Daily WHUFC News - 15th November 2016

Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Two Hammers were in loan action over the international break
Josh Cullen played as Bradford City thrashed Rochdale at home
There was also game time for Lewis Page, though his Coventry side could not
prevent Scunthorpe grabbing all three points

Though England's top two divisions halted for the weekend due to the
international break, there were still two Hammers in loan action in the
third tier. Firstly, Bradford City's Josh Cullen, who after the weekend has
made 14 appearances for the Bantams this campaign, was in winning action. He
played 90 minutes for the Yorkshire outfit in their resounding 4-0 victory
at home against Rochdale on Saturday to keep his side in the automatic
promotion spots in the division. Only Scunthorpe United – who took on Lewis
Page's Coventry City at the weekend – have so far eclipsed Stuart McCall's
men this term. The clash at Valley Parade, heading towards a goalless first
half, sparked into life on 41 minutes as Billy Clarke bagged his sixth of
the season via James Hanson's assist. And it was two three minutes later,
Tim Dieng this time the City hero as he glanced home Clarke's centre. Things
went from bad to worse for Rochdale in the second period, as minutes after
going down to ten men following Niall Canavan's second bookable offence,
given for pulling back Hammer Cullen, they conceded a third. Hanson, after
seeing his initial effort block, rifled home the rebound to put the result
beyond doubt with half an hour still to play. Mark Marshall, four minutes
later, put the cherry on the cake for the hosts as he scored direct from a
free-kick to make it 4-0 and keep the side within touching distance of
Scunthorpe at League One's summit.

The Iron were in no mood to reduce the gap at the top of the table, however,
as they were 1-0 winners at Coventry City's Ricoh Arena. Lewis Page played
90 minutes for the Sky Blues but could not prevent the defeat, as the
division's top scorer Josh Morris added his 15th of a prolific season to
grab all three points.

Finally, George Dobson was an unused substitute for Walsall as they picked
up a 1-1 draw at struggling MK Dons. The Saddlers went ahead through Scott
Laird in the 28th minute and thought they had done enough for all three
points until Dean Bowditch pounced in the final minute to earn his side a
share of the spoils.

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Rice eager for U21 bow
WHUFC.com

Declan Rice is hoping to continue a dream 2016 by making his Republic of
Ireland U21 debut this week. The centre-half does not turn 18 until January,
but he has already signed a three-year professional contract, featured on
West Ham United's pre-season tour of the United States and been appointed
captain of the Club's Premier League 2 side. A strong and composed defender
and mature character, Rice has previously been capped at U17 and U19 level,
and could make his U21 bow against Slovakia or Czech Republic in La Manga.
"It's been a really good year for me, to be honest," said the teenager, who
has travelled with Noel King's squad to a week-long training camp and
friendly double-header in Spain. "I am so pleased with the call-up because,
to be honest, I didn't expect it. I was not included in the Under-19 squad,
so I thought I'd be getting the international break off, but of course I was
buzzing to get the call for the Under-21s. "We've got two games against
Slovakia and the Czech Republic in La Manga, so hopefully I'll get on the
pitch and make my debut. "Josh Cullen has also linked up with the squad
after playing for Bradford at the weekend and I'll be speaking to him about
the Under-21s and that will help me to settle in."

For Rice, inclusion in King's squad for the first time is reward for a
consistent start to 2016/17, during which he has captained the Hammers in
nine Premier League 2 fixtures and a Checkatrade Trophy tie at Coventry
City. "This season, playing Premier League 2 football and against senior
players in the Checkatrade Trophy are different levels to the old U21
Premier League, and they've really helped my game come on," "I think I've
been quite consistent this season. Luckily enough, I've had the opportunity
to play regularly for the PL2 side and we have carried on our form as a team
from last season. "Terry spoke to me at the start of the season and told me
it was time to step up and start leading and organising, and so far it's
gone well. "I've been called over to train with the first-team squad a fair
few times, too, so I just have to keep working hard and take my chances if
they come."

*Rice's fellow countryman Anthony Scully featured twice for Republic of
Ireland U18s during the international break, helping the young Boys in Green
to a goalless draw with the Netherlands, before starring in a narrow 3-2
defeat by Germany. Both matches were played in Cambrils on Spain's
Mediterranean coast.

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From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan responds to Eggert Magnusson's comments about
London Stadium...

I was disappointed to read some irresponsible and, quite frankly, incorrect
comments made by Eggert Magnusson in one of the Sunday newspapers. Mr
Magnusson was Chairman at the Club for little more than a year between 2006
and 2007 and when he left the Club it was saddled with £110m of debt. His
tenure, which saw the Club taken to the brink of Administration, threatened
the very future of West Ham United. Thankfully, myself and my current Board
were able to protect the Club and ensure its future.

Now, Eggert has criticised us for helping to fulfil the legacy of the hugely
successful London 2012 Olympic Games, providing London and the country with
a multi-use Stadium that we can all be proud of. Mr Magnussson has not, to
my knowledge, visited London Stadium.
London Stadium has been converted to a UEFA Category 4 football stadium –
the highest possible category of stadia deemed capable of hosting a
Champions League final by UEFA – and is a venue which has been used for
Premier League football, and played host to the Rugby World Cup and concert
performances including one of the world's biggest bands.

The atmosphere at the opening game through to the Chelsea game has been
incredible and you have to have been there to experience it.
We appreciate that the Stadium is not yet perfect, but we have solved many
of the initial issues we faced and are working closely with our fellow
stakeholders to find solutions to those which remain outstanding. We would
therefore politely suggest Mr Magnusson's views on the stadium carry as much
credibility as his short-lived but hugely flawed tenure as chairman of West
Ham United.

With the support of our fantastic and loyal supporters, the vast majority of
whom are benefiting from the cheaper, affordable tickets we are able to
provide at our bigger, better equipped, more modern and superbly situated
home. I, my fellow Board members and stakeholders are confident that we will
iron out the remaining issues over time.

Onto other matters, we at West Ham might be enjoying the final international
break of the year, but our players are certainly doing their respective
countries proud. I watched the England match with my sons on Friday evening
and enjoyed seeing the Three Lions secure a deserved victory over Scotland.
We also flicked channels throughout the game to see Dimitri Payet in
outstanding form for France – again! Dimitri has had an outstanding year and
has become a vital player for France and I am so proud that he is a West Ham
player.
He has played 16 times for his country in 2016, scoring seven goals and
assisting five more, and inspiring them to the final of the European
Championship. Dimi signed a new long-term contract in February, pledging his
future to this Club, and it is very much our intention that he remains with
us for years to come.

Sticking with internationals, I would like to congratulate Aaron Cresswell
on his first England call-up. As a Club, we very much hope Aaron is given
his debut against Spain at Wembley on Tuesday. And finally on the same
subject, congratulations also to our outstanding young midfielder Edimilson
Fernandes on making his full Switzerland debut, Darren Randolph on keeping
another clean sheet for the Republic of Ireland, and both Andre Ayew and
Cheikhou Kouyate on captaining their countries at the weekend.

David Sullivan

Joint-Chairman

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#WHUAREYA - Anthony Scully
WHUFC.com

In a week in which exciting midfielder Anthony Scully made his fourth
appearance for the Republic of Ireland's U18s, he features as the next
youngster to go under the spotlight in #WHUAREYA.

The 17-year-old was lively throughout his side's 3-2 defeat to Germany,
having a number of attempts on goal himself including an ambitious effort
from the halfway line which drifted just wide.

Scully has also been in fine form for the Hammers' U18 side this season,
scoring once and starring as they remain second in the Premier League U18
South.

In the company of West Ham TV, the teenager spoke about his influences as a
youngster, who he looks up to in the first team squad now, and why he is
such a fan of TV show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

Click here to catch last week's episode with 19-year-old full-back Alex
Pike.

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Hammers pay tribute to West Ham Pals
WHUFC.com

West Ham United paid tribute to the 13th (Service) Battalion of the Essex
Regiment, known as the 'West Ham Pals', at a moving ceremony on Armistice
Day.

Author and historian Elliott Taylor and Club chaplain Rev Alan Bolding led
the ceremony, which was attended by supporters and staff.

Here, Taylor recounts the story of the courageous West Ham Pals…

The West Ham Battalion left England for the First World War combat zone of
France on 16/17 November 1915 – almost exactly 101 years to the day.

The Hammers had been raised by the Mayor of the Borough in January and it
had only taken a month to fill the ranks of the Battalion, including my own
great-grandfather, Joe Cooper from Limehouse.

So many local lads volunteered that a 'Reserve' Battalion was formed and it
was these men who played football at the Boleyn Ground in 1915.

East London as a whole provided the largest number of men throughout the
nation for the Great War, with more than 18,000 volunteers before
Conscription was introduced.

The West Ham Battalion lost many men over the coming 12 months this week
marks exactly 100 Years since the Hammers 'did their bit' on The Somme,
which culminated in one last devastating battle in 1916 on 13 November.

This attack was on a strongly held German position near to Beaumont Hamel
called 'The Quadrilateral' and it took place in thick fog. It led to the
deaths of many fine local men, including Captain William Busby who had
already been awarded the Military Cross aged 24.

Capt. Busby was from Sherrard Road in Forest Gate, just a few streets away
from here. He worked in the City as a chemical analyst and was also the
local Scout Master of the West Ham Troop (now 2nd Newham). On his death in
action the Scouts renamed themselves Busby Troop in his honour.

Honour was something the Hammers had in abundance. They had the lowest
disciplinary rate in the Brigade which was the envy of other Battalions and,
by the war's end, had stacked up more than half a dozen Distinguished
Conduct Medals, nearly a dozen of the Military Cross and over 40 of the
Military Medal.

Their largest medal haul came during their final battle in the Great War on
the last day of November, 1917, at the Battle of Cambrai. This intense fight
lasted for more than 24 hours and at one moment, early on, D Company had
become surrounded yet they remained determined to fight on to the last
round.

As their ammunition became drastically reduced a call went out for a
volunteer to attempt to get back to the West Ham lines for reinforcements.
It was almost a suicide mission. The lad who stepped forward was Laurie
Legg, a 23-year-old former shipping clerk from Walthamstow.

Somehow Laurie made it through the German lines and mud and gave his report.
Every effort was immediately made to rescue D Company but, sadly, all in
vain. Less than 20 men survived and they became Prisoners of War by the next
day, remaining in awful captivity until 1918.

The memorial to The Hammers was unveiled at the Boleyn back in November 2009
by Sir Trevor Brooking.

As you can see, the month of November holds some significant dates for the
West Ham Battalion.

But we equally commemorate the wider sacrifices made by our armed forces in
many conflicts since the Great War including World War Two, Korea, Suez,
Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq and most recently Afghanistan.

I would like to commend the tireless work done by the Royal British Legion,
East Ham Branch, with a special mention for Ken Hill and Bob Stokes who have
provided the Colour Party for many years.

Their dedication is unwavering as they regard the tasks as an honour and a
duty and it marked another poignant day when a new memorial to our West Ham
Pals was installed at the Queen Elizabeth Park on Armistice Day.

As we have done for many years West Ham United will continue to ensure that
At the going down of the sun. And in the morning. We will remember them.

*Elliott Taylor is the author of Up The Hammers! The West Ham Battalion in
the Great War 1914-1918 and also runs the West Ham Pals blog where you can
find much more information and photos of the West Ham Battalion.

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The end of an era
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th November 2016
By: Staff Writer

43 years ago today West Ham United legend Bobby Moore made his 108th and
final appearance in an England shirt.

Moore, whose England career had begun 11 years earlier in 1962 played his
final ever game for his country in a friendly against Italy at Wembley in
1974.

The game - which also signalled the end of 1966 World Cup-winning manager
Alf Ramsey's international career - ended 1-0 to the visitors with the goal
being scored three minutes from time by Italy's Fabio Capello.

The team featured just one other player who featuired in the World Cup Final
eight years earlier - former Hammer Martin Peters, who had moved to
Tottenham two years earlier.

Since Bobby hung up his international boots in 1974, four players have gone
on to beat his record haul of 108 caps - albeit in an era when far more
international football is played.

They are Steven Gerrard (114 caps), David Beckham (115), Wayne Rooney (119)
and Peter Shilton - who also played in Moore's final England match against
the Italians - with 125.

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Mad Dog to undergo heart surgery
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th November 2016
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammer Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen is to undergo what has been described
as 'minor heart surgery'. The 51-year-old, who made 190 appearances for West
Ham between 1989 and 1995 is currently enjoying a FOURTH spell as manager of
Barnet FC. And earlier today, Allen wrote to supporters of the League Two
club - who are currently 12th in the table but just two points off the
play-off spots - to explain why he won't be in the dugout for the Bees' next
fixture. "This morning I'm on my way to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for a
minor procedure which will keep me out of action for one week," he said.
"I've got tightness of the arteries around my heart which simply need
clearing. It's simple and straightforward. "Rossi Eames, James Russell, Carl
Muggleton and Luigi Cerullo will look after the players throughout the week
along with the senior players who will continue, no doubt, to be model
professionals. "We've got ourselves into a nice little position and we must
all march together. There is nothing to fear."

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Sullivan's disappointment at 'flawed' Magnusson comments
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th November 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's co-chairman David Sullivan has criticised his predecessor
Eggert Magnusson after the latter insisted the Olympic Stadium should be
torn down. Magnusson, who was West Ham's CEO between 2006 and 2008 told a
tabloid newspaper that the arena should be "started from scratch" following
the numerous problems the club have experienced since moving from the Boleyn
Ground last summer.
"I really feel sorry for the fans," he said. "I don't think anything can be
done now. It's better for it to be torn down and started from scratch. We
had plans and costings for a stadium with retractable seats, like the Stade
de France. What we have now is a mess."

And Magnusson's comments clearly touched a nerve with the club's current
administrators, who responded with a terse statement published via the
club's website this afternoon. "I was disappointed to read some
irresponsible and, quite frankly, incorrect comments made by Eggert
Magnusson in one of the Sunday newspapers," said Sullivan. "Mr Magnusson was
Chairman at the club for little more than a year between 2006 and 2007 and
when he left it was saddled with £110million of debt. "His tenure, which saw
the club taken to the brink of administration, threatened the very future of
West Ham United. Thankfully, myself and my current board were able to
protect the club and ensure its future. "Now Eggert has criticised us for
helping to fulfil the legacy of the hugely successful London 2012 Olympic
Games, providing London and the country with a multi-use stadium that we can
all be proud of. Mr Magnussson has not, to my knowledge, visited the
stadium. "We appreciate that the stadium is not yet perfect, but we have
solved many of the initial issues we faced and are working closely with our
fellow stakeholders to find solutions to those which remain outstanding. "We
would therefore politely suggest Mr Magnusson's views on the stadium carry
as much credibility as his short-lived but hugely flawed tenure as chairman
of West Ham United."

Sullivan previously hit out at Magnusson a matter of days after completing
his and David Gold's purchase of West Ham United, when he accused the
Icelandic businessman of committing to a "reckless spending spree". Speaking
in reply, Magnusson responded by insisting that he was proud of his short
spell at the club. ""Maybe I was led to believe there was more money
available than there was," he said."If people are blaming me, so be it. But
I know better and am still proud of my time at West Ham United."

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West Ham not interested in selling Dimitri Payet, says David Sullivan
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 14/11/16 3:13pm
SSN

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan insists the club have no intention of
selling star man Dimitri Payet. The 29-year-old playmaker hinted he could
leave the Hammers in the January transfer window during an interview with
French television channel Telefoot last week.
When asked about his future plans, Payet said: "We've had a very poor start.
Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the
door to nothing."
Payet has been a star performer for West Ham since arriving from Marseille
for £10.75m in June 2015, scoring 14 goals in 48 appearances, and was
rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal in February. "Dimitri has had
an outstanding year and has become a vital player for France and I am so
proud that he is a West Ham player," Sullivan told the club's website. "He
has played 16 times for his country in 2016, scoring seven goals and
assisting five more, and inspiring them to the final of the European
Championship.
"Dimi signed a new long-term contract in February, pledging his future to
this club, and it is very much our intention that he remains with us for
years to come."
Payet scored the winner in France's 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over
Sweden on Friday and could feature once again for Les Bleus when they host
the Ivory Coast at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Tuesday.

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West Ham weighing up shock January move for Watford striker Troy Deeney
16:44, 14 NOV 2016 UPDATED 17:37, 14 NOV 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammers have Watford skipper Deeney in their sights as they renew their
attempts to land a big-money striker
The Mirror

West Ham are weighing up a shock January move for Troy Deeney. The Hammers
have Watford skipper Deeney in their sights as they renew their attempts to
land a big-money striker. They tried and failed to secure one during the
summer window despite being putting aside £30m to spend on one of their
frontman targets.
But the Irons will try again in the new year and Deeney, 28, is one of the
names on their list. Mirror Sport understands enquiries have been made into
Deeney's availability in January. And should West Ham firm up their
interest it will pose a fresh test of Watford's resolve to hang onto their
talismanic striker. They managed to fend off Leicester in the summer after
the champions bid as high as £25m for Deeney, who scored 13 Premier League
goals last season. Watford then rewarded Deeney, who has 99 goals from 275
Hornets appearances since joining in 2010, with a new five-year deal worth
around £50,000 a week. His new contract further ensures Deeney won't come
cheap but Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is prepared to splash the cash to solve
his problems up front. Andy Carroll has been dogged by injury again this
season, prompting Bilic to admit he can no longer rely on the 27 year-old
target-man. Andre Ayew's hopes of hitting the ground running following his
£20.5m summer move from Swansea were wrecked on his debut against Chelsea by
a thigh injury that sidelined him until last month. Diafra Sakho, whose
proposed summer switch to West Brom collapsed, has yet to play this season
due to a back problem. And loan strike duo Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri
have both also failed to make an impact at the London Stadium.

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West Ham hope Dimitri Payet will stay at London Stadium for "many years to
come"
17:36, 14 NOV 2016 UPDATED 17:37, 14 NOV 2016
BY JACOB MURTAGH
The Frenchman recently said he will consider his future in the New Year, but
David Sullivan insists their talisman is staying put
The Mirror

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan hopes to keep Dimitri Payet in east
London for "many years to come." The Frenchman starred during his debut
season with the Hammers following his £10.7million move from Marseille. His
exploits saw him rewarded with a bumper new deal in February as the club
looked to ward off potential suitors. However, Payet said recently he will
consider his future in the New Year, but Sullivan insists their talisman is
staying at the London Stadium.
"Dimitri has had an outstanding year and has become a vital player for
France and I am so proud that he is a West Ham player," he told the club's
official website.
"Dimitri signed a new long-term contract in February, pledging his future to
this club, and it is very much our intention that he remains with us for
years to come."
Slaven Bilic's side have made a poor start to the season, with Payet
weighing in with just one Premier League goal.

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Everton and West Ham eyeing Manolo Gabbiadini as Napoli prepare to sell
striker in January
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, November 14, 2016

Napoli will sell striker Manolo Gabbiadini in January - putting Everton and
West Ham on alert. Both Premier League clubs have been heavily linked with
the frontman over the past 12 months and it has even been claimed that he
turned down a move to Everton in the summer. Gabbiadini stayed put but has
endured a disappointing start to the season, scoring just once in nine Serie
A outings, and Napoli now look ready to move him on. According to Rai Sport,
the forward expects to leave during the window with Everton and West Ham
showing an interest. However, they are not the only clubs keen on the
24-year-old, with Sampdoria and Udinese keen to keep him in Italy, while
Wolfsburg and Valencia are also monitoring his situation.

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West Ham set to secure Reece Oxford future with new contract amid interest
from Manchester United and City
KEN DYER
Evening Stanadard

Reece Oxford is poised to sign a new long-term deal with West Ham worth more
than a £1 million a year. There had been fears that Oxford, who is 18 next
month, would leave West Ham amid interest from Manchester United, whose
manager Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Edmonton-born player - and
Manchester City. West Ham have always said they were determined to keep hold
of the England Under-20 international star though and now Oxford looks ready
to sign a new five-year deal worth a basic £20,000 a week, increasing with
appearances and other add-ons. Oxford became the youngest ever player to
appear for West Ham's first team when, aged 16 years and 198 days, he made
his senior debut in the opening match of last season away at Arsenal. Since
then however his opportunities have been rare as the East London Premier
League club looked progress his career carefully. Currently recovering from
an ankle injury, Oxford almost went on loan to several clubs, including
Charlton – and there has been increased speculation this season that he
would refuse a new West Ham contract and move on. With his current deal due
to end in 2018, the club would have been due some compensation but will be
pleased that the teenager, rated as one of the hottest defensive prospects
in English football, has decided to stay and sign a new deal.

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West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell could make England debut vs Spain as Ryan
Bertrand misses training
STANDARD SPORT
Evening Standard

West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell could be in line to make his full
international debut for England against Spain in Tuesday night's friendly.
The 26-year-old Hammers defender received his first England call-up for the
November international break, and may press for minutes at Wembley given
Southampton's Ryan Bertrand sat out training on Tuesday while Tottenham's
Danny Rose is set to be rested. The FA confirmed that England and Manchester
United captain Wayne Rooney would join Bertrand in sitting out of training
on Monday, with both players suffering "minor issues". Should Southgate
follow through with his original plans and decide to rest Spurs wing-backs
Rose and Kyle Walker, that would leave Cresswell as the only recognised
left-back left in the Three Lions squad for Tuesday's clash against La Roja.
Cresswell has missed the majority of the Premier League season through
injury, having suffered a serious knee problem in July. But the full-back
has worked his way back into contention for the Hammers and successfully
caught Southgate's eye, leading to his first senior international call up.
Cresswell said of his call-up last week: "The manager has been fantastic. To
come here and train with some of the world-class players who are here is
great to be a part of. "When you first start playing football, every boy
wants to represent their country, and for me to do that would be a proud
moment for me and my family."

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Man due in court over 'attempted robbery of footballer Andy Carroll'
JUSTIN DAVENPORT
Evening Standard

A man is due to appear in court charged with the attempted robbery of
England footballer Andy Carroll. The West Ham striker was driving back to
his home in Essex after a training session when he was approached at a
junction in Chigwell by two motorcyclists. The men allegedly demanded his
watch. Carroll, 27, sped off in his Mercedes G-Wagon and returned to the
Rush Green training ground four miles away where he raised the alarm. Today
Jack O'Brien, 22, of Dagenham was due to appear in court charged with one
count of attempted robbery in relation to an offence on November 2 on
Romford Road in Chigwell. He is also charged with one count of handling
stolen goods, one count of aggravated burglary and 13 counts of burglary.
The charges relate to multiple offences in London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
He was due to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court on Monday.

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Reece Oxford set to sign new five-year contract with West Ham in an attempt
to end speculation over his future
The new deal is expected to tie Reece Oxford to West Ham until 2021
Manchester United and Manchester City were reportedly both interested
His current deal was due to expire in 2018 and West Ham had to act
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 13 November 2016 | UPDATED: 23:48, 13 November 2016

West Ham wonderkid Reece Oxford will sign a new five-year deal with the club
to end uncertainty over his future. Negotiations over a new deal for Oxford,
17, had been at an impasse but the teenager is now ready to commit to the
London Stadium club in news that comes as a major boost to manager Slaven
Bilic. Manchester United and Manchester City have both been keen on Oxford,
who is being tipped as a future England international. Jose Mourinho is a
particularly big fan and looked into the prospect of landing the teenager
during the summer transfer window. And there had been major fears from
within the corridors of power at West Ham that they could lose Oxford to one
of the Premier League big guns. But he is now ready to end speculation over
his future by signing a new long-term contract. His existing deal was due to
expire in 2018 which left the Hammers open to Oxford leaving on a Bosman
transfer at the end of next season, though they would have been due
compensation. Oxford is currently injured after picking up an ankle ligament
problem during training earlier this month. But he is expected back towards
the end of November and should be available for the club's festive schedule.
Oxford broke onto the scene at the start of last season, starting in the
historic win at Arsenal and nullifying Mesut Ozil's threat. Bilic has used
Oxford sparingly ever since, preferring to ease him into senior football and
he even came close to a loan move to local rivals Charlton. Nevertheless,
West Ham have high hopes for Oxford - who has been likened to Rio Ferdinand
- and news of his new contract will come as a huge boost for the club.

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West Ham summer signing Simone Zaza clarifies his future, claims leaving
would be a personal failure
HITC
Olly Dawes
@O_DawesSport

West Ham's Simone Zaza has struggled in English football so far. West Ham
United striker Simone Zaza has told Rai Sport, as quoted by Football Italia,
that it would be a 'personal failure' to leave the club. Zaza, 25, joined
West Ham on season-long loan deal from Juventus back in August, and was seen
as the striker to give a welcome boost to Slaven Bilic's front line after a
summer of searching for a new centre forward. The Italian international has
endured a miserable time in England so far, as he has failed to score a goal
in any competition for the Hammers, and has now gone 432 minutes without
opening his account for the club. Speculation surrounds Zaza's long-term
future at the London Stadium. If he plays in a total of 14 games for West
Ham, Bilic's men have to purchase him permanently, and his goal-shy start to
life has fans questioning whether he should be kept.
In fact, Zaza's agent and father Antonio told Corriere Dello Sport just days
ago that he is open to talking to Napoli about a move back to Italy, with
the Serie A side searching for a striker after Arkadiusz Milik's knee
injury. Despite his struggles, Zaza was still called up by Italy for
internationals against Liechtenstein and Germany, and he even came on as a
late substitute in the 4-0 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday evening. After
the final whistle, Zaza spoke to Rai Sport about his future, and – as quoted
by Football Italia – he suggested that leaving West Ham would be a 'personal
failure', even though Napoli are a 'great team'. "Napoli are a great team
and I have already been fortunate enough to play for Juventus, so I am proud
of that, but I am focused on breaking my duck and playing well," said Zaza.
"West Ham are my current club and it would be a personal failure if I was to
leave now," he added.

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