows the way to play a possession game. He also works hard off the ball trying to win it back, he didn't look out of place with the more Senior lads. He looked very bright in the final third , put in an accurate cross that was almost converted. The owners have done brilliantly to sign Domingos Quina! A few more players who in impressed me were Toni Martinez who looks a very clean player. Mobile , good movement and he held the ball up very well and linked the play great. Feghouli made a great pass to him 2nd half and he struck the shot firmly which the goalkeeper saved….almost scoring the rebound which was going in, unfortunately it hit the back of the defender but was unlucky. Overall Martinez looks like he has a lot about him and definitely one striker who can be a future first teamer in my opinion.
Another who impressed me first half was Marcus Browne, another who looks comfortable on the ball and runs at defenders. Pretty agile and very good at pressing defenders off the ball. I think Browne could be a very good player with more game time The new Senior signings like Feghouli and Nordtveit impressed. I'm sure they will add lots to the quality we have and the future does look very bright indeed for West Ham United

COYI

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER RUMOURS ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 JULY 2016 AT 10:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

This column will need to be very short today. As I am sure you appreciate writing one each day means that if something comes up in the day I do not always have time to check in with as many sources as I would like. The other problem about writing daily is that I cover approximately seven issues a day. If you multiply all that together that is a lot of issues to potentially get wrong. It will happen, things change overnight but I hope that more often than not the information will be reliable.

Sakho injury: There appears to be some uncertainty over the player's future at the moment. He is reporting that he has suffered an injury and he will not feature in the American tour. There was talk that the players have tried to persuade him to stay at the club but his future is still in doubt as he isn't convinced. He has had his falling outs with the manager in the past and wants reassurances of regular first team football which he hasn't be given. The club will continue to try to resolve the situation but should we manage to pull off a number of forward signing I believe he will go.

Valencia: The club has been made aware of interest from Italy and Spain for the player. A couple of clubs have tried to offer low down payments on his signature and we would rather a larger upfront figure rather than it be in clauses. No deal is agreed yet but I would be surprised if he is still here come the start of the Premier League campaign.

James Tomkins departure: As I have said since May, the player wanted first team reassurances and as a club we couldn't offer this. James decided to leave his boyhood club and go to Crystal Palace where he is promised first team football. As I said yesterday this will give another boyhood fan Reece Burke the chance to prove he is ready to step into Tomkins' squad boots and figure in the Cups and Europe. He will play on the USA tour initially. Should Burke's options become limited he has three offers of loan moves on the table from Championship clubs (including Wigan). It is a situation that needs careful managing because it would be a shame to lose such a top talent (especially with his contract up for renewal) but he wants to play regularly and perhaps a season at Championship level would benefit him more than forth choice at West Ham.

Alex Pike to Charlton: Speaking of young talented players, Alex Pike is about to start a trial period with Charlton and will be likely to complete a season long loan move there. Alex, is a great lad who I have interviewed before and known as a younger player. Pike has a lot of potential and a move to Charlton will be really good for his career.

Benteke deal: The club were offered the chance to bid for Benteke to match Crystal Palace's offer but they believe his wages are too high and that the package on offer is financially too much. There are other targets ahead of him including Bacca that we will revisit this week. Janssen who is also on our list seems likely to join Spurs.
No need to panic the club are confident on signing a number of top players this window so please remain patient. According to Jack Sullivan there will be a foreign signing within the next few days.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan explains Tomkins sale
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan says that James Tomkins was allowed to join Crystal Palace as Slaven Bilic was unable to guarantee him first team football. The co-owner, speaking in the wake of the popular central defender's departure explained that West Ham were unable to offer him the frequency of first team football he was seeking. And that led to Tomkins' £10million switch to Selhurst Park earlier this week, much to the disappointment of many Hammers fans who felt an affinity with the 27-year-old who had been part of the club since the age of seven. "We thank James for his contribution to the club and we know he is a fantastic player," co-owner Sullivan said via whufc.com. "But it's a position we had four players in plus two other players who can play at centre back. We also have two fantastic young defenders who we want to give games to. "James made it clear that if he wasn't guaranteed first-team football he would consider a move, so it made sense to sell him for a decent price."
Sullivan, who has thus far been unable to land his marquee summer signing also admitted to being "delighted" at securing Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell on new, long term deals.
"Both of them are top players and very important to the club," he added. "They have both signed long-term deals and could stay even longer as we have an option after that, so that is very good news."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Besiktas name Hutchinson price
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

Super Lig side Besiktas have told West Ham they can have mdifielder Atiba Hutchinson - for €6million. The Hammers have been mulling over a double swoop for Black Eagles duo Hutchinson and Gokhan Tore for several weeks now but according to a local sports journalist (@firatgunayer) have been told to forget any deal unless they meet the €6million asking price.
* In other transfer news, a story by Italian outlet Gazzamercato claims that West Ham have made a €23million + bonuses offer for Manolo Gabbiadini. The 24-year-old, Calcinate-born goalscorer endured a difficult 2015/16 campaign and spent much of it on the bench. Unsettled at the Stadio San Paolo, he has also been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Wofsburg, Inter and Stoke City in recent weeks.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Seattle Sounders 3-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's US tour began with a resounding defeat at the hands of MLS Western Conference outfit Seattle Sounders at the CenturyLink Field this morning. A scratch Hammers squad, barely into pre-season and missing several key members was well beaten 3-0 by a Sounders side midway through their own domestic season. However the game did at least give Hammers fans the opportunity to see one or two new faces in action, with recent arrivals Havard Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli making their club debuts in the second half. The hosts opened the scoring just three minutes ahead of the half time interval when Herculez Gomes converted from the spot after Adrian was adjudged to have felled Sounders' number nine inside the penalty area.
Seattle had to wait until the 70th minute before adding a second, scored by substitute Jordan Morris after Raphael Spiegel had initially produced a fine stop to deny Oalex Anderson.
Still reeling from conceding the second, the Hammers found themselves three behind just two minutes later when supersub Morris added his second of the night by firing home confidently past Spiegel from a tight angle. Hammers fans will be hoping for a more positive outcome when Bilic and his travelling party face Carolina Railhawks next week in the second and final leg of their American trip.

West Ham Utd 1st half: Adrian, Page, Reid, Rice, Byram, Poyet, Noble, Brown, Samuelsen, Makasi, Carroll.
West Ham Utd 2nd half: Spiegel, Page, Cresswell, Nordtveit, Feghouli, Obiang, Martinez, Quina, Henry, Lanzini, Burke.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham left staggered as Carlos Tevez asks for £250,000-a-week to return
20:43, 6 JUL 2016 UPDATED 21:47, 6 JUL 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Hammers chiefs had been hoping to bring the cult hero back to London but the Argentine's wage demands have left them reeling
The Mirror

West Ham have made a sensational bid to make Carlos Tevez the highest player in their history - but the fans favourite has asked for a staggering £250,000-a-week. The Irons have offered the 32-year-old striker a club-record £150,000-a-week, plus bonuses, to return to the club. But Tevez, currently playing in Argentina for Boca Juniors, has left West Ham reeling with his wage demands. The Hammers though have not given up hope of reuniting with the cult hero, hoping that a compromise figure can be found. But chairman David Sullivan will to AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca who has a £24million release clause in his contract if there is no progress.
Sullivan said: "We tried to get Tevez but he wanted £250,000 a week. In his last year at Juventus he was great. But 250 grand a week "He'll probably stay where he is now, but he doesn't pay a lot of tax down there."

Tevez spent a season at West Ham between 2006 and 2007, scoring seven goals in his final ten games to save the club from relegation and make himself a hero. He moved on to Manchester United, played for rivals City and helped Juventus to win two titles before moving to Boca where he has netted nine times in 17 matches. But has insisted ever since that he holds a special affection for the Hammers in his heart. Sullivan added, however: "All this business 'I love West Ham.' Well, it's 'I love West Ham if they give me 250 grand a week.' So how much love is that for West Ham? "I actually offered him 150 grand a week to come back plus bonuses.
"I thought that was an incredible offer for someone who loves West Ham. It wasn't a publicity stunt, I saw him being our No.1 striker. "I was hoping he would reproduce what he did at Juventus a year ago. He was a fantastic player. But where do you draw the line with what you are prepared to pay?" Now a return may depend on Tevez lower his demands.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ADRIAN: LAST NIGHT WAS A SUCCESS FOR US
ANDY KOSTKA
readwestha,com

Just five days into their pre-season schedule, West Ham were handily beaten 3-0 by MLS side Seattle Sounders who are well into their league season and are at peak physical levels, and that was the difference says Adrian.

"We started the season five days ago, so it's a good training for us," Adrian said. "They are in the middle of the season, they have more rhythm, more tempo."

Adrian started the night between the sticks for West Ham and got off to a fine start making a number of good saves and was agile off his line acting as a Manuel Neuer-esque sweeper at times.

Julian Finney/Getty Images SportJulian Finney/Getty Images Sport

It wasn't all good though from the Spaniard. Late in the first-half he rushed out and brought down Sounders striker Herculez Gomez for a penalty, with the striker putting the spot kick away himself.

Last night's game was seen more as a training match for the Hammers, and Adrian believes in that sense, it was a resounding success, he tells ReadWestHam.

"No one likes to lose a game, but the result really wasn't important to us," Adrian said. "It was about everyone getting some minutes, everyone staying fit, and everyone seems okay. […] We know we lost and we're disappointed with that, but I think it was overall a success."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM TO SIGN GOKHAN TORE ON SEASON-LONG LOAN
MICHAEL OLIVER ReadWestHam

West Ham are set to complete the signing of Gokhan Tore from Besiktas on an initial season-long loan move with a view to buy next summer, subject to a medical. According to Ken Dyer of the London Evening Standard, West Ham are now growing increasingly confident in signing the 24-year-old winger after weeks of exhaustive negotiations with Besiktas.
Slaven Bilic is a huge fan of Gokhan Tore and has been working tirelessly with his former employers Besiktas to finalise a deal which would see the former Chelsea academy star return to the Premier League.
However, the Hammers were struggling to agree a fee for the Turk's services and for a long time the deal looks dead and buried but the two sides have finally come to an agreement over a loan move for Tore. Jack Sullivan, as well as the Boleyn Insider, confirmed that the Hammers expect to make a major signing by the end of this week and it appears that Gokhan Tore is the name on everybody's lips. Turkish source Haber1903 have also confirmed the move. West Ham will pay a €3m season-long loan fee with a €12m option next summer.
Tore isn't the only player West Ham are closing in on as their striker search looks to finally be drawing to a close. The Hammers are locked in talks with AC Milan regarding the signing of 29-year-old Carlos Bacca. The Colombian scored 20 goals in 42 games for Milan last season and could be had for £24m.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AC MILAN WILLING TO LOWER BACCA ASKING PRICE
JAMES SPIKING
readwestham.com

West Ham have expressed interest in AC Milan and Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, according to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail. The Hammers are interested in bringing the former Sevilla forward to the Olympic Stadium ahead of the new season, and it isn't the first time that the East London side have been interested in the 29-year-old. Bacca, who netted on 20 occasions in 42 appearances last season, has a reported release clause of £25.4m, but Serie A side Milan understand that the value may be too high, and are willing to lower their asking price. West Ham aren't the only party said to be involved in Bacca's services, with Atletico Madrid keeping their eye on the forward, as it seems as though the Spanish side have lost out on taking Chelsea forward Diego Costa back to the Vincente Calderon. With Bacca a potential incoming, should a deal be completed, it would lead the way for current Hammer, Enner Valencia, to depart the Premier League side, with Italian outfit Lazio said to be interested. However, David Gold and co. are said to only be interested in letting Valencia depart the club, should the club receive £12m for him.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
POYET: I WANT TO STAY HERE AT WEST HAM
ANDY KOSTKA
readwestham.com

Diego Poyet, like many fringe players at West Ham, returned to pre-season with a point to prove facing a make-or-break year. The 21-year-old central midfielder joined West Ham on a free transfer two years ago from Charlton following a breakthrough campaign with the Addicks and was named their Young Player of the Year for the 2013/14 season. Since then his West Ham career has been very stop start. He impressed during the Europa League qualifiers last summer but Slaven Bilic opted to send Poyet out on loan for first-team experience and signed Alex Song to replace him in the squad. The Uruguay U20 international made 22 appearances for MK Dons in the first-half of the season before that loan move was cut short and he later re-joined Charlton until the end of the season, making just seven appearances in the process as they were relegated to League One.
Now Poyet is at a stage where he needs to be playing regularly with his cub or he may well seek a move away. With two years left on his contract, he really needs to impress the coaching staff now if he has any future at the club, and speaking to ReadWestHam after the Hammers' 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders last night, that's exactly what he wants to do.
"I've worked hard in the offseason, hopefully I have a good preseason and give myself the best chance to be able to stay here," Poyet said. "It's an amazing club and it's going to be a very exciting season with the new stadium as well." The likes of Poyet, Josh Cullen and Marcus Browne will all be vying for minutes in pre-season to impress Bilic and co. enough to secure a place in the squad for the upcoming season. Poyet has age and experience on his side but we will know over the next few weeks where his future lies.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlos Bacca to West Ham: Hammers eye AC Milan striker after being priced out of deal for Liverpool's Christian Benteke
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

West Ham could be moving nearer to signing their top priority this summer – a striker – after AC Milan's Carlos Bacca emerged as a target. Manager Slaven Bilic, who watched his young side lose 3-0 to Seattle Sounders last night, admitted: "With strikers, it's not a secret that we want a top one but we are not so desperate because we have really good strikers. If we could get one top striker, he would add to those we have already." And Colombian international Bacca would fit the bill, having scored 20 goals in 42 appearances for Milan last season. Bacca, who has also netted 13 goals in 33 appearances for Colombia, has a £24 million release clause in his current deal but AC Milan are reportedly prepared to let the player go for less than that amount. West Ham though, face competition from Atletico Madrid, who are said to have representatives in Italy attempting to tie up a deal. West Ham have also been linked with a move for Liverpool's Christian Benteke, along with London rivals Crystal Palace but feel the financial package – transfer fee and salary – is too high. Italian club Lazio meanwhile, are showing an interest in West Ham's Ecuadorian striker Enner Valencia with the London club prepared to let the striker leave providing they recoup the £12 million they paid for him. The future of Diafra Sakho also remains uncertain after the Senegalese international striker missed the club's USA tour with a back injury.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic could be leaving West Ham to join IRON MAIDEN
10:38, 6 JUL 2016 UPDATED 10:47, 6 JUL 2016
BY JON MOODY
The Mirror

After a debut season in which he guided West Ham United to seventh place in the Premier League and a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds, Slaven Bilic is a man in demand.
Not by top clubs in Europe (although we're sure he could do a very good job just about anywhere). Not by the suits who run ITV's Euro 2016 punditry team ( although he was brilliant , he's had to head back for pre-season). He his, in fact, wanted by none other than heavy metal legends Iron Maiden. No, really.

The band are heading to Split for a gig on 27 July and fancy having the Hammers boss - who is one of the city's most famous sons and a keen metal fan - join them on stage. Founder member Steve Harris, who grew up supporting West Ham and even trained with them as a youth player, is friends with Bilic and is behind the idea. "I have known Bilic for a number of years now," explained Harris to newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija. "The first time I met him was when he played for West Ham - my son, George, was the mascot when we met at the game and we have stayed in contact. "We saw each other over Christmas and chatted - I know he is one of our big fans."

Harris was then asked if they'd thought about inviting Bilic up on stage to perform a song with them...

"Bilic is really a great guy and is doing a fantastic job at West Ham. With regards to being a guest at the concert, I'm not sure if he will be in Split - but if he can make it, we will see... he is a sought-after man and he has to do his job first."

So, it's a possibility - although Slaven would have to briefly leave West Ham's pre-season preparations to fulfill his rock star dreams.

One thing is for sure, however: we are DESPERATE for this to happen.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gokhan Tore to West Ham: Hammers set to complete loan signing of Besiktas winger
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

West Ham were today poised to complete the signing of winger Gokhan Tore on loan from Besiktas. The Hammers were confident of signing the 24-year-old Tore subject to a medical, following an exhaustive sequence of negotiations with Besiktas, formerly managed by Slaven Bilic. It looked for a time that West Ham were going to miss out on Tore but Bilic, who rates the Turkish international highly after working with him at Besiktas, remained determined to land his man. Tore, who had a spell at Chelsea as a young player but failed to make a competitive first team appearance, is West Ham's third summer signing, following Norwegian international Havard Nordtveit, who joined the club as a free agent from Borussia Monchengladbach and Sofiane Feghouli, who signed on a free transfer from Valencia. West Ham, meanwhile, could be moving nearer to signing their top priority this summer – a striker.
The Hammers are interested in AC Milan's Carlos Bacca, but face competition from Atletico Madrid for the 29-year-old, who has a £24million release clause.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target move for AC Milan star Carlos Bacca with new striker a top priority
Carlos Bacca hit 20 goals in 42 games for Italian side AC Milan last season
Slaven Bilic wants a top class centre forward at the Olympic Stadium
Enner Valencia could be on his way out with Lazio interested
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 23:29, 5 July 2016 | UPDATED: 01:58, 6 July 2016

West Ham have launched a move for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. The Hammers are working on a deal to bring the Colombia forward to the Olympic Stadium ahead of the new season.
Slaven Bilic has made the signing of a new centre forward a top summer priority and Bacca, 29, is emerging a serious option for the West Ham manager. Bacca has a £25.4m release clause, but Milan are ready to consider offers for lower that amount. Atletico Madrid - who have been linked with former striker Diego Costa, are also keeping an eye on the ex-Sevilla forward. While one new striker could be on his way, another looks to be leaving as Enner Valencia is wanted by Lazio, but will only depart if the club can recoup £12million for him.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal willing to pay £34.2m for striker: Player has rejected West Ham move
ARSENAL are reportedly willing to pay the asking price of £34.2million for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette.
By CHARLIE PHILLIPPE
PUBLISHED: 21:02, Tue, Jul 5, 2016 | UPDATED: 21:12, Tue, Jul 5, 2016
Express.co.uk

The Gunners are on the lookout for a new striker this summer and have already been rejected by Leicester's Jamie Vardy. But they have now apparently turned their attention to Lyon's Lacazette. And the Telegraph claim the north London club are willing to pay the striker's asking price of £34.2m to begin talks with Lyon. Lacazette scored 23 goals in 43 appearances last season but was overlooked by France boss Didier Deschamps for his country's Euro 2016 squad. West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old this summer, and have reportedly had a number of bids rejected for the forward. The Telegraph add Lacazette has turned down the chance to join the Hammers in the hope that Arsene Wenger stumps up the cash for his services. Last week, Wenger responded to speculation linking Lacazette with a move to Arsenal. "I neither confirm or deny interest," Wenger said on French TV station Canal + Sport. "If I say that I like the player it starts speculation."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold trolls Liverpool fan after derogatory West Ham comment on Twitter
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United co-owner David Gold has trolled a Liverpool fan who made derogatory comment about the Hammers on Twitter. Gold is a keen user of the social networking site to interact with supporters and provide updates and answer questions about the club. With 146,000 followers there are bound to be one or two fans who are at odds with Gold or the Hammers for that matter. But one Liverpool fan clearly got under the businessman's skin by referring to the Hammers as a 'tinpot club' in reply to an official tweet announcing Liverpudlian Aaron Cresswell had extended his stay in East London. It was a comment Gold couldn't let go, and he promptly responded by trolling the fan with a barbed comment of his own. "If Liverpool was beaten three times last season by a tinpot club what sort of club does that make you?" Gold tweeted.

David Gold ✔ @davidgold
If Liverpool was beaten 3 times last season by a tinpot club what sort of club does that make you? dg
10:33 PM - 5 Jul 2016

Gold is of course referring to West Ham's historic treble over their Anfield rivals in Slaven Bilic's first season as manager in the last campaign. A 3-0 win on Merseyside and 2-0 win at Upton Park was the club's first double over Liverpool for 52 years stretching back to the 1963/64 season. The East Londoners weren't done there, though, and beat Jurgen Klopp's side once again at Upton Park with an epic last gasp win in the 120th minute of their FA Cup fourth round replay. Not only did the Irons knock Liverpool out of the cup they also finished above them in the league come what May. After meeting four times last season, West Ham must wait until December 10th to play Liverpool in the coming campaign away at Anfield before welcoming them to the Olympic Stadium in the last home game of the season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loan deal: Details of Valencia move with £10m guarantee
WEST HAM are reportedly considering sending Enner Valencia out on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 06:29, Wed, Jul 6, 2016 | UPDATED: 06:37, Wed, Jul 6, 2016
Express.co.uk

Valencia, 26, endured a mixed season with the Hammers last term and is thought to be available for transfer. The Ecuador international managed just 19 appearances all campaign and may find games hard to come by next term as manager Slaven Bilic eyes new recruits. And the Daily Mail claim Valencia could be offloaded, with Lazio keen on his services. Lazio have been linked with Valencia for some time and fresh details of his proposed move have come to light. According to the report, the Serie A club have offered to take Valencia on a season-long loan with a guaranteed £10million purchase at the end of the 2016/17 campaign. Valencia cost the Hammers £12m when he arrived from Mexican side Pachuca two years ago and Bilic is said to be keen on recouping as much of that fee as possible. However, the manager is wary of leaving a gap vacant in his forward line and will reportedly look to sign a replacement before letting Valencia go.
West Ham have been linked with Alexandre Lacazette for much of the summer, while another target - Michy Batshuayi - rejected their advances to instead sign for Chelsea. Bilic also faces the prospect of losing striker Diafra Sakho to Sunderland, which may impact Valencia's future if the Black Cats secure a deal.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Seattle Sounders 3 West Ham 0: Adrian concedes penalty as Hammers open pre-season with defeat
TOM DUTTON
Evening Standard

Jordan Morris came off the bench to score two second-half goals as the Seattle Sounders beat West Ham 3-0 in an international friendly on Tuesday night. Herculez Gomez also scored for the Sounders, converting a penalty late in the first half to hand the hosts the advantage. Morris' first goal came in the 70th minute, just eight minutes after his introduction, as he he drove past West Ham reserve goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel. Just two minutes later, the striker katched onto a long through ball from Joevin Jones and again made no mistake as the club's leading MLS scorer fired past Spiegel from close range. Gomez had earlier converted from the spot after a hard-fought first period. Aaron Kovar sent a through ball into the right side of the box, which Gomez ran onto.
West Ham starting goalkeeper Adrian came off his line to play it, but took down Gomez instead, and the striker picked himself up to send Adrian the wrong way. But the Hammers' failure to find the net came in spite of some impressive invention, as they carved out 18 shots on goal. The Hammers were without Dimiti Payet, the club's leading scorer last season with 12 goals. He is still with the France sqaud at Euro 2016 ahead of Thursday's semi-final against Germany on Thursday.

West Ham United FC ✔ @whufc_official
Win, lose or draw, the Claret and Blue Army are always with us 👏🇺🇸⚒ #WHUSTour
6:10 AM - 6 Jul 2016

Seattle did not have Clint Dempsey, who still hasn't returned to MLS action following the United States' fourth-place finish in Copa America. West Ham made 10 changes at the break as manager Slaven Bilic experimented with his US tour squad, bringing on Manuel Lanzini, Aaron Cresswell and Pedro Obiang among others.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Byram, Reid, Page, Rice, Makasi, Noble, Payet, Samuelsen, Carroll, Browne.
Subs: Spiegel, Henry, Lanzini, Obiang, Nordtveit, Feghouli, Quina, Martinez, Burke, Cresswell.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com