Thursday, January 21

Daily WHUFC News - Slaven speaks Man City

Slaven Speaks - Man City

WHUFC.com

 

Slaven Bilic has faced the media ahead of Saturday’s game against Manchester City. The Gaffer spoke at length about his new signing Sam Byram, other potential January targets and team news ahead of the visit of the Citizens.

Sam Byram first of all. Tell us what you see in him and what he’ll bring to the team?

SB: “It’s a good buy for us. He is a young player, he’s English, he’s home-grown, very young but with the experience of playing in the Championship. We are planning for the next season, and he has been on our radar for a long time. To be fair it was more of a plan for next season, but it is good to have him now.”

 

How did the deal come together, because Everton thought they were pretty close to signing him, but you moved in very quickly…

SB: “We didn’t react on Everton. We had been tracking him for a long time, and it wasn’t only Everton, there were a few other clubs who wanted him. At the end, we didn’t jump in after we heard some other clubs were interested in him. According to the television and all that he was quite close to signing for Everton, but we knew we had a good chance and we’re delighted that he came to us.”

He said he was persuaded by what you said to him – can you give us a flavour of what was said?

SB: “I told him that I like young players and I told him my opinion about him and about in which areas he can and should improve. He liked it and I didn’t promise him anything, but what he really liked is that he found out we were watching him for a long time and he realised we were serious about him and had big plans for him. It’s up to him to show us in training and in games his improvement and he wants to be a part of our big project. It was a simple talk and after he talk he decided to join us."

 

At what point might you introduce him to the first team?

SB: “I will be open and say that he was more for us for the next season, because we have Carl Jenkinson, who is on loan from Arsenal and at the start of the season they said this is the last year they will give him to us.  Then we started to look who could fill that gap for us. We have Tomkins there, we have Joey O’Brien, who is a long time injured, and we lost a few players from last season like Guy Demel so we did it [signed Byram]. He has come now and it is only a plus for now, but I can’t tell you now when he is going to play.”

About ten days left before the window closes. Are you looking for a striker still?

SB: “Yes, but not big time. We are not panicking, we have a couple of players injured still, but both should be fit early or mid-February. On the other hand there are a couple of players who may leave the Club – maybe Zarate maybe Jelavic, and if that happens we will try to get one striker.”

How are you looking for team news on Saturday?

SB: “Joey O’Brien is back. He has been through a lot of setbacks regarding his injuries and I’m glad for him that he will join us on Thursday. Hopefully he will be fit for the long term now. James Tomkins has a small injury from the game against Newcastle. He is going to train individually on Thursday and will join us in training on Friday so we will see if he is available.  All the others are good, apart from Sakho, Carroll and Lanzini. They are still out, but are recovering ahead of schedule."

 

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

 

 

Daily WHUFC News - 21st January 2016

Joint-Chairman thrilled with Byram signing
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is thrilled to have secured
the signing of talented full-back Sam Byram and believes he has the quality
to break into the England squad over the next few years. Byram has been
earning rave reviews playing for Leeds in the Championship and attracted
interest from a number of Premier League clubs. But the Hammers won the race
to clinch his signature on a four-and-a-half year deal and Sullivan is
confident the versatile player will be a major success with the east London
Club. Sullivan said: "He has been bought for the future and long term he
could well be an English international. "He is a utility player who can play
anywhere down the right hand side and when played in a forward position he
can score goals. He has already scored three times for Leeds this season.
"He is still young and is improving all the time. His uncle and cousins are
West Ham United season ticket holders. "We had planned to sign him in the
Summer, but we were forced to move sooner as it was clear that Everton had
agreed terms with Leeds to sign him."

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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com

Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Saturday's defeat against Newcastle…

After eight magnificent games unbeaten, Slaven Bilic's West Ham slumped to a
defeat at St James' Park, against a Newcastle side who were desperate for a
win. A slow start allowed Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum to score two
much needed goals and West Ham, who were playing their second away game in
four days, the other being at the opposite end of the country, slumped to a
defeat. With the absence of the injured Andy Carroll, Dimitri Payet was
forced out wide, where he struggled to make an impact, having to track back
too much rather than start counter attacks. It was a chilly afternoon in the
north of England, and Slaven's men looked frozen solid for the first two
goals, although Jonjo Shelvey's instant impact in a black and white shirt
cannot be overlooked. The pass for the second in particular was perfect,
flying over the head of Aaron Cresswell, allowing the cross to come in for
Wijnaldum to poke home with ease. Shelvey was pulling all the strings in the
opening 45, but was rather lucky to remain on the field after clashing with
Enner Valencia off the ball.
West Ham were on a rare attack, when the Ecuadorian striker dropped to the
floor, replays suggesting that the England midfielder had raised his elbow
to Valencia's face off the ball, but the officials missed the incident.
Regardless, the first half was a disappointing performance, but Bilic's
midpoint team talk much have worked wonders. The visitors flew out of the
tunnel for the second half, with Nikica Jelavic coming on and immediately
making an impact, netting his second goal of the season. It was a real
poacher's effort from the man who has struggled for game time since arriving
from Hull City, but this sort of clinical performance could be key with
Carroll and Diafra Sakho out injured for the coming weeks. Adrian denied
Aleksandar Mitrovic on three occasions, with the Spanish shot-stopper the
best player in claret and blue on the pitch (not literally, of course). We
could have snatched a point at the death, with Rob Elliot's knee denying
Cheikhou Kouyate's header in the 90th minute.
It might have been a frustrating and lacklustre loss, but you can't go
unbeaten forever, and after eight games without a loss, Saturday's result
doesn't spell the end of the season.
Newcastle have finally climbed out of the relegation zone, whilst West Ham
sit sixth, just outside the Champions League places. Next up is the visit of
Manchester City, who are on terrific form now that Sergio Aguero is back in
action, the Argentine scoring a brace at the weekend. But Victor Moses is
also expected to return and of course he scored the opening goal in our 2-1
win at the Etihad earlier in the season. Saturday's loss against Newcastle
certainly wasn't ideal, but our magnificent away record is still intact, and
we have a good enough squad to pick ourselves up and cause yet another upset
against City this weekend. 35 points in 22 games is a great return for a
side with a new manager and many new signings, and if we continue as we have
started in 2016, we could have a wonderful start to life in the Olympic
Stadium.

For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFc.com

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke with his latest
update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...

Hello everyone,

First of all I would like to welcome Sam Byram to West Ham United. January
is always a busy time for the Medical and Sports Science Departments at
every club, but this was our first signing of the transfer window and any
time you bring a new player into the Club it is exciting. Sam underwent his
medical at Spire Roding Hospital – the Club's Official Private Hospital –
where we screened him from top to bottom. He is a young athlete and is in
good condition.

Injury-wise, we picked up a couple of minor knocks at Newcastle United last
weekend but we hope to recover the players affected for the next game
against Manchester City on Saturday.

Andy Carroll is making good progress after suffering a hamstring injury at
Bournemouth last week and has started running. We hope to have him available
for the manager again on schedule, four weeks after he suffered the initial
injury, by the middle of February.

Manuel Lanzini is going well with his rehab after suffering a thigh injury
against Liverpool just after Christmas. He is recovering well and we hope to
have him back available in February.

Finally, Diafra Sakho was involved in a minor car accident this week. The
Club doctor gave him a thorough check-up and we are pleased that he did not
suffer any new injuries in this accident. Diafra did not miss a day of his
rehab from the thigh injury he suffered in the game against West Bromwich
Albion and is on course to return in February.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

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Byram - I cannot wait to see the new Stadium
WHUFc.com

West Ham United's new signing Sam Byram is already dreaming of playing in
the new Stadium next season and would love the chance to help the Hammers
qualify for the Champions League. Slaven Bilic's side are currently in the
top six and have already shown they can compete against the best teams in
the Premier League this season. Byram plans to visit the new Stadium in the
near future and says he is relishing the chance to play in front of 50,000
fans every home game. Byram said: "To play in a stadium of that size is huge
for the club and it did make a big impact on me. I cannot wait to have a
look around it. "I have heard they have already sold a lot of season-tickets
and if they can get the near full capacity it will be unbelievable. "As
players everyone is ambitious and you want to play in the best leagues you
can. The Champions League is the highest of what you can achieve, so to be
joining a club who has a chance of getting in there is brilliant. "It will
be a dream for me to play my first game for West Ham. As a child you dream
of playing in the Premier League and you watch Match of the Day, but now I
have the chance to make that possible."

Byram will already have two massive fans when the club makes a historic move
during the summer as his family are beloved West Ham fans and have already
bought their tickets at the new venue. "My Uncle and cousin have already
bought their season-tickets for the new Stadium and it makes it easier for
me knowing they are supporting me. "I asked my cousin what it was like at
West Ham and he only had good things to say so I am really looking forward
to it."

Byram reveals the chance to work with Slaven Bilic was also a big factor in
him choosing the Hammers and he is confident the West Ham United manager
will make him an even better player in the top flight. "Slaven was a big
impact on me coming to the club. He was a defender during his career so I am
sure he will be able to help me with my development. "You always want to
improve as a player so for me to work with Slaven and his backroom staff is
only going to make me better."

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View on the Signing – Sam Byram
WHUFc.com

Yorkshire Evening Post's chief football writer Phil Hay gives us the lowdown
on new recruit Sam Byram

What has been the general reaction from Leeds' fans to Sam Byram's
departure?

"Sam is held in very high regard with the United fans. As an academy
graduate, he has a special connection with the fans. He's a very talented
player, one of Leeds' best in recent years. "At the same time, they are not
too surprised to see him leave. It's been a trend for a long time that there
best players move on; James Milner, Jonny Howson, Fabien Delph and Robert
Snodgrass, and unfortunately given the position they are in, it doesn't seem
like it will change any time soon. "It was no secret that his contract was
running out so it was only a matter of time really, either now in January or
in the summer."

There was a lot of interest in Byram's signature, particularly from Everton.
Do you think he's made the right decision in coming to West Ham?

"Yes, I think it's a really good move for him. Given where West Ham are now
they won't be back in the Championship any time soon. It's obviously a great
time to join West Ham with the upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium so I
think that'll be a great help attracting new players. "With Everton, Seamus
Coleman is clearly established at right-back, one of the best in the League
so it would be hard to dislodge him. Whereas Carl Jenkinson is on loan and
James Tomkins has filled in at right-back so there's probably more chance of
first team football."

What are his key attributes? What can Hammers' fans look forward to seeing?

"He's great in the air, loves to keep it on the floor and can whip in a
great delivery. He doesn't score many but he's a surprisingly good finisher
as well." "I also think Sam will do very well under Slaven Bilic, he will
suit the style Bilic likes to play well. He's great going forward, which is
why Leeds played him as a winger, but he's certainly best at right-back."

Off the field, what's he like to work with?

"He's a great lad, he's extremely likeable. Everyone who you speak to at the
Club has a very high opinion of him. All the academy coaches say he's very
down to earth, and a joy to work with. You can tell he carries himself very
well, and media wise he's a good talker."

He's still a very young player with a lot of experience already. How much
potential does he have?

"He's a very talented player who I'm sure will do very well in the Premier
League. Fabien Delph was probably the most naturally gifted player I've seen
at Leeds in the last ten years; James Milner was also very special. Sam
works incredibly hard and is different to those two, he's got everything you
need to excel at the top level for years to come."

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Sam Byram joins West Ham from Leeds United
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have signed full-back Sam Byram from Leeds United for an
undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old had been in talks with Everton, but has
instead signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Hammers. "I'm
unbelievably proud and happy to join a club as big as this," said Essex-born
Byram, who turned down a new contract with Leeds. "I'm just looking forward
to what the future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the team."
Byram joined the Leeds academy set-up at the age of 11 and made his
professional debut in August 2012. He leaves Elland Road after making 143
appearances and scoring 10 goals. "I spoke to the manager and he is one of
the main reasons which attracted me to West Ham," Byram said of Hammers boss
Slaven Bilic. "I think he's done unbelievably well with his team so far, so
I'm really looking forward to working with him and his staff. "My uncle and
my cousin are big West Ham fans and have bought their tickets for the new
stadium. My uncle was down here yesterday getting a shirt with my name on
the back."

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Zarate set for Serie A move
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Mauro Zarate is poised to complete a move to Italy's Serie A later this
week, KUMB understands. The Argentine striker has become increasingly
disillusioned with life at West Ham since falling down the pecking order and
recently indicated his desire to move to a club who can guarantee him
regular first team football. And Zarate looks set to have his wish granted
within the next few days after West Ham and Fiorentina reached an agreement
regarding a permanent deal for the 28-year-old forward. Although the fee
involved remains undisclosed at present, West Ham will make a profit on a
player who was signed on a free transfer from Vélez Sarsfield in the summer
of 2014. Since then Zarate has made 29 appearances for the Hammers having
also spent four months on loan at Queens Park Rangers in the second half of
last season (2014/15).

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Jack Sullivan: My best 11 of the last 6 years!
January 19, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
Jack Sullivan
Bit of a different Column today ....

Ex has asked me if I could do my best 11 since I've been at the club. My
Dad bought the club almost six years ago, which I think was arguably the
biggest day of his life. It was always a dream for him to buy West Ham, he
had owned a large percentage in the past and finally in 2010, after selling
Birmingham and saying he wanted a year off, it took him less then two months
and jumped at the opportunity to own his childhood club!

Anyway I'm supposed to be telling you my best 11. I'm still not sure if
I've picked the right team, manger or formation. I hope you agree with me
but feel free to tweet me or the way's twitter with your own.

My manager so far would be Slav, someone the fans have been after for a
while and I hope Slav will be with us for a long time. At the same time,
football is an ever changing game and a result business, but what I've seen
so far is a manger that loves the game and is very passionate for it. For
me his most important quality is his honesty, which personally I find
refreshing and something we haven't alway had before…not naming names. He
has also masterminded some great games with some tactical masterclasses,
showing his real belief in the team! People may be surprised that I also
considered Grant and Big Sam, in their own way they are both very good
mangers at what they do. Grant is a lovely man and I believe is a cup
manger. If you look at his record he got Chelsea to the Champions League
final, he also got Ghana to the final of the African Cup of Nations and us
to the semi final of the cup. Big Sam has a great talent at getting points
on the board and has many strengths, but I believe with the squad I'm
picking the right man for the job is Bilic!

During the past six years I've seen goalkeepers from Boffin to Green to
Adrian. Personally I think the best goalkeeper is Adrian, some of the saves
he makes are out of this world. I also believe he's still improving on
area's of the game and the best is still to come. I also love his
personality and his passion on and off the pitch, I believe he's the only
keeper in the BPL that would do kick-ups against Liverpool or throw his
gloves on the floor and smash a pen into the corner.

My left-back can only be one person - Cresswell, hammer of the year in his
first season. I believe he has got everything of a modern full-back, he's
defensive game has really improved and he's attacking game is second to
none. He can cross and has got a hell of a shot on him given a chance. For
me he's very close to an England call-up and may be going to the Euro's if
he play's his cards right.

The centre-back position was a real hard of for me, I believe that the best
centre-backs are the ones we have now. I would personally pick Reid who has
been at the club for many years and most of my time at West Ham. Reid maybe
should have been given more of a chance the year we went down, but from then
he has really made the number 2 shirt his own and been a real beast on the
pitch. Man United this season really symbolised his time at West Ham, he
has always been the rock at the back, even in the championship days. The
second centre-half is between Pogatez, Johnson or Collins. I've picked
Collins, but this may change at the end of this season, as I've just not
seen enough of Reid and Ogbonna play together. I've picked Collins as he is
the only person I've seen stop Suarez, he may not be the prettiest defender
but he gets the job done and done very well. I believe per game there is no
defender that blocks more shots on goal. Tomkins is someone I haven't
mentioned but I also feel isn't too far away from an England call-up. I'm
not sure anymore what his best position is, as his filled in at right-back
so well.

At right-back I'm going to pick Demel, someone who could defend but also get
up the line. I remember when him, Diame and Vaz Te used to play one and two
touch football down the line, with the odd trick throw in there too. Jenko
was almost picked after a great year with us last season but has just missed
out. I hope this may change in the near future as even though I miss Demel,
I feel Tomkins or 'our mystery signing' can hopefully follow in his
footsteps.

The midfield for me is by far the hardest place to pick, as I couldn't tell
you our best midfield this season! I'm going to pick Parker, Kouyate and
Song. I'm not sure if I have picked the best midfield, as I feel players
like Diame and Noble should possibly be involved. Parker was fantastic at
West Ham but sadly moved on, he was a leader and also got stuck in! He had
a great shot on him as shown against Wigan and Chelsea. Kouyate for me is
one of the most underrated players in our team, someone who runs and runs,
tackles and can also be an attacking threat. He's 6ft 4 which makes him
even more of a monster and a real challenge for anyone to get past. For me
Song's first 6 months with us was as good as Payet's. The way he moved the
ball really got the team playing, sadly since his injury he has struggled to
find that form, but I'm sure its still in there somewhere.

My two inside forwards are Payet and Lanzini, both two new additions and
what great additions they have been for us. Payet has been real class and
is better than Zidane and Ozil. He skills are unreal and very much like
Lanzini, he almost never loses the ball. Both of their feet are lightening,
with both also having more strength than expected. I think everyone would
agree they both carry real class.

Lastly the striker… Demba Ba! It has to be, he was someone I will never
forget and someone always welcomed back at anytime. Ba has pace, power and
real quality, I can see why he ended up at Chelsea as he was a real player!

I'm pretty sure this team would be a real hard one to beat, with a bit of
everything in it, yet as I said in my tweet today the best is yet to come!!!
COYI

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ExWHUEmployee another Transfer Exclusive: Emmanuel Emenike to join
January 19, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

We can exclusively reveal that the forward that I first mentioned in my
column yesterday and DS hinted at us signing today is Emmanuel Emenike. The
Nigerian forward is 28 and currently contracted to Fenerbache where Slaven
Bilic knew him well. He has been on loan at Al Ain in Dubai but this loan
was cut short this week. Emenike has commanded a number of large transfer
fees in his career and almost averages a goal every other game. His agent
met with David Sullivan this week to iron out the terms of a loan move with
an option to buy at the end of the season. The club hope to complete the
deal by Friday if all goes to plan. This is an exciting prospect and one
who will entertain the fans!

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Sam Byram completes transfer to West Ham from Leeds United
By Jefferson Lake
Last Updated: 20/01/16 7:19pm
SSN

West Ham have completed the signing of Leeds United full-back Sam Byram on a
four-and-a-half year contract. The 22-year-old has moved for an undisclosed
fee, following several days of negotiations between the clubs. "I'm
unbelievably proud and happy to join a club as big as this," said Byram, who
will wear the No 22 shirt at Upton Park. "I'm just looking forward to what
the future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the team going
forward. "It's a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League, so
to have the chance to get into a team like this, I just want to get my head
down, work hard and hopefully get a chance. "I spoke to the manager and he
is one of the main reasons which attracted me to West Ham. I think he's done
unbelievably well with his team so far, so I'm really looking forward to
working with him and his staff. "My uncle and my cousin are big West Ham
fans and have bought their tickets for the new stadium. My uncle was down
here yesterday getting a shirt with my name on the back. It's nice to have
them down here and they'll help me settle so I'm looking forward to seeing
them. "I'm also really looking forward to seeing the new stadium in person.
That was another big part in me wanting to come here. It's a massive part of
the future of the club and I can't wait to see and hopefully play in it."

Everton had been in the running to sign Byram but dropped their interest in
the 22-year-old despite agreeing a fee with Leeds, leaving West Ham in pole
position.

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Sam Byram has left Leeds for West Ham - so can he cut it in Premier League?
By Adam Bate and Charlotte Marsh
Last Updated: 20/01/16 7:28pm
SSN

Sam Byram has left Leeds for West Ham but can he cut it in the division
above? With the help of former coach Brian McDermott and most recent boss
Steve Evans, Adam Bate takes a look at his Premier League potential… Byram
signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Hammers on Wednesday after
several days of negotiations between the clubs. A switch from Yorkshire to
east London ends months of speculation over the future of the promising
full-back, whose Leeds contract was due to expire in the summer and whom
Elland Road chief Massimo Cellino had admitted he planned to sell.

But what are West Ham - who beat Everton to the full-back's signature -
likely to get for their £3.7m?
Leeds boss Evans - speaking to Sky Sports shortly before the deal was done -
gave a revealing insight into the 22-year-old's credentials on and off the
field. "Four Premier League managers have asked me about him, mostly about
his character and what he's like off the pitch," Evans says. "I couldn't
have given them more glowing references than I already have. He really is
such a fantastic young professional. "He's first in the building and he's
the last out. On days off, he comes in and he makes sure his recovery is
right. He's always with the staff stretching and being prepared for training
and when he trains, he trains with real intensity and real quality so I'm
not surprised that people want to take him."

Brian McDermott - now Reading boss - was Byram's manager for over a year and
the first of Cellino's six Leeds managers. He has nothing but praise for the
player's attitude, calling him "a terrific character" and a "really nice
lad" - but is he good enough for the Premier League?

McDermott's thoughts are obvious as soon as he begins to recollect his first
sight of Byram in action. "The first game after I was appointed was against
Sheffield Wednesday and he was playing," he tells Sky Sports. "I hadn't seen
him play live before and after about 20 minutes the ball came out of the
sky, he chested it down and played this terrific ball out wide. I turned
around to Neil Redfearn and asked, 'Who's that?!'"

Evans has similar memories of his first encounter with Byram, albeit ones
coloured by the overhanging contract situation. "When we first came in, we
found a young man who wasn't quite sure what was happening," he says. "But
we got him in and focused him and made it clear that, whatever happens, we
needed him to get back on the training ground and work hard, play hard and
get back to showing the class that he's shown in the last couple of years in
the Championship."

The response was typically swift. "It was like a duck to water," adds Evans.
"From the first minute we watched him train, me and my staff hadn't seen him
at that close quarters before and we immediately saw what a gifted young lad
he is.

"He can pick a pass, he can score a goal, he can take balls in difficult
areas. His passing with both feet is technically very good, and his
awareness of the game around him and his game management is, for such a
young age, outstanding. He is going to play in the Premier League."

Only Stuart Dallas (30) has created as many chances for Leeds this season as
Sam Byram (25). While McDermott echoes those sentiments, he feels Byram
needs to play in his best position in order to fulfil his potential.
Although he has enjoyed recent success on the right of midfield, his former
boss is adamant that his long-term future should lie within a back-four. He
wants to be a right-back and he needs to be judged as a right-back.

Brian McDermott on Sam Byram : "You've got to give him a chance because he's
still quite inexperienced," adds McDermott. "It's hard for him because he's
playing right-wing or wherever he's playing and he's a right-back. He wants
to be a right-back and he needs to be judged as a right-back because he's
not a right-winger."

Evans had repeatedly encouraged Byram to commit and, before his next move
was sealed, admitted he hoped Byram would be given sufficient game-time to
develop. "The grass isn't always greener somewhere else," Evans said. "I
think if he goes, and it is if he goes, he'll have to see a real progression
plan for himself. "I don't think it enhances him at all to go and sit on the
bench for six months. I'm not saying he's going to start on the first
Saturday after he signs but he'd be needing to see a career plan to the
first team." "He has been bought for the future and long term he could well
be an English international," said West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan of
his new signing. How far Byram goes remains to be seen. But it's clear the
men who have managed him are convinced that this is a young player with the
temperament and the talent to make the most of whatever opportunity comes
his way.

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West Ham in loan bid for Emmanuel Emenike - Sky sources
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 20/01/16 1:19pm
SSN

West Ham have made a bid to take Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike on loan
for the rest of the season, according to Sky sources. Emenike, 28, has been
playing on loan in Dubai for Al Ain, and West Ham boss Slaven Bilic knows
they player from his time in Turkey as Besiktas boss. Hammers co-owner David
Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ on Tuesday that the club was interested in
a striker who had been playing in a "strange" league. The move for the
Nigeria international would need the agreement of Fenerbahce and Al Ain.
Sullivan told SSN HQ: "We are looking, long-term, for a 20-goal-a-season
striker. "There's a possibility that a striker will come in on loan in the
next seven days, with the option to buy him. He's an overseas striker. "If I
told you, you wouldn't believe it. I can't tell you which league because
then you'll know exactly who it is. "We are signing from a very strange
league. But he has played in higher leagues."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BYRAM SIGNS, BUT I'M NOT SO SURE ABOUT EMENIKE
By S J Chandos 20 Jan 2016 at 14:24
WTID

BREAKING: As the above picture below demonstrates, Sam Byram is official!


I always had a feeling that the 'no incoming transfer business in January'
line coming out of the club was an exercise in dampening the expectations of
selling clubs. After all, if you are not pressurized to buy in January that
undermines the tendency to hike prices at this time of the year. In reality
it was always likely the club would adjust the squad at this time of the
year and Jenkinson's poor form, together with the injuries to our two main
strikers, made a move in the window all the more likely.

Embed from Getty Images

Of current pending moves, the acquisition of Sam Byram is potentially an
excellent piece of business. However, I am not so confident about the loan
move for Nigerian international striker, Emmanuel Emenike. Emenike has been
on loan to Abu Dhabi side, Al Ain, from Turkish club Fenerbahce. There he
has scored 9 goals in 15 matches. He has also scored 9 goals in 37
appearances for Nigeria. It is a loan deal, so the club are obviously taking
a look before committing themselves to a permanent deal. It may also provide
the club with the latitude to agree an outgoing deal for either Jelavic or
Zarate.

There were also reports yesterday evening that the club were eyeing a deal
for Reading defender Jake Cooper. Although this deal (if it has any basis in
fact) is likely to be to acquire 'one for the future.' Cooper has only made
9 starts for Reading this season, starting their last 5 fixtures. The club
may think he is a prospect that is worth a punt, but with the likes of
Hendrie, Henry, Burke and Oxford already at the club, is this likely to be a
priority? We shall see.

So, it will be interesting to see how the winter transfer business shapes up
over the next couple of weeks. The real business is likely to be transacted
in the summer, but it is good to see an excellent prospect like Byram coming
in. As for the Emenike rumour, we will just have to see what transpires?
Could it be a red herring? Could another striker target emerge out of left
field? Or could Emenike prove to be an inspired acquisition? Regardless, at
least we have the assurance of knowing that both Sakho and Carroll are
likely to be back from injury at the front end of February. At least, lets
hope so?

SJ. Chandos.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT PILLS HAVE THE BRENTWOOD GAZETTE BEEN TAKING?
By Iain Dale 20 Jan 2016 at 11:06
WTID

I look at some of the transfer rumours this week and I just shake my head.
It's not just on social media that some people ought to know better, this
madness is now infecting some of the mainstream press.

Take the Brentwood Gazette, for example. In the last couple of days they
have seriously suggested that we are in for both Carlos Tevez and Daniel
Sturridge. I suspect most Hammers fans would be quite happy if either player
were to join, but these stories are made up. Manufactured. Designed to get
other people talking about the Brentwood sodding Gazette.

Having signed one player from Liverpool for close on £18 million, who is
quite injury prone, does anyone seriously believe that we'd then sign
another one? I suppose the thinking goes they could play half a season each.
But there are two other reasons the signing of Daniel Sturridge is highly
unlikely. Firstly that we haven't got that kind of money to spend, and even
if we did his wages (rumoured to be £80-100k a week) would blow our FFP
structure. Secondly, given that Liverpool aren't exactly overburdened with
goalscoring strikers, why on earth would Juergen Klopp even consider selling
him when he'd never get as good a striker for that kind of money? He's not
mad.

Embed from Getty Images

On Tevez, he made his position very clear in an interview before he returned
to Argentina that anyone thinking he would return to Upton Park needed to
think again, as he wanted to return home to Argentina to be with his family.
That was in August. Would he really change his mind within six months? We're
told that Boca Juniors are behind in paying him his wages, but even so,
think of what we'd need to pay him. At Juventus he was on £130k per week.
I'd love to see him play in Mark Noble's testimonial, but I suspect that is
the only way we'll ever seem him at Upton Park again.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham complete Sam Byram transfer as Leeds full-back agrees
four-and-a-half year deal
14:20, 20 JAN 2016 UPDATED 15:40, 20 JAN 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The Hammers jumped ahead of Everton in the race for the 22-year-old with the
promise of first-team football, with Byram possibly involved against Man
City
The Mirror

West Ham have completed the signing of Sam Byram from Leeds. The 22-year-old
was widely expected to join Everton but West Ham jumped ahead of them in the
race with the promise of first-team football. Byram, who could go straight
into the squad for Saturday's clash with Man City, has arrived for an
undisclosed fee - believed to be around £3.7m. He has agreed a
four-and-a-half year deal at Upton Park. "I'm unbelievably proud and happy
to join a club as big as this," said Byram, who will wear the No.22 shirt.
"It's a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League, so to have
the chance to get into a team like this and I just want to get my head down,
work hard and hopefully get a chance. "I'm just looking forward to what the
future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the team going forward.
"I spoke to the manager and he is one of the main reasons which attracted me
to West Ham. I think he's done unbelievably well with his team so far, so
I'm really looking forward to working with him and his staff."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to face Liverpool in FA Cup
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham will face Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup after they
overcame Exeter City 3-0 tonight at the second attempt after a thrilling 2-2
draw at St James' Park earlier this month.

The Hammers will travel to Anfield for their fourth round match on Saturday
30th January and BT Sport has already announced it will provide LIVE TV
coverage of the tie with kick-off set for 5:30pm. Liverpool has allocated
3,000 tickets to West Ham despite cup tie's being eligible for 15% of the
stadium capacity which should entitle us to 6,832 seats. Exeter City were
given an allocation of 4,000 seats for tonight's 3-0 defeat at Anfield which
they sold out.

The possibility of doing the treble over the Reds will be a major incentive
for Slaven Bilic's side who have seen the Merseysiders off twice this
season.

West Ham has beat Liverpool away four times in our combined history. The
first was on 28th February 1928 when the Hammers were the 3-1 victory in the
old Division one, the second away win was 4th September 1954 which resulted
2-1 to the Irons. Before this season, the last victory was 14th September
1963 which finished 2-1 to the Hammers. The latest victory was last year on
the 29th August we famously beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield with Noble,
Lanzini and Sakho scoring.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why Jenkinson won't be going back!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

One of the most regular questions of the season has been: "Can West Ham send
Carl Jenkinson back to Arsenal!" To say the Gooner has been disappointing
really doesn't do justice to the situation – you feel for the boy but let's
be honest…this season has been a disaster for him. It's been thought for a
long time that this loan is an unbreakable deal but when Liverpool and Aston
Villa cancelled the one involving Tiago Ilori it raised the question again.
As a result ClaretandHugh contacted the Premier League where we were told:
"We can't comment on individual deals but as far as we are concerned they
are generally for the season. "However, should the two clubs agree via a
clause in the contract that the deal can be brought to an end by mutual
consent that's entirely up to them."

One of our regular sources, however, made it clear that there was little
chance of Jenks returning to the Emirates as things stood. He said: "I
honestly don't know whether such a clause exists but it honestly doesn't
matter because Arsenal are never going to agree as they would be well out of
pocket. "The loan fee was £1.5 million so we would want £750,000 of that
back plus thy would be responsible for paying Jenkinson the £1 million we
agreed to pay him. It's not in their interests and it won't happen. "There
have been reports that Arsenal want him to play regular first team football
but at this stage of things I don't believe they will find a club to pay
them £1.75m to offset the expense of taking him back when they can make a
profit out of us!"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zarate deal not cut and dried
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Mauro Zarate will only be allowed to complete his €3 million move to
Fiorentina if the Hammers complete a deal for Nigerian Emmanuel Emenike.
Widespread reports that the Argentinian is on his way from Uton Park are not
100 per cent correct as ClaretandHugh has learned within the last few
minutes that it's all dependent on signing a loan striker. Fiorentina are
claimed to have reached an agreement with West Ham regarding a permanent
switch for Zarate at around €3m, which roughly equates to £2.3m. Zarate
joined West Ham on a free transfer from Vélez Sarsfield in 2014 after buying
out his remaining contract and yesterday (Mon) West Ham Chairman David
Sullivan told Sky Sports News "Mauro wants first team football and he
realises if everyone is available then he may be a little bit down the
batting order. So it is just possible that we would let him go." However,
the club will not give Fiorentina or Zarate the nod until they know the
outcome of their negotiations with Emenike and there were some work permit
worries over the player emerging this evening. The national team of a loaned
player needs to be in the top 50 of the world ranking and currently Nigeria
sit in 66th place and that is having to be checked out as negotiations with
the player continue.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The real cost of Sullivan's 20 goals a season striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham's hopes of landing a 20 goals a season striker next season will be
hit by a massive wages factor. David Sullivan told Sky Sports yesterday
(Mon) in a wide ranging interview that a top striker was the main priority
this summer. But he has already been warned that such a player could easily
cost up to £130k a week in wages which with a minimum £20 million transfer
fee would see the package over four years rocket to around £50 million.
Sullivan has already informed agents of his top requirement but one – who
preferred to remain anonymous – told ClaretandHugh tonight: "It going to be
a tough call. Maybe the club has that sort of cash available – they are
certainly going to need it. Andy Carroll – £17 million – is on nearly £90k a
week – so a guaranteed 20 a season a man could cost £40k or £50k a week
more.
A lot of agents are on the look out for the club but it's certainly not
going to be an easy brief to fulfil."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Overseas on loan striker revealed
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Emmanuel Emenike has been revealed as the mysterious 'overseas' striker
which West Ham hope to sign on loan within the next seven days and not
Andre-Pierre Gignac as previously speculated.
The news was broken by ITK EXWHUEmployee on his website
www.TheWestHamWay.co.uk late on Tuesday night Ex claims "His agent met with
David Sullivan this week to iron out the terms of a loan move with an option
to buy at the end of the season. The club hope to complete the deal by
Friday if all goes to plan. " The full story can be found here The Sun have
also ran a similar story claiming that the Nigerian has been in London this
week in order to negotiate a deal. The 28-year-old joined Al Ain FC on a
season-long loan deal in the summer of 2015, but it has been cut short.
Slaven Bilic knows Emenike from his time in Turkey as Besiktas manager.
Fenerbahce are said to want at least £7million for their striker on a
permanent deal and will give West Ham to buy at the end of the season. Last
March Emenike stormed off the pitch after the striker was the victim of
alleged abuse from his own fans in Turkey. Soon after blowing a one on one
chance, Emenike was booed by his own fans, with allegations that some of the
abuse was also racist. The striker angrily removed his shirt and marched
towards the sidelines during the match against rivals Besiktas who was then
managed by Slaven Bilic.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Byram: The financial package
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sam Byram has joined West Ham on terms similar to those offered to Aaron
Cresswell. ClaretandHugh understand the club's new right back will be
earning around £30k a week although we believe there are also staged
payments involved. Byram is set to join the club officially later today
after David Sullivan hijacked Everton's move for the Leeds player who at 22
years old has been described as having a "tremendous future." The Irons have
paid just over £3.7 million for him with half of the money being paid now to
cash-stricken Leeds with the remainder falling due at the end of the season.
ClaretandHugh was told: "It was clear we needed to move quickly for Sam
although, as explained, we would sooner have waited for a free transfer in
the summer." That may have given the player more cash than he has received
in personal terms but Byram had no problem with immediately agreeing terms.
We were told: "He's on a similar deal to the one that brought Aaron here – a
basic of around £30k plus staged payments based on appearances and the
like."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City fans wish Boleyn sad farewell
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2016 in News
C and H

There's always been an affinity between Irons and Man City fans. Maybe it's
a mutual dislike of their Manchester neighbours or a similar history of ups
and downs.

Ahead of the weekend clash with Manuel Pellegrini's team the City fans have
been getting quite emotional about their last visit to our ground on
http://forums.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/threads/upton-park-memories.318789/

Here's a selection of the comments we found.

O I've been a few times and always enjoyed the crack with the Hammers
supporters during the match followed by a great time around Canary Wharf
afterwards.

O I cannot believe this will be our last ever visit to the Boleyn which is a
great old ground. I've been twice and always had respect for that place.

O I was there when we got relegated. The atmosphere was amazing. Those fans
gave us an ovation and were shaking our hands afterwards.

O Hope we go out with a bang. We should bt the Hammers a goodbye gift or
flag.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan praises Slav's honesty
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Sullivan has taken a little dig at football club managers by drawing
attention to the truthfulness of Slaven Bilic. The manager has drawn much
praise from the fans to is refusal to tell anything other than the truth in
interviews and made his feelings very clear on the weekend defeat against
Newcastle. And the co chairman has taken what may be interpreted as a little
side swipe at one or two of his predecessors in his latest 'From the
Boardroom piece on the official site. In an interesting observation he said:
"I agree 100 per cent with the manager that we were better in the second
half and we could have nicked a draw. It's so refreshing to have a manager
who is so honest about our performance. In reality all the teams on Saturday
who had also played away during the midweek seem to be affected. And he
added: "We know we have to better on Saturday or it will be another tough
afternoon as Manchester City are playing to their maximum at the moment.
Despite Saturday ruining my weekend, as I'm sure it did for most supporters,
in the cold light of day we are not having a bad season ! We are still in
the top six and there is still everything to play for."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Official: Byram is a hammer
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sam Byram is officially a Hammer. He has signed a four and a half contract
thought to be worth £30,000 per week with Leeds receiving a transfer fee
believed to be close to £3.8m. He will wear the No.22 shirt. WHUFC.com
announced this afternoon :"West Ham United are delighted to announce the
signing of highly-rated full-back Sam Byram from Leeds United." "The
Essex-born player joins the Hammers, who have fought sam3off strong
competition to capture the promising 22-year-old, on a four-and-a-half year
contract for an undisclosed fee." Byram told the club website "I'm
unbelievably proud and happy to join a Club as big as this, I'm just looking
forward to what the future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the
team going forward. It's a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier
League, so to have the chance to get into a team like this and I just want
to get my head down, work hard and hopefully get a chance."
"I spoke to the manager and he is one of the main reasons which attracted me
to West Ham. I think he's done unbelievably well with his team so far, so
I'm really looking sam2forward to working with him and his staff.My uncle
and my cousin are big West Ham fans and have bought their tickets for the
new Stadium. My uncle was down here yesterday getting a shirt with my name
on the back! It's nice to have them down here and they'll help me settle so
I'm looking forward to seeing them."

"I'm also really looking forward to seeing the new Stadium in person. That
was another big part in me wanting to come here. It's a massive part of the
future of the Club and I can't wait to see and hopefully play in it."

Sam was born in Thurrock Essex before moving to York as a child where he
played for the York city's Schools team before joining Leeds United at the
age of eleven in 2005.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chief discusses deal to sign international striker
WEST HAM owner David Sullivan had revealed the club are looking to sign a
'20-goals-a-season striker'.
By JOSEPH PEARSON
PUBLISHED: 14:03, Wed, Jan 20, 2016 | UPDATED: 14:17, Wed, Jan 20, 2016
Express.co.uk

The Hammers have three names on their shortlist with two of their strikers
at the club, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, currently sidelined with
injuries. The Daily Mail report that Emmanuel Emenike, Alexandre Pato and
Demba Ba are all targets for West Ham. But a deal for Emenike appears to the
most likely because his agent was in London earlier this week. The
28-year-old Nigerian striker is currently on loan at Al Ain in Abu Dhabi
from Fenerbahce. But his loan could be cut short ahead of a move to the
Premier League with another loan deal to East London on the cards. Sullivan
confirmed that West Ham were lining up a loan move for a striker in the next
week. "We are looking long-term for a 20-goals-a-season striker," he told
Sky Sports. "There's a possibility that a striker will come in on loan in
the next seven days, with an option to buy. "He's an overseas striker. He
has played in higher leagues but it may not happen. When they are all fit,
we probably have too many strikers anyway.". Emineke has played for
Fenerbahce in Turkey and Spartak Moscow in Russia. His arrival at Upton
Park is likely to end their reported interest in Chelsea target Pato and Ba,
who played 12 games for the Hammers in 2011.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Byram: Why I joined West Ham over Everton
SAM BYRAM has opened up on his decision to leave boyhood club Leeds for West
Ham.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 14:21, Wed, Jan 20, 2016 | UPDATED: 14:32, Wed, Jan 20, 2016
Express.co.uk

The Hammers landed the 22-year-old for a cut-price fee of just £3.7million,
with his contract at Elland Road set to expire at the end of the season. And
the Thorp Arch academy product admits he couldn't turn down the chance to
achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League. The right-back received
another bid from top-flight rivals Everton, but he says the lure of playing
at the Olympic Stadium next season swayed his decision. His choice was
likely to have also been influenced by the fact a number of his family
members are Irons fans. "I'm unbelievably proud and happy to join a club as
big as this," Byram said. "I'm just looking forward to what the future holds
and hopefully I can achieve things with the team going forward.
"It's a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League, so to have
the chance to get into a team like this and I just want to get my head down,
work hard and hopefully get a chance.
"I spoke to the manager and he is one of the main reasons which attracted me
to West Ham. "I think he's done unbelievably well with his team so far, so
I'm really looking forward to working with him and his staff. "My uncle and
my cousin are big West Ham fans and have bought their tickets for the new
stadium. My uncle was down here yesterday getting a shirt with my name on
the back! "It's nice to have them down here and they'll help me settle so
I'm looking forward to seeing them. "I'm also really looking forward to
seeing the new stadium in person. That was another big part in me wanting to
come here. "It's a massive part of the future of the club and I can't wait
to see and hopefully play in it."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Emmanuel Emenike loan to ease striker crisis
Nigerian international expected to arrive at Upton Park after injuries to
Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll
telegraph.co.uk
By Matt Law11:07AM GMT 20 Jan 2016

West Ham United are confident of completing a loan deal for Nigerian
international Emmanuel Emenike to ease the club's striker crisis. Hammers
manager Slaven Bilic has been hit by injuries to Diafra Sakho and Andy
Carroll, leaving him with Nikica Jelavic as his only out-and-out senior
striker. Jelavic has a lucrative offer from China and West Ham had been
preparing to let the Croatian go, but now need to bring cover in. Emenike
has been on loan at Al Ain from Turkish club Fenerbahce and scored nine
goals in 15 games for the Abu Dhabi team before the temporary deal ended
this month. West Ham have already achieved success in taking a player from
Abu Dhabi, having signed midfielder Manuel Lanzini from Al Jazira in the
summer. Emenike has played 37 times for Nigeria, scoring nine goals, and has
also played for Spartak Moscow. West Ham will initially take 28-year-old
Emenike on loan until the end of the season before reassessing their options
in the summer, when Manchester City's Wilfried Bony is likely to be among
their top targets. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan confirmed that the club
are in talks with a new striker by saying: "There's a possibility that a
striker will come in on loan, with the option to buy, within the next seven
days. He's an overseas striker. "If I told you, you wouldn't believe it. I
can't tell you which league because then you'll know exactly who it is. We
are signing from a very strange league. But he has played in higher
leagues."
Hinting at the summer bid for Bony, Sullivan added: "We are looking,
long-term, for a 20-goal-a-season striker." West Ham are on the verge of
completing the signing of Sam Byram from Leeds United with the right-back,
who was also wanted by Everton, booked in to take a medical.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close in on £7m-rated goal machine
By James Jones - Jan 20, 2016 0
westhamworld.co.uk

West Ham are closing in on a loan move for Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel
Emenike, as reported by MailOnline. The news was exclusively revealed by the
ever-reliable @ExWHUemployee on Tuesday evening and it is now being widely
reported that a deal could be completed as early as Friday. Emenike, 28, is
currently on loan at Al Ain in Abu Dhabi but it is believed that is close to
being cut short so he can secure a move to the Premier League this month.
According to @ExWHUemployee, Emenike's agent was in London in to meet with
David Sullivan this week as they attempt to thrash out a loan deal with an
option to buy in the summer. David Sullivan revealed yesterday that the club
are in the market for a 20-goal-a-season striker, and admitted talks were
happening over a loan deal with a view to buy. He exclusively told Sky
Sports: "We are looking long-term for a 20-goal-a-season striker. There's a
possibility that a striker will come in on loan in the next seven days, with
an option to buy."
And it appears the striker Sullivan was referring to could be Emenike, who
has scored 80 career goals in 183 club appearances. The link certainly makes
sense given Slaven Bilic's knowledge of the Turkish league, following his
time as manager of Besiktas. Emenike scored 16 goals in 55 league outings
for Fenerbahce before being loaned to Al Ain. The 28-year-old has also
played for MP Black Aces, Cape Town, Karabukspor and Spartak Moscow. The
former Nigerian international, who retired from international football in
October last year, is valued at £7m by transfermarkt.co.uk.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing second Championship defender raid
By James Jones - Jan 20, 2016 0
westhamworld.co.uk

West Ham are interested in signing Reading centre-back Jake Cooper, as
reporting by The Times. The Hammers are already expected to complete a deal
for Leeds United right-back Sam Byram this week, and they're now believed to
be eyeing Cooper as another young defender from England's second tier.
Cooper broke in to the Royals' first team last season and has become an
impressive feature in Brian McDermott's side ever since. It's not clear how
much Cooper would cost the Hammers but with the club supposedly getting
pretty close to their wage budget – and therefore breaching Financial Fair
Play regulations – it wouldn't be a surprise if a deal didn't materialise
until the summer, if at all. Alternatively, if West Ham are desperate enough
to secure Cooper's signature as early as possible, it would be beneficial
for both clubs to allow Cooper to return to Reading on loan for the
remainder of the campaign if a deal is completed this month. Cooper has
represented England at U18 and U19 level and has made 21 first team
appearances for Reading since his breakthrough last term. It's clear West
Ham are eager to take advantage of the talent available in the Championship,
following the success of Aaron Cresswell since he signed from Ipswich at the
beginning of last season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emmanuel Emenike emerges as top West Ham target along with Alexandre Pato
and former player Demba Ba
Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike is on West Ham's shortlist
Demba Ba and Alexandre Pato are also being considered by the club
David Sullivan has said club are looking for a '20-goals-a-season striker'
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 01:13, 20 January 2016 | UPDATED: 01:15, 20 January 2016

West Ham are targeting a January move for former Nigeria international
Emmanuel Emenike as they continue to step up their chase for a new striker.
The agent of Emenike was in London earlier this week as the 28-year-old
remains in the frame to seal a move to the east London outfit. Emenike, who
has previously played in Europe in Russia and Turkey, has been on loan at Al
Ain in Abu Dhabi from Fenerbahce but the deal is being cut short so he can
seal a move to the Premier League. West Ham are also considering moves for
former player Demba Ba and Alexandre Pato, who is said to be keen on a move
to England, as Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll are currently on the sidelines.
Joint-chairman David Sullivan told Sky Sports on Tuesday afternoon: 'We are
looking long-term for a 20-goals-a-season striker. 'There's a possibility
that a striker will come in on loan in the next seven days, with an option
to buy. 'He's an overseas striker. He has played in higher leagues but it
may not happen. When they are all fit, we probably have too many strikers
anyway.' Fiorentina are keen on Mauro Zarate, who last played for the
Hammers on January 9. Meanwhile, West Ham are set to sign Sam Byram from
Leeds in the next few days after beating Everton to his signature.

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