Daily WHUFC News -

RailHawks anticipate 'special occasion'
WHUFC.come

The Carolina RailHawks say the visit of West Ham United is a 'huge step forward' in their ambition to bring top-level professional football to North Carolina.
The RailHawks currently compete in the NASL (North American Soccer League) – the second tier of professional soccer in the United States – but new owner Steve Mauer has the aim of taking the club into the MLS. President Curt Johnson, head coach Colin Clarke and captain Nazmi Albadawi all believe Tuesday's sell-out pre-season fixture at 10,000-capacity WakeMed Soccer Park is the next step in working towards that goal. After a sparkling introduction from 'Voice of the RailHawks' Dean Linke, Johnson welcomed the Hammers to The Triangle for their five-day stay.

"We appreciate all the West Ham and RailHawks fans being here for a special occasion and historic game in Cary, North Carolina," said Johnson. "This is the first time a Premier League team has played a game against the RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park, and is something our owner Steve Mauer and I discussed when he took over the team in October 2015 as a goal, and it's fantastic to see those aspirations become a reality. "We have big aspirations for professional soccer in North Carolina and this is a huge step towards achieving our goals on and off the field. We look forward to a packed house on Tuesday night, a competitive game for the players and a great occasion for the fans."

Clarke, who enjoyed a successful 12-year playing career with Southampton, Portsmouth and Northern Ireland, is the RailHawks' longest-serving head coach, is also relishing the opportunity to face a team he scored against three times for the Saints. "I want to welcome Slaven, Mark and his staff and players. It's great to have you here and you can feel the excitement starting to build for Tuesday's game; it's going to be a very special occasion. "I'm just looking forward to watching our players step onto the field against a world-class team and see what they're all about. The most important thing is that we all have a good night and come away from it injury-free. "We wish West Ham all the best in their season. They have a new Stadium and plenty of new signings and are moving onto bigger and better things. It's an exciting time for them."

Talented captain and Raleigh, North Carolina native Albadawi is the RailHawks' standout midfielder and the leading chance-maker in the NASL this season, and cannot wait to lead his team out against 'one of the best teams in the world' on Tuesday. "It's amazing to be here as I've looked up to Mark as a player as he plays for one of the best teams in the world and I watch him almost every weekend on a Saturday morning," he began. "It's a great opportunity to play against him as a player, as I want to try to get to as high a level as I can, and I can find out where I am by playing against one of the best midfielders in the world. "Their support goes a long way, as we've seen a lot of West Ham jerseys out here, so it's going to be a great experience and we can't wait to get going."

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Hammers sign prolific striker
WHUFC.com

Fletcher signs four-year deal
The England U20 international scored in the Play-Off final win over Millwall
Fletcher becomes the fourth signing of the summer

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of promising striker Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United. The 20-year-old has joined the Hammers on a four-year contract and becomes the fourth signing of the summer following the arrival of Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore. England U20 international Fletcher spent the second half of last season on loan at Barnsley, for whom he scored the opening goal in the Tykes' League One Play-Off final victory over Millwall. The talented forward underwent a successful medical at Spire Roding Hospital before agreeing personal terms and cannot wait to show his best form for the east London Club. "I am very excited to be here. West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here at West Ham. "I think it is a Club with a lot of ambition. They have a lot of good players and it was a special final season. They managed to finish the campaign very well. "West Ham are a Club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."

Born in Keighley in West Yorkshire in October 1995, Fletcher was an outstanding student and athlete at school in Bolton, Greater Manchester, where he attained 12 GCSEs and excelled at football, cricket, athletics and basketball. Prior to that, Fletcher had joined Bolton Wanderers' Academy at the age of nine, spending four years with the Trotters before moving to Manchester United. The young forward came through the ranks at Old Trafford, scoring regularly at U16 and U18 levels before scoring in the final three games of the 2014/15 season as the Red Devils clinched the Under-21 Premier League title. Tall, strong, determined and blessed with a subtle touch, Fletcher struck up a potent partnership with the highly-rated James Wilson during his time within the Manchester United youth set-up, impressing in both domestic football and the UEFA Youth League.

Fletcher's ability and promise saw Barnsley take the 20-year-old on loan in January 2016, a decision they would certainly not regret as the Yorkshireman amassed nine goals and four assists in 27 appearances in all competitions At international level, he scored on his England U20 debut against France in November 2015, before partnering fellow Manchester United Academy graduate Marcus Rashford against Canada in March this year. The Hammers and Manchester United will now finalise the terms of the transfer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season.

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Tore hits the ground running
WHUFC.com

New signing Gokhan Tore got straight down to work after completing his loan move to the Hammers on Monday. Tore took part in a number of stretches and exercises before moving on to some light ball work and a few different drills. The Turkish international was in good company as he was joined by Cheikhou Kouyate, who has recently returned from international duty with his native Senegal, and Michail Antonio who was also put through his paces following the birth of his daughter Myla Rose. The trio will meet up with the rest of the squad following their return from the Hammers' pre-season tour of the US. Tore looks set to make his debut for the Club when they fly out to Austria for a three-game tour next week.

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Byram – US Tour has been a good start
WHUFC.com

Sam Byram is hoping to impress Slaven Bilic when West Ham United take on Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday evening. The attack-minded right-back caught the eye during the first half of the Hammers' opening pre-season fixture at Seattle Sounders a week ago. And with the UEFA Europa League and Premier League campaigns less than a month away, Byram is hoping to catch the eye of the manager at WakeMed Soccer Park (kick-off 8pm ET). "We're enjoying the Tour, especially as we're getting a bit of sun for a change here in North Carolina!" Byram said. "The game is on Tuesday at 8pm and we will find out who is in the team later on! It's been a good chance for the new signings to bed in and for the young players on the trip to get some training, so I think it's a really good start. "It's been good out here. It's taken a bit of adjusting to get used to the heat as we're not used to training in this weather, but the lads are looking sharp and we're getting fitter every day, so we're looking forward to facing the RailHawks as it should be a good game. "For me, at the minute the focus is to make a solid place in the West Ham team and do the best I can. Later down the line, everyone has the aim of playing for their country, so we'll see."

The 22-year-old joined West Ham from Leeds United in January this year, and was thrown into Premier League action just days after completing his move from the Championship. Byram impressed immediately and started 2016/17 with the aim of establishing himself as the Hammers' first-choice right-back – but he knows that will be far from easy. "The main difference [between the Championship and Premier League] was the pace of the attackers, which I noticed straight away," he revealed. "When I played against teams previously, they weren't as quick in transition from defence to attack. "Even in training it's a lot sharper so it takes a while to adjust but that only makes you better as a player, playing against them and training with them, so I think I've improved since I've been at West Ham. "I believe I'm good enough to play in the Premier League, but when you're at a big club like West Ham there is going to be competition. Michail Antonio did fantastic at the end of last season. I'll just try to impress and hopefully I'll be in the manager's plans."

Byram is certainly enjoying life under manager Slaven Bilic, particularly the Croatian's preference for an attractive passing style of play. "He is very knowledgeable of the game of football and is very relaxed and down to Earth," he continued. "He will tell you when you need to be told something and, at the same time, he is there to tell you when you get things right. "We're very well organised as a team, everyone knows their jobs and he gets us playing football the right way, which is the main thing. He likes to get the ball down and pass it, so I've really enjoyed working with him so far."

For full details of Tuesday's pre-season match at Carolina RailHawks, click here.

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Moore's Champions Place tribute
WHUFC.com

A permanent tribute to West Ham United's favourite son, the late, great Bobby Moore, has been installed at the Hammers' new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The bespoke Champions Place legends stone, in tribute to West Ham's Barking-born World Cup winner, now sits among thousands commissioned by supporters.

Moore's daughter, Roberta, said: "It is fitting to think that my father's Champions Place stone is surrounded by tributes to the fans whom he held in such high esteem and who adored him.

"In this particularly special year, his legacy feels stronger than ever and I very much look forward to seeing the stone in person when I first visit the new Stadium with my family in the coming weeks."

Champions Place, the specially-designed walkway at the north entrance of London Stadium, enables supporters to see their very own tributes immortalised alongside Hammers legends.

Following the recent installation of late Academy starlet Dylan Tombides' stone, a number of other famous West Ham faces are to be immortalised on Champions Place in the coming days and weeks.

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Ashley Fletcher: England Under-20 striker joins West Ham from Man Utd
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have signed striker Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United. The 20-year-old, who scored nine goals in 27 appearances while on loan at League One Barnsley last season, has signed a four-year contract after his United deal expired. "I think West Ham is a club with a lot of ambition," the England Under-20 International told West Ham's website. "They are a club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."

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FLETCHER COMPLETES MOVE TO WEST HAM
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 12 JULY 2016 AT 8:04PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

West Ham have announced the signing of promising striker Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United. The 20-year-old has joined the Hammers on a four-year contract and becomes the sixth signing of the summer following the arrival of Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore, Antonio Martinez and Domingos Quina. England U20 international Fletcher spent the second half of last season on loan at Barnsley, for whom he scored the opening goal in the Tykes' League One Play-Off final victory over Millwall. Fletcher stated "I am very excited to be here. West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here. "I think it is a Club with a lot of ambition. They have a lot of good players and it was a special final season at the Boleyn. They managed to finish the campaign very well. "West Ham are a Club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."
The young forward came through the ranks at Old Trafford, scoring regularly at U16 and U18 levels before scoring in the final three games of the 2014/15 season as the Red Devils clinched the Under-21 Premier League title. Fletcher struck up a potent partnership with the highly-rated James Wilson during his time within the Manchester United youth set-up, impressing in both domestic football and the UEFA Youth League. Fletcher also notched nine goals and four assists in 27 appearances with Barnsley last season in all competitions. At international level, he scored on his Under 20 debut against France in November 2015, before partnering fellow Manchester United Academy graduate Marcus Rashford against Canada in March this year. Both clubs will now finalise the terms of his transfer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season.

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EXWHUEMPLOYEE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 JULY 2016 AT 9:55PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

In this column, on my twitter account and occasionally on our forum I offer my opinion and give news out. Any other feature that you see on the site is not written by me and is the opinion of the writers. Our lunch time and afternoon round ups for example, I have no input in, but we bring them so you are up to date.

Fletcher Signs

Today I said on our forum (please get involved with this it is growing but we need more contributors ) that I had good news regarding transfers. That tweet was about Fletcher as I knew he had completed his drawn out move to the club. There had been a few delays due to contract issues and compensation fees but he has now been confirmed on the official site. The player is said to be highly talented and it really means our development squad is looking very impressive.

Bacca Deal

We have the two extremes of football reporting shown over this deal, depending on what you read you either think he has joined no question or that the deal is off and Bacca will never wear the Claret and Blue. Well I can say that neither of the situations is entirely correct. We met with Bacca's representatives today and negotiated the deal. As I have continuously said in my column the two parties are a distance apart on agreeing terms but not a huge amount so that it cannot happen. Round 2 of negotiations should happen tomorrow and as always DS is working on a compromise package. The deal already contains a number of clauses and there are a few others that can be amended and inserted to make the deal happen. The deal isn't agreed but there is a decent chance that it will be soon. Bacca has made it clear that he is happy to join us, he just wants to make sure that the financial package is to his liking. The one problem we have is that he knows how much the club want him. He also knows that we have missed about on Batshuayi and probably Lacazette. He also knows that we offered Carlos Tevez wages of £150k a week not that long ago so he is holding out to see what is the best deal he can get. I do think we are not that far off agreeing a deal and then of course he needs to pass a medical. I would hope this deal will be concluded this week.

The Secret Signing inches closer

I will get stick for not naming the player but I have been told in strong terms by two of my best sources that I am not allowed to (and I have to respect them and the importance of doing so). There has been a little bit of movement today with the transfer and the club are planning a smash and grab deal. The player is of a very high calibre and the club intend to make a move and try to thrash out a deal before any other club gets close. The club are trusting an agent who they have strong links with to try and help with the deal. It would be a major coup but at this stage it is extremely unlikely to happen.

Payet Deal

The club really do not want to sell the player and will do all they can to hold onto him. We will reject very large offers should they come in for the French international. He is happy at the club and I don't think anyone is worried that he will leave.

Rico Henry to Leeds

It has been reported that Leeds United have been for the Walsall left back who I revealed as a target of ours. It is thought that Rico is delaying on committing to a move because he intends to hold out and see if West Ham, Arsenal or Tottenham make a move for him. Should Henry move to Leeds it could pave the way for us to sign the current Leeds left back/left winger Charlie Taylor.

The continued search

DS is like a man possessed when it comes to great deals. In the last few days we have seen Pelle and now Janssen (Spurs) join other clubs as well as Batshuayi earlier on, so our forward target options are reducing. We will be exploring other targets soon pretty much all I have covered.

United scouts watching Oxford

It has been well documented how in the summer I reported that Manchester United had put in an enquiry for Oxford. The club do not wanted to sell him and that is why they were quite quick to dismiss the offer that I had previously mentioned in May. Whether United will come back for him is unclear at the moment but I would not be surprised if they do, it is a question of whether we can persuade him and his agent to ignore them again.

Matthew Kirk-IT saviour

I am sure you will all agree the website looks superb at the moment. Matthew has spent hours working on it and has personalised it exactly how I wanted it. He will be designing our new app soon and he has some great new features coming. I could not recommend him enough. He has a voucher which entitles all West Ham way fans to 30% off and is well worth doing if you want support with a website.

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12/07/16 LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 12 JULY 2016 AT 11:10AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

£60 million bid for Higuain?
According to Calciomercato West Ham have made a £60 million bid for Gonzalo Higuain. No. Just no. If this is true I will go to the first game at the OS wearing nothing but a Millwall shirt and a Santa hat.

Snubbed by Gomis?
According to the very reliable French publication L'Equipe, Swansea forward Gomis has snubbed a move to West Ham, preferring a switch to French side Marseille. If true, the reason for this is believed to be that Marseille have offered Gomis a guaranteed spot in the starting 11 next season.

The Special One wants the Special Talent
The Daily Mirror are reporting that Manchester United boss-and self-proclaimed "special one"- Jose Mourinho has sent his scouts to keep an eye on West Ham's young prospect Reece Oxford. At the age of 16 Reece was making first team appearances for the Hammers last season, and is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football. With reports in the past that the northern club are interested in Oxford, there may just be some truth in these rumours. Squeaky bum time?

Gold backs Big Sam!
West Ham's co-owner David Gold is backing former Hammers gaffer Sam Allardyce to become next England manager. Gold told BBC Radio:"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him [for the job]." He then went on to praise Allardyce, saying that Sam can meet "all those criteria", the "criteria" being what is needed to be suitable for the England manager job.

Is Payet for Sale? David Sullivan strikes back!
The other West Ham co-owner, David Sullivan, is also making the papers this morning! When asked, by the Daily Mirror, if superstar Payet was for sale, he responded by saying: "Payet is not for sale. Just because a big club wants him, tough luck. He is worth 100m, even at his age." Thanks for putting us at ease David!

West Ham join race for Luuk De Jong?
Various reports are suggesting that West Ham have joined the race for prolific PSV striker Luuk De Jong. However, De Jong's representative,Louis Laros, told Dutch publication Voetbal International that there is interest in his man, but he is most likely to sign a new deal with current club PSV-Lucky them!

Bacca talks stall?
According to Italian media giant Di Marzio, West Ham have hit a bit of a brick wall in contract talks with Colombian forward Carlos Bacca. After having a huge bid of 23-28 million pounds accepted, West Ham are currently in talks with Bacca over a move to East London. It does seem, luckily, that this story was "clickbait". If you read the full article it claims that West Ham are "only" about ten thousand pounds off striking a deal with Bacca. So, no need to rush to panic stations…yet.

Truth in the Onazi hunt?
CaughtOffside are today reporting that Onazi, the Napoli midfielder who I reported on in yesterday's Lunchtime Round-Up, is in very, very early talks with many clubs, suggesting the Irons is one of them. Onazi's agent, Stephen Makinwa, has said: "There are many clubs interested in Onazi, including from England." He also confirmed that Besiktas are interested. The two English clubs sniffing around his man are rumoured to be West Ham and Sunderland.

It has certainly been a very busy morning for me, and I have a feeling it will continue to be a very busy week for the club also. Follow The West Ham Way on Twitter for all the latest updates; and look out for my Afternoon News Round-Up, which will be brought to you in a few hours time.

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KNOYLE SUFFERS INJURY SETBACK
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 12 JULY 2016 AT 2:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

West Ham's young full back Kyle Knoyle has suffered an injury set back before he has kicked a ball in anger for Wigan Athletic just days after he joined them on loan. The 19 year old right back joined up with the Latics squad on their preseason training trip to Portugal and unfortunately suffered a serious injury to his elbow that is likely to keep him out for months. Speaking to Paul Kendrick of the Wigan Evening Post Latics boss Gary Caldwell confirmed the injury stating that Knoyle "dislocated and fractured his elbow, he's already had to have an operation and it's going to be a long time (out)". Knoyle is staying at the Latics, at least for the time being, as he starts his rehabilitation and Caldwell hopes that he can make a good recovery.

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Fletcher deal competed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have completed the signing of young striker Ashley Fletcher from Manchester United. As exclusively revealed on the KUMB Forum last month, West Ham have signed England Under 20 international Fletcher from The Reds for a fee to be determined by tribunal. "I'm very excited to be here," the Keighly-born forward told whufc.com. "West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here. "I think it is a club with a lot of ambition. They have a lot of good players and it was a special season last year. They managed to finish the campaign very well. West Ham are a club built on a tradition of giving youngsters a run; hopefully I can get my chance as well."
Fletcher, whose most recent contract at Old Trafford expired at the end of last season made 27 appearances for Barnsley in League One during the 2015/16 campaign, scoring nine goals. He has signed a four-year contract with West Ham, tying him to the club until 2020.

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Gold: Payet still not for sale
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

David Gold has told BBC Radio that Dimitri Payet is likely to remain a Hammer. Less than a week after a tabloid newspaper quoted Gold stating that it could be "difficult" to retain the 29-year-old's services, West Ham's 79-year-old co-owner was back in the media reiterating the club's desire to keep the French international. "He has a great relationship with the manager which is very important to a player," DG told Monday Night Club presenter Kelly Cates. "He's settled in London with his family. The fans adore him and we're going to the Olympic Stadium so we've done everything we can possibly do and I'm hoping that will be enough [to keep him]. "The super clubs would come after a player of his ability. W wouldn't even listen to any offer under £50million - and even then we need to keep our best players, so to be honest with you we don't welcome any offers for Dimitri.
"He is instrumental, he's important to us and the team is built around him. I would say to you he's not for sale."
Meanwhile, fellow co-owner David Sullivan has been telling a similar tale to the Daily Mirror. "Payet is not for sale," he said. "Just because a big club wants him, tough luck. He is worth £100m. Even at his age. "He's under contract. There might be six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But if you believe what he says, he wants to stay. If someone wants to break the world record we might consider it. "The one-sided deal is if somebody comes in with £30-40m, offers the player double the money he's on and the player wants to go. We get ripped off. Why should that be the case? We're not going to stand for it."

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£50 seat arrives - covered in bird poo
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

A West Ham supporter who purchased his £50 plastic seat from the Boleyn Ground has received his gift - with additional extras. KUMB member baggs1981, posting on the Forum this morning was disgusted to open his commemorative box only to find his seat covered in pigeon droppings. "Anyone else think this is lazy/shameful/embarrassing from West Ham?" he asked fellow supporters. "I know many didn't agree with the £50 fee in the first place, but they could've used a Dettol spray and given them a wipe first!"
Sadly, baggs' tale isn't a unique one. "Mine is also in rather need of a clean and it has chewing gum stuck to it," wrote fellow KUMB Forum member k-r-c. Although the club made it quite clear that seats purchased by supporters were unlikely to be cleaned before being placed in their commemorative boxes, one wonders how difficult it would have been to have given them a quick wipe over first.

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No deal for Geoff's shirt
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th July 2016
By: Staff Writer

Geoff Hurst's red shirt from the 1966 World Cup Final has gone unsold after failing to meet its reserve price at auction. Despite "a great deal of interest" being expressed prior to the auction, Sotheby's failed to find a buyer for the iconic shirt - worn by the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final. The #10 shirt, which is currently owned by a group of international investors, was expected to raise between £300,000-£500,000. It was first auctioned 16 years ago, when it sold for £91,750. Despite being privately owned, the shirt is currently on display in the National Football Museum in Manchester as part of an exhibition that runs until next April.

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Ashley Fletcher completes transfer to West Ham from Man United
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 12/07/16 9:22pm
SSN

West Ham have finalised the signing of Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher on a four-year contract. The 20-year-old becomes Slaven Bilic's fourth signing of the summer after Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore joined the club. The England U20 international ended last season on loan with then Sky Bet League One side Barnsley, scoring one of their goals as they secured promotion to the Championship in the play-off final against Millwall at Wembley. Fletcher was also a regular scorer at youth and U21 levels for United, and he scored on his England U20 debut against France last November. United will be due compensation with Fletcher's deal having run out at the end of the season, with West Ham saying terms were yet to be finalised. "I am very excited to be here. West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here at West Ham," Fletcher told West Ham's official website. "I think it is a club with a lot of ambition. They have a lot of good players and it was a special final season. They managed to finish the campaign very well. "West Ham are a club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."

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Dimitri Payet is worth £100m but West Ham won't sell, says David Sullivan
Last Updated: 12/07/16 6:26am
SSN

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan says Dimitri Payet is worth £100m, but the France star is "not for sale". Sullivan is preparing himself for "six weeks of silliness" in which Payet - who was named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016 - is targeted by clubs across Europe before the Premier League season starts. But Sullivan is adamant that West Ham will not part with their prize asset and will risk upsetting Payet by rejecting offers from teams who may look to increase the player's salary. "Payet is not for sale," Sullivan told the Daily Mirror. "Just because a big club wants him, tough luck. He is worth £100m. Even at his age. "He's only done what he has done at West Ham all season. He's a very talented player. He's probably the best free-kick taker in the world on current form." And he added: "He's under contract. There might be six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But if you believe what he says, he wants to stay. "If someone wants to break the world record (for him) we might consider it. Because it's not then one-sided. "The one-sided deal is if somebody comes in with £30-40m, offers the player double the money he's on and the player wants to go. We get ripped off. Why should that be the case? We're not going to stand for it. "We've given him a new contract. If he's still doing what he's doing now at Christmas or the end of the season we might give him another new contract.
"But he's only just signed a new contract four months ago and I don't see that a few games for France entitles a new contract after four months."

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Carlos Bacca to West Ham: AC Milan striker to decide on £26million move
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

West Ham will know in the next 72 hours whether their bid to sign AC Milan's Colombian striker Carlos Bacca has been successful. The Hammers have had a club-record £26million bid for Bacca accepted by Milan and are due to talk with the 29-year-old's representatives this week. A point in West Ham's favour is that Bacca, who scored 18 goals in 38 matches for the Italian Serie A side last season, wants European football. Slaven Bilic's team are due to begin their Europa League campaign at the third qualifying stage at the end of this month. West Ham have turned to Bacca after cooling their interest in Christian Benteke following the Liverpool striker's wage demands, while the financial package needed to sign Germany's Mario Gomez from Fiorentina has also proved prohibitive. The Hammers added to their squad on Monday by signing Gokhan Tore on a season-long loan deal from Besiktas with a view to a permanent deal. The 24-year-old, who worked under Slaven Bilic at Besiktas, believes he was unable to say no after the Croatian manager made an approach for his services. The club are also standing firm on the future of Dimitri Payet, with co-chairman David Gold insisting the France star will not be sold for under £50million this summer.

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West Ham plan £60m Higuain bid as Arsenal offer Giroud with rival bid - Tuesday's transfer gossip
TOM DUTTON
Evening STandard

The transfer rumour mill is in full swing as clubs look to reinforce their squads while juggling pre-season training. The future of Argentine strike Gonzalo Higuain dominates the transfer column inches, with the future of Olivier Giroud thrown into doubt over a possible move for the star, while Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is making moves to reinforce his squad just one day after starting work at the Stamford Bridge club. West Ham and Crystal Palace are among those already on tour, with both clubs preparing for friendlies in the US, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have all returned ahead of the new Premier League season. Victor Wanyama has started life at Spurs Lodge after signing a five-year deal with Mauricio Pochettino's side, and Hammers manager Slaven Bilic handed debuts to latest signings Sofiane Feghouli and Havard Nordtveit in their recent game against Seattle Sounders. But what about the deals yet to go through? Here, Standard Sport rounds up Tuesday's transfer gossip, bringing you all the big stories from the morning's papers.

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West Ham weigh up Higuain bid
HITC
Shane Callaghan

Are West Ham United planning to win the summer transfer window by signing the Argentine? West Ham United are lining up a £59 million bid for Napoli goal machine Gonzalo Higuain, according to Calciomercato. The 28-year-old is one of the world's leading hitmen after netting 36 times in 35 Serie A outings for the Italian outfit last season. Consequently, the Argentina striker is beginning to court interest from some of Europe's finest, with Arsenal once again linked with a move for the former Real Madrid marksman. Chelsea have also been linked in recent years, but could another London club offer a huge statement of intent by bringing Higuain to the capital? Calciomercato have reported that West Ham are also weighing up whether to throw their names in the ring, with the Italian publication claiming that the Irons are willing to launch a £59 million bid to secure the striker's signature.
It would be one of the most surprising deals of the transfer window and undoubtedly signal West Ham's huge shift in ambition. Slaven Bilic needs a new striker, with Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho - who is expected to leave - representing the Croat's only two options at the moment. Plenty of names have been mentioned, including the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, but Higuain is arguably a level above their other so-called targets and bringing him to East London would be a massive coup.

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West Ham will not sell 'instrumental' Dimitri Payet for under £50million
TOM DOYLE
Evening Standard

Dimitri Payet will not be sold for under £50million this summer, according to West Ham co-chairman David Gold. Payet, 29, was West Ham star's player last season before impressing at Euro 2016 as hosts France reached the final, earning a spot in Uefa's team of the tournament and topping Uefa's charts based on statistics. The attacking midfielder's performances have seen him linked with a number of high-profile clubs, while Standard Sport understands that Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane is interested in bringing his compatriot to the Bernabeu. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic recently confirmed that Payet is happy to stay with the club as they move to the Olympic Stadium this summer, and Gold has backed that up by placing a substantial price tag on the player. "The super-clubs would come after a player of his ability," Gold told BBC Radio 5 live. "We wouldn't even listen to any offer under £50m and even then we need to keep our best players so we just don't welcome any offers at all for Dimitri. "He's instrumental, he's important to us, the team is built round him and he's not for sale."
When asked about the difficulty of keeping a star player at West Ham, Gold added: "You make him as happy as you can. "He has a great relationship with the manager, which is very, very important to a player. "He's settled in London with this family, the fans adore him and we're going to the Olympic Stadium. "We've done everything we possibly could do. I'm hoping that will be enough."

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West Ham close to meeting Carlos Bacca's demands, no agreement with agent yet
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United are seemingly intent on landing Carlos Bacca from AC Milan. According to Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham met with Carlos Bacca's agent on Monday - but were unable to reach an agreement over his wages. The Hammers have been focusing their attention on bringing in a new striker this summer, and whilst Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore will add creativity to the side, a new goalscorer is still needed. With questions over the future of both Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, at least one top striker is needed, and the Hammers appear to have zeroed in on Carlos Bacca as their top target. The Colombian international, 29, hit 49 goals in 108 games for Sevilla to earn a move to AC Milan last summer, and he continued to find the net with 20 goals in his first season for the Serie A club. However, West Ham are now trying to prise Bacca away from the San Siro, with Di Marzio claiming that a fee has been agreed between the two clubs - but Bacca's wages appear to be a sticking point right now. The report claims that Bacca's agent Sergio Barila was in London on Monday to discuss terms with West Ham, but no deal was struck as Bacca wants £65,000-a-week after taxes, whereas West Ham have only offered £57,000-a-week so far.
The figures are close to being agreeable between the parties, but with no deal agreed just yet, there will be growing concern that West Ham won't get the deal done. The Guardian do though claim that, whilst Bacca is a little reluctant to leave the San Siro, he has come around to the idea of joining Slaven Bilic's West Ham - and the Hammers will be hoping to get the deal over the line in the coming days.

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Lyon president says new stadium will sway West Ham target Lacazette's decision over future
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United had a £31 million bid for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette turned down last month and now his club's president has talked about his future. The Hammers have been linked with a host of top strikers this summer and are believed to currently be focusing their attentions on AC Milan's Carlos Bacca. With the big move to the 60,000 seater Olympic Stadium on the horizon in the coming month speculation has been rife about new additions to Slaven Bilic's squad. The East Londoners missed out on Marseille's Michy Batshuayi after he secured a move to London rivals Chelsea while there were also rumours about interest in Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, Juventus and Italy forward Simone Zaza and Liverpool's Christian Benteke to name but a few. Bilic's most concrete interest until now, though, appears to have been in France forward Lacazette with their club record bid turned own last month, as reported by Sky Sports. Given the Lyon star's age - he is just 25 - potential and goal ratio of just under one in every two matches, many Hammers fans have been hoping the club can push through the marquee striker signing their owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been craving.

'We are very happy'

But any hopes look to have been dashed after Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas insisted the club's new stadium and Champions League football will convince him to stay, as reported by L'Equipe. "It seems Alex wants to spend this season with Lyon in the new stadium," Aulas told L'Equipe. "He wants to know an adventure in the Champions League could be much better than last season. "I think he will stay with us and we are very happy." Lyon's new 59,186-seater Parc Olympique Lyonnais, nicknamed the Grand Stade and the Stade des Lumières, is not quite as big as West Ham's new Olympic Stadium however which is 60,000 seater and will increase to 66,000 from the 2017/18 season. It replaced the club's previous stadium, Stade de Gerland, in January and next season will be the Ligue 1 side's first full campaign in the swanky new ground. Unsurprisingly given Arsene Wenger remains the manager at the Emirates, Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Lacazette. So if he was to decide on a move to the Premier League, Bilic would face stiff competition from North London for his signature. Wenger's somewhat uncertain long-term future could give the Hammers the edge, though, should the situation arise.

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Next England manager: Sam Allardyce is the right man for England, says West Ham co-chairman David Gold
STANDARD SPORT
Evening Standard

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has insisted he 'would not hesitate' to recommend the club's former boss Sam Allardyce for the England job. Allardyce is believed to have left Sunderland's training camp in Austria amid speculation that he is set to hold talks with the Football Association, with the insisting that it is merely to conduct transfer business.
The Hammers parted company with Allardyce last summer as the former Bolton and Blackburn manager made way for Slaven Bilic, before the 61-year-old took over at Sunderland in October. The Black Cats went on to secure their Premier League safety, and Gold admits that Allardyce's experience makes him a strong fit for the job. "I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him [for the England job]," Gold told BBC Radio 5 live. "He is determined, he is ambitious. He's been in the business a long time," he added. "I think the most important thing from my point of view is that he's English. Sam of course fits that bracket. You can rely on Sam meeting all those criteria."
The FA are looking for Roy Hodgson's successor after he stood down following England's disappointing display at Euro 2016. Hull City boss Steve Bruce has also been linked with the post, while Jurgen Klinsmann has 'held discussions' over the role according to his close friend and former team-mate, Oliver Bierhoff.

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West Ham chairman David Sullivan warns "barmy" transfer market is spiralling out of control
22:30, 11 JUL 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
With financial specialists Deloitte reckoning spending will top £1billion this summer, Sullivan fears the game has gone mad
The Mirror

West Ham chairman David Sullivan fears the transfer market has "gone barmy" and is spiralling out of control. Manchester United will make their world-record £100million move for France midfielder Paul Pogba this week. Financial specialists Deloitte believe this summer's spending will top £1billion for the first time and Sullivan fears a successful move for Pogba will set a new benchmark for Premier League spending. He said: "If you think about it, the £80million-£85million for the Gareth Bales and Ronaldos, it's all a bit historical now. "There is a lot more money around now than there was then, so you have got to assume that those fees are going to be smashed to bits."

Sullivan hopes to take £26million AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca to West Ham this week. But the Colombian wants parity with £125,000-a-week Dimitri Payet, who shone at Euro 2016.
Sullivan, set to hold talks with Bacca this week, added: "Every year we say the transfer window has gone crazy but it really has gone barmy this year – particularly if you are looking for strikers. "There are 20 or 30 clubs in Europe, all with money, looking for a striker. And when you have a club like Crystal Palace will to pay £125-130k a week to a guy at Liverpool [Christian Benteke], you do think it has gone barmy. "Add in the demands of agents and players, this year has just gone crazy."

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Jose Mourinho keeps eye on West Ham starlet Reece Oxford by sending Manchester United scouts to watch him play
Reece Oxford could be subject of £10m move from Manchester United
Jose Mourinho has kept tabs on the 17-year-old Hammer for some time
Paul Pogba deciding between return to United and new deal at Juventus
By JACK GAUGHAN and SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 11 July 2016 | UPDATED: 23:27, 11 July 2016

Jose Mourinho is stepping up his interest in West Ham's Reece Oxford by having him scouted at the Under 19 European Championship. The new Manchester United manager has identified the 17-year-old as a key player for the future and will have his scouts watch him when England play Holland on Friday at the tournament in Germany. Mourinho, who took over at United officially in May, has been tracking Oxford for a while and is prepared to start the bidding at £10million for the teenager. West Ham have no intention of selling the player as they move into the Olympic Stadium and embark on a Europa League campaign after an excellent first season under Slaven Bilic. But Oxford only has two years remaining on his West Ham contract and they may be tempted by advances from United. Oxford, who can play in central midfield or centre back, shot to fame when he was a surprise starter in West Ham's opening game of last season against Arsenal and starred in the match. He had already become their youngest player when he made his debut in a Europa League qualifier against FC Lusitanos last summer. He ended the season with 12 appearances in all competitions. Oxford is set to play for England Under 19s as they face France on Tuesday, Holland on Friday and Croatia next Monday.

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Dimitri Payet 'is worth £100m' but West Ham won't sell, says co-owner David Sullivan
Dimitri Payet will stay at West Ham - whether he wants to nor not, according to David Sullivan
Hammers co-owner tells curious clubs: 'we're not selling' at any price
Payet, already the best-paid player in West Ham history, could get new deal
By KIERAN GILL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 11 July 2016 | UPDATED: 23:11, 11 July 2016

West Ham have told their Euro 2016 sensation Dimitri Payet he is going nowhere this summer, even if he tells them he wants out. David Sullivan, West Ham's co-owner, is preparing for 'six weeks of silliness' in the summer's transfer window and believes the 29-year-old is worth £100million. The 67-year-old insists only a world-record offer will make them think about selling the France international, who has no release clause in his contract. Payet is already the best-paid player in West Ham's history on £120,000 per week but Sullivan is prepared to hand him a new deal if he continues to perform between now and Christmas. It is understood that would see him pocket £150,000 per week but other clubs could try to lure him this summer by offering him more money immediately. West Ham are refusing to be pushovers, however, and will not allow him to leave. Asked if he will sell Payet, Sullivan told Sportsmail: 'No, because he's under contract. 'There might be six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But if you believe what he says, he wants to stay.
'The joke is somebody bids £30m for him, you can't buy anything for £30m anymore. Just because he can get more money there, he expects us to sell him? Well, we're not selling anybody. 'If they want to break the world record we might consider it, because it's not then one-sided. 'The one-sided deal is somebody comes in with £30m or £40m, offers the player double the money he's on, and the player wants to go because he can double his money. We get ripped off. 'Why should that be the case? We're not going to stand for it. 'He's worth £100m, even at his age. But he's not for sale. Just because a big club wants him, tough luck. He's signed a contract. You take the rough and smooth of a contract.
'Sometimes clubs have got to be tough and stand up and say he's contracted to us, he's our player.' Payet was named best performer at the Euros in UEFA's official rankings and it was his challenge that saw Cristiano Ronaldo make an early exit in the final. Payet signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with West Ham in February and, on the offer of improving that, Sullivan said: 'If he's still doing what he's doing now at Christmas or the end of the season we might give him another new contract. 'I don't see that three games for France entitles a new contract after four months.' Sullivan is currently involved as an investor in the making of The Hatton Garden Job, a film about the London heist that saw up to £200m stolen by a group of elderly thieves. The way the current transfer market is, though, Sullivan feels daylight robbery is happening all around him. 'I come down to the set for a bit of fun and a bit of light relief from the football, which is the hardest it has ever been,' Sullivan said. 'Every year we say the transfer window has gone barmy but it really has gone barmy this year, particularly if you are looking for strikers. 'There are 20 or 30 clubs in Europe, all with money, looking for a striker. 'When you have a club like Crystal Palace willing to pay £125,000 to £130,000 a week to a striker from Liverpool, you do think it has gone barmy. 'The demands of agents and players this year has gone crazy.'

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West Ham negotiating with Carlos Bacca over £26m move from Milan
• Colombian's agent in London for talks over personal terms
• West Ham hopeful of completing deal for 29-year-old
The Guardian
Ed Aarons
Monday 11 July 2016 23.31 BST Last modified on Monday 11 July 2016 23.56 BST

West Ham have been frustrated in their attempts to sign Carlos Bacca but remain confident of sealing a deal to sign the Colombia striker from Milan. Bacca, who moved to Italy from Sevilla last summer for €30m despite interest from Liverpool, has been told he can leave San Siro after West Ham's £26m offer was accepted last week. Yet after failing in their attempts to sign Michy Batshuayi when the Belgium striker joined Chelsea instead, co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have yet to make a breakthrough over proposed personal terms with Bacca's agent, who arrived in London on Monday for talks. However, it is understood that despite his initial reluctance to leave Milan, the 29-year-old is now open to the idea of joining Slaven Bilic's side. Last month, Bacca's agent told the Guardian that his client was keen to play in European competition next season after Milan failed to qualify after their seventh-placed finish in Serie A. West Ham, who also finished seventh in the Premier League, will discover their opponents in the Europa League third qualifying round when the draw is made on Friday. Despite Milan's disappointing season, Bacca scored 18 goals in the league to end the campaign as Italy's third top scorer, behind Napoli's Gonzalo Higuaín and Paulo Dybala of Juventus. Bacca scored 34 goals in 71 appearances for Sevilla, having joined from the Belgian side Club Brugge in 2013. He arrived in Europe at the age of 24 having spent his formative years at Barranquilla-based Atlético Junior, where he worked as a bus driver's assistant to supplement his income. There were also reports in France on Monday night that West Ham have made an approach for Swansea's Bafétimbi Gomis, the France striker who has also been linked with Marseille. Earlier on Monday, the club announced the season-long loan signing of the Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore.

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