Daily WHUFC News - 3rd August 2016

Defender signs new deal
WHUFC.com

Young defender Josh Pask has signed a new three-year contract
The centre-back has captained the Development Squad twice this pre-season
The youngster says it is a great time to be involved with West Ham United

West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly-rated defender Josh Pask has signed a new three-year deal with the Club. The 18-year-old signed his first professional deal with the Hammers in 2014, but has now signed an extension which will keep him at the Club until 2019. The centre-back was injured for a large period of last season but has started this campaign well, captaining the Development Squad in two of their pre-season fixtures. Upon penning his new deal, Pask – who has been with the Club since he was nine – revealed his delight at extending his stay with the Hammers. He said: "I'm very, very happy. The last couple of years at West Ham have been really good for me. I've been here a long time, so the majority of my life has been about West Ham. "I'm really enjoying it, so I'm delighted to sign a new contract. West Ham are certainly looking upwards so I can't wait to get started this season and hopefully I can progress as the season goes on."

As the Hammers move into their new London Stadium home this season, Pask admitted it is a great time to be associated with the Club. "This Stadium looks amazing," he continued. "We did well last season to finish seventh in the Premier League and I'm looking forward to hopefully getting out on this pitch soon. "This season, the main ambition for me is definitely to be involved with the first team in some capacity – that always has to be the aim. To get out on loan would be great too, as would a lot of appearances for the Development Squad. "West Ham are always bringing players through the Academy, so of course that's good. They've done it in the past and they are continuing to do so, so it's a good place to be as a young player at the moment."

The defender, who describes himself as "a technical player who likes to drive forward from defence" also explained how important the West Ham manager is for the young players at the Club. "Slaven Bilic is a really great manager. He's playing a lot of young players at the moment which is why West Ham is such a great place to be at the moment."

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The Big Interview - Adrian
WHUFC.com

Adrian has enjoyed many memorable performances for West Ham during his career in east London but he is now bracing himself for one of his best moments as the Club prepare to play the historic first game at the new Stadium.

After months of preparation, the countdown is finally over and the Hammers will play their first match in the UEFA Europa League as they look to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Slovenian side NK Domzale.

Adrian showed his quality once again when he made a superb double save at the end of the game to keep the scoreline at 2-1 and now hopes to get the job finished and qualify for the Europa League Play-Offs....


Despite the defeat in Slovenia last week, how impressed you were with the superb double save you made at the end of the game to keep the scoreline at 2-1?

Adrian: "I impressed myself with the double save and it was very good. It was a great moment as if they had made it 3-1 it would have been very difficult for us in the second leg at home. "At 2-1 we have a good chance if we start well and score early. I think we will then have a very good chance of getting through "I would probably put that up with two of the best saves I have ever made. My job as a keeper is to help the team and I managed to do that. "Sometimes the keeper does not have much action during the game but you have to be ready for the last minute as the game is still being played and that was a good moment to make a double save and keep the scoreline at 2-1."

How important could that double save prove to be in potentially helping you reach the next stage of the competition?

Adrian: "We are still in the tie and one more goal would have made a massive difference. To keep it at 2-1 was so important for us, even though it was still not a great result. "We tried to win the game and every player was disappointed with the performance as we didn't play as well as we did last season. "But we have a great chance in the second leg on a new pitch at our new Stadium. We will have a big crowd and it is a massive game for us. It is a great chance for us to win in front of our own fans and keep up the confidence."

You know one of the NK Domzale players very well having played alongside Alvaro Brachi at Real Betis. You will obviously want to earn the bragging rights over him?

Adrian: "Brachi played with me at Real Betis throughout the Academy until we got to the U21's. He is a great guy. "I lost contact with him a little bit when he went to play in Greece and that is the way it works in football. "He was very happy to beat us last week, but it is our job to win the second leg and I am sorry for him but we want to reach the next round."

How excited are the players at the prospect of playing the first ever game at the new Stadium on what is going to be a historic night for West Ham United?

Adrian: "I think everyone is excited to play this first game. We all want to play in the Europa League next season and we want to show our fans that we still have a strong squad like we did last season. "We have some injured players but we still have enough strength in the squad to play at our maximum level."

You went to visit the new Stadium last season. Can you quite believe that you will be playing there on Thursday night?

Adrian: "It is a massive stadium and it will be great to play there with the atmosphere inside the stadium and all the fans who will be attending. "We have new changing rooms, the pitch, the crowd, all the new facilities that the fans can enjoy and the new store. It is an exciting moment for everyone at the Club."

You have played in front of 35,000 fans at Upton Park. How much are you now looking forward to performing in front of 60,000 every home game at the new Stadium?

Adrian: "It is much better for us as players as we will have double the number of fans getting behind us and we will feel that on the pitch. "We have great fans and I know they will create a great atmosphere inside the new Stadium."

This is going to be a big few days for the Club with the first game and then the big pre-season friendly against Juventus where we will also see the official opening ceremony. How much are the players looking forward to the next two games?

Adrian: "We have two big games coming up, but we have to focus first on the Europa League tie as we want to reach the next round. "After that hopefully we will be in the next round and we can then look forward to another big game against Juventus. "They are a top team and this is another good chance for us to show our level."

Finally, how pleased are you that Darren Randolph has pledged his long-term future to the Club after agreeing a new four-year deal.

Adrian: "I am very happy with the news. Darren is a great keeper and everyone asks me about the competition for the goalkeepers. "I think this is the best thing because it makes us want to give 120 per cent every day in training and in the games because you want to keep your position in the team. "It is a great thing for us and also for the team. I am happy for Darren as he did very well with Ireland during the Euro Finals and he deserves his new contract."

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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's spectacular marquee signage is being lifted into place at London Stadium.

The massive West Ham lettering will sit on the compression truss above the East Stand of the Hammers' new home, greeting supporters as they approach the iconic venue.

The Club's claret signage measures 45 metres wide and three metres high and will be fixed in instalments, 24.5 metres above the ground.

Elsewhere, West Ham crests, colours and branding continue to pop up all over London Stadium, as the countdown to kick-off on Thursday evening continues.

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Get set for Thursday's match
WHUFC.com

With the inaugural fixture under the lights at London Stadium on Thursday fast approaching, supporters are advised to take a look at the information presented in our online welcome pack.

The pack gives you information on getting to the Stadium and Stadium features.

Download your welcome pack here

Season Ticket Holders are reminded that, if you are attending either the UEFA Europa League qualifier on Thursday or the Juventus clash on Sunday, to make sure you arrive in plenty of time to familiarise yourselves with your new surroundings and begin to formulate your new matchday routine.

Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off so that you can make use of our fantastic new concourses, which possess twice as many food and drink stands as you were used to at the Boleyn Ground.

With great introductory deals available across these new stands for the first hour of turnstiles opening there's every reason to arrive early!* 



The stunning new Stadium Store will be also be open up until kick-off and will re-open after the final whistle, enabling you to get your hands on the new 2016/17 home kit ahead of its first outing in our new Stadium.


Season Ticket Holders' Welcome Packs containing their access cards are being sent out in batches and will land well in advance of our first home Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.

*Please note that due to UEFA regulations, alcohol will not be sold in concourse bars at Thursday's game.

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The Insider
WHUFC.com

With the first game set to be played at the new Stadium on Thursday night, excitement is growing among West Ham United fans as they prepare to see the team play the first game at their magnificent new home.

Speculation continues to mount over which new players will be brought into the squad before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

I can reveal that another new signing is set to be announced in the near future as a deal has been agreed with Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri.

The talented striker needs to obtain a work permit which should take a few days, but my sources have told me that this will not be possible until Argentina are out of the Olympics.

There could be even more movement in the striking department as I have been told that the Club have bid £20million for a French striker.

I have been told that the other Club concerned are considering the bid and the Hammers are now waiting to discover if the move can be finalised.

It is my understanding that they are trying to find a replacement in a crazy market of activity this summer so that could hold up any possible move.

Reports throughout the summer have linked West Ham with a move for AC Milan forward Carlos Bacca.

I have been told there is still a small chance that Bacca will agree to join the Hammers as a deal has been agreed with the Italian giants, but the Columbian international is still undecided over whether he wants a move to the UK.

The search for a left back continues after Aaron Cresswell was ruled out for up to four months with a knee ligament injury.

My sources have told me that we have had two bids turned down for two left backs, but the search goes on.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United

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THE CASE FOR CALM: THE WEST HAM TRANSFER WINDOW SO FAR.
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 1 AUGUST 2016 AT 10:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by Joe Doran

As we enter August, we are little over a month away from the Sky Sports circus that is the closing of the transfer window. As is often the case within the West Ham supporter community, certain elements have begun to express a level of dissatisfaction and even vitriolic rage towards the owners with regards to our transfer dealings.

Two months in, after the arrivals of Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore and Havard Nordtveit, plus the departure of club stalwart James Tomkins, the club finds itself roughly seven million pounds in the black. This business has, rather strangely, attracted a lot of negative attention from people within the community, for both 'not spending enough' and not 'bringing in the calibre of players promised'. However, I would like to put it to these elements of the support that now is not the time for panic.

My first point of reference for this argument would be the wider transfer market, as it has been clear to see for a long time now, the Premier League clubs are operating in an inflated market, which seems to have no middle ground between deals that are 'bargains' and those which are 'overpriced'. Manchester United are currently in the process of purchasing Paul Pogba for over £100million, Liverpool have paid approximately £30million for Sadio Mane, and Bournemouth have paid £15million for Jordon Ibe. These, I think we can all agree, are a step up in prices from a few years ago, when deals such as £35million for our own Andy Carroll were considered extortionate – a price that would be considered about right nowadays, given his status at the time. Meanwhile, deals like the one we have completed for Feghouli, go through on a free. This is not the same market in which we have seen success in the past, and it feels as though the kind of deals involving quality players for minimal outlay, such as that of Kouyate arriving for a now-paltry £8million, or Cresswell for a mere £4million, might become something of a rarity.

In this scenario, the club have two options; One is to pay 'whatever it takes' now, and risk spending all available funds on a 'marquee' signing now, when a better deal may arise later in the window. Or alternatively, hold our nerve, and continue to look for the best deals we can. There is always more movement later in the window, and it is for this reason that I gold the view that the cries of "pay whatever it takes!' to get the calibre of player we expect are premature.

In addition to this lack of market value, is the relative inactivity of those teams around us, which seems to suggest that the problems West Ham are facing are not ours alone. Everton have signed only veteran keeper Stekelenburg, Southampton have signed Hojberg and Redmond, but lost Manè and Pelle, Stoke have signed a wildcard in Sobhi, and admittedly a solid player in Allen, whilst Liverpool pay large fees for players unproven at the very highest level. Looking further up the table, Manchester United and City continue to pay extortionate fees, Chelsea have found signings hard but managed to capture Kante for a large sum and Arsenal struggle yet again to land a striker. Spurs, arguably, have done well with Vincent Janssen, but he too remains unproven. Clearly then, many Premier League teams are struggling to land their men, possibly due to the large sums available to all of them meaning that the clubs in foreign markets feel able to ask for me. This is why I reject the idea that Gold and Sullivan's media talk has been the main factor behind us having to pay more – Every Premier League team is having to, and none of them are finding any sort of success that we are not.

It is worth celebrating then, that despite this inflated market, that the deals we have secured all represent really fantastic business for the club. It is refreshing, in my view, to see first team quality players come in for free, and also to see more deals like those for Gokhan Tore, and potentially Jonathan Calleri, done on a loan-to-buy basis that represents low risk for the club – Anyone else glad we didn't fork out £15m for Alex Song and £12m for Victor Moses based on reputation? These deals the club have made could well be worth their weight in gold, and yet the logic of some fans is that we should be concerned at the lack of money spent. Honestly, you can't help but wonder if some segments of the fan base would be happy for us to land another Matt Jarvis or Savio Nsereko, as long as that 'Spent' column looks full.

Finally, the 'marquee signing'. The now-infamous promise of the owners to bring us in a new frontman to finally convert all those chances created by Payet and Co. This has been the most frustrating saga in my time as a fan, both because a player hasn't yet been signed, but also because of the level of moaning that has come from the fans as a result. Yes, we need a new striker. Yes, the sooner the better, but nobody can accuse the owners of not trying nor being ambitious. Though in this period of the season, the kudos comes from big names, what really matters is that we get someone who scores when the season kicks off. I think "Marquee" is an unfortunate term, and one the owners are trying valiantly to live up to, but to judge them solely on their ability to bag a big name signing would be extraordinarily narrow minded, when what matters is how many goals whoever they bring in gets by next May. It's also worth reminding ourselves, again, that spending unnecessarily large sums now could price us out of other big moves later in the window.

I would hope, then, that my fellow West Ham fans would calm down for the time being. We must understand that the club finds itself in an exceptionally strong financial position, the owners have identified the problem areas, and will do all that they can to bring in what we need. Keep calm and carry on, as they say.

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IF I OWNED WEST HAM-EXCLUSIVE ITK COLUMN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 1 AUGUST 2016 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

This is not written by ExWHUEmployee but by our regular alternative ITK "If I owned West Ham". The information may be the same sometimes as Ex's column but you know that it is genuine if this is the case. His sources have been verified and you cannot really get more reliable than them!

Hello again, since my last column a lot has happened but sadly not much in the striker department. As always with West Ham, injuries have hurt us. Cresswell is a massive blow and someone I never expected to get injured as he's only missed two games for us in the last two years. This was devastating news for the club.

We did get news of Lanzini's and Tore's injures both of which are not as bad as we feared! Which is a huge positive, personally I think Lanzini is almost as valuable as Payet and is a massive asset to the club! He's so young and so skillful, he was almost over shadowed by Payet this year but I'm sure in years to come he will get his credit.

Due to the injures we need to bring in a left back (which we always needed to) and two strikers! With Sakho looking on his way out, I would like to say getting £16m for him is excellent business from the board. For me he gets injured way too much and lacks that killer instinct infront of goal. So really well played by the board there. Others would say we need to bring in a right back however I really do believe in giving Byram a chance there! I watched him a bit at Leeds and also the games he played with us and thought he did well. Very similar to Cresswell, a little raw but with good potential! Like almost every West Ham fan I do feel that Antonio is not a right back and was at fault for both goals on Thursday! Again I attended this match, sadly I wish I didn't. I do think he could be okay back up! Therefore for me the players we need to sign are a left back and two forwards.

At left back I've seen lots of people talking on Twitter about big names players however I think it's important we know we are bringing in a back up player! As I can't see someone like Cresswell being happy to sit on the bench when he is back. Therefore I don't think Gibbs is an option, as both will want first team football. I think Robertson from Hull would be very good and he is only 22 however only for the right price, the club will not pay over a certain amount Eg not more then £8m. He would be fantastic back up and could be in the first team in the future. I have a feeling we will go for someone like Olsson. Again, he would not be a bad player with lots of BPL experience and I can't see him minding being on the bench (as he was for Norwich) which again for me is a plus.

As always our striker situation is all over the press and social media! Ayew has come to light in more recent days, and a £20m bid has been placed if we listen to Sky Sports. Someone he is someone who I like but he is a gamble! He played 8 games last year up front but to be fair to him he got 6 goals and 2 assists when he played there! Which is an amazing return. I'm not saying he will keep that up however it is a good sign. Calleri is another one that looks like it's getting closer by the day, again a player that is very highly rated! Everyone I speak to that watches football in South America loves him. So he maybe one to watch, so fingers crossed.

If I was the board I would give Bacca another go and get rid of Enner. Then I believe that strike force would be unreal! Bacca must be running out of clubs and Milan may just force him out. I'm a bit gutted we didn't show more interested in Ben Yedder however I can understand the reasons why as he's not the strongest player in the world! I always believe a goalscorer is a goalscorer however.

I think if we get theses players we will be very strong next year. We have good depth as well. I'm also looking forward to my first game in our new home! The pictures that I've seen make it look amazing. Fingers crossed we can beat NK Domzili, they looked very good last Thursday COYI

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Striker confirms West Ham switch
KUMB,com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer

Jonathan Calleri has revealed he is set to join West Ham imminently. The 22-year-old Argentine forward, who spent last season on loan at Sai Paolo in Brazil confirmed his move to England last night in a brief interview with ESPN. "The transfer to West Ham is already completed," he said. "I hope I can adapt as soon as possible to the Premier League."
Currently registered to Deportivo Maldonado, who purchased the player's rights earlier this year, Calleri is scheduled to represent his country at the Rio Olympics. Like former Hammer Carlos Tevez, the Buenos Aires-born goalscorer also featured for Boca Juniors who he joined from All Boys, his first professional club.

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Milan make Bacca ultimatum
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer

Milan remain keen to sell Carlos Bacca to West Ham - even though the player is yet to agree personal terms. According to fresh reports emanating from Italy today, Milan have told Bacca that they want his future decided by this weekend. The Serie A side are desperate to bolster their squad ahead of the new season but are unable to move in the market until they sell Bacca, for whom West Ham have had an offer worth circa £30million accepted. The Colombian international is not averse to moving to the Premier League but has thus far rejected all of United's offers. However West Ham - who remain the only club to have had an offer accepted by Milan for the 29-year-old goalscorer, despite interest from elsewhere - believe they are in pole position still. Despite Milan's desire to sell Bacca, AC coach Vincenzo Montella said yesterday that he is looking forward to working with the player upon his return from the club's current US tour. "I decided not to bring him on the tour with us because he had a long journey and it didn't make sense to come here to the USA only to play few minutes," he told Milan's website. "I like strong players, and Bacca is a strong player. I'm counting on having him in top condition."

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Olsson agent slams City
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer

The agent of Norwich defender and West Ham transfer target Martin Olsson says his client hopes to join a new club before the start of the new season. Hasan Cetinkaya, who represents the Swedish international told the Football Channel that he expects Olsson to leave Norwich before the start of the Premier League season. And he also criticised the Canaries, who appear unwilling to sell, despite having received what Cetinkaya believes are satisfactory offers for Olsson.
"They have received multiple bids, both from clubs in the Premier League and abroad," he said. "There are clubs who have placed good bids, especially considering that Martin only has a year left on his contract - but Norwich are trying to stop a transfer. "We had an agreement [with one club] on a sum – now Norwich want even more. Martin has been loyal to Norwich and it is not acceptable that they do this. "Martin is very clear that he does not want to play in the Championship. He would particularly like to play in the Premier League as he is not a Championship player. We are optimistic."

West Ham, who lost regular left back Aaron Cresswell for up to four months last week are seeking a temporary replacement to cover the defender's absence.
West Ham, whose transfer record for a defender stands at £8.5million (paid to Juventus for Angelo Ogbonna last summer) are seeking a cheap option as cover for Cresswell, rather than spend a more substantial fee on outstanding talent such as FC Copenhagen's Ludwig Augustinsson.

* In other transfer news today, West Ham continue to be linked with a move for Mario Gomez. Fiorentina are keen to offload the 31-year-old German international who spent last season on loan at Besiktas.

* Palermo left back Achraf Lazaar - who can also play on the wing - is the latest player to be linked as a possible replacement for Aaron Cresswell. Now 24, the Moroccan international has spent the last 13 years in Italy and the last two years at Palermo in Serie B and, more recently, Serie A.

* Charlie Taylor has handed in a transfer request at Leeds United, only to be told by the club's owner Massimo Cellino that "we are not going to let him go". The highly-rated left back is one of several players being considered by West Ham as a Cresswell replacement.

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Jonathan Calleri heading for West Ham despite Barcelona and Inter Milan interest
11:43, 2 AUG 2016 UPDATED 11:44, 2 AUG 2016
BY JACOB MURTAGH
The Argentine striker has confirmed he will sign for the Hammers, subject to a work permit
The Mirror


West Ham are closing in on the signing of Deportivo Maldonado striker Jonathan Calleri. The Hammers have been chasing the 22-year-old goalgetter since January, but it is understood a deal has now been struck. Calleri is currently training with the Argentina squad ahead of the Rio Olympics, but has told TV in his homeland he is on his way to the Olympic Stadium. However, his move to the Premier League is still subject to a work permit. Calleri's passport issues prevented him joining Slaven Bilic 's side during the previous transfer window. But it is believes those problems are close to being ironed out, and the Hammers have fended off interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan for his services. Calleri spent the past six months on loan at Sao Paulo, smashing 12 goals in 17 games for the Brazilian outfit.

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Norwich City defender Martin Olsson is desperate for Premier League move amid West Ham interest
12:55 02 August 2016 Mark Armstrong
edp24.co.uk

Martin Olsson is desperate to leave Norwich City and join a Premier League club, according to the player's agent. Hasan Cetinkaya claims the Canaries have reneged on an agreement to sell the defender should City receive a certain fee and also confirmed "multiple bids" have been rejected this summer. West Ham had a bid in excess of £3m rejected according to Cetinkaya, who pointed out the fact his client could leave on a free next summer when he will be out of contract with City. "It is true that they (Norwich) received multiple bids, both from other clubs abroad and also in the Premier League," Cetinkaya told the Football Channel. "There are clubs who have put very well (good) bids (in), especially considering that it's only a year left on the contract. Norwich tries to stop the transfer, it is the fourth time now. "We had an agreement on a sum – now Norwich want even more. It does not work quite so in football. Martin has been loyal to Norwich. It is not acceptable that they do (reject bids)."
With doubts over Robbie Brady's Norwich future, City can ill-afford to lose another left-sided player just days before the start of the Championship season. However, Cetinkaya says Olsson is determined to leave. "The danger for them (Norwich) is that Martin can write in a "pre-contract" in a few months. Then they don't get a dime. We would prefer that he leave now and get well paid. "Martin is very clear that he does not want to play in the Championship and he wants to take the next step. He would particularly like to play in the Premier League, when he was so good in the Championship too. Martin is not a Championship player. But we do not give up. We are optimistic."

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Diafra Sakho to West Brom: Striker agrees personal terms with club
12:56, 2 AUG 2016 UPDATED 13:03, 2 AUG 2016
BY PAUL SUART
The Baggies are confident Diafra Sakho will be an Albion player within the next 24 hours
Birmingham Mail

Diafra Sakho's proposed transfer to West Bromwich Albion has moved closer after the West Ham striker agreed personal terms. The clubs have settled on a fee, believed to be £16 million, and the player now appears to have sanctioned a move to the Midlands. The Baggies are confident of completing their second signing of the summer, following the arrival last month of Matt Phillips, within the next 24 hours. A deal could even be confirmed tonight, provided Sakho passes a medical without any setbacks. Albion would be in a position to hold the examination with director of performance Dr Mark Gillett expected back from Devon, following last night's 2-1 defeat to Torquay United, this afternoon. Sakho made a blistering start to life in England, scoring in seven of his first eight games following his move from French side Metz in the summer of 2014. The Senegalese striker also raced out of the traps last term, scoring five goals in his first nine matches. But Sakho failed to hold down a place in the starting line-up. The 26-year-old has grown impatient at a lack of opportunities under Slaven Bilic and handed in a transfer request earlier this summer to force through an exit. Sakho's arrival would take West Brom's compliment of strikers to four alongside, Salomon Rondon, Rickie Lambert and Saido Berahino. But Berahino is finally expected to depart, after months of speculation, with Crystal Palace and Stoke City engaged in a bidding war. What is the likelihood of Albion's youngsters leaving on loan? Once the Sakho deal is over the line, the Birmingham Mail understands Albion will quickly turn their attention to Leeds United's Charlie Taylor. The path appears clear for Taylor to move on after refusing a new deal and reportedly handing in a transfer request. Leeds are now resigned to losing the Fans' Player of the Year, but will not entertain bids below £5 million for the Championship star. The Baggies are happy to offer that sum and could be willing to go higher if it guarantees the signature of Taylor, the Club's top target at left-back.

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My move to West Ham is complete, claims striker Calleri
Date published: Tuesday 2nd August 2016 1:18
TeamTalk

Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri says he's 'fulfilling a dream' by moving to Europe after claiming a deal to see him sign for West Ham has been finalised. The Argentine striker, 22, is set to arrive at the Olympic Stadium on a season-long loan, though the club will still target additional striking reinforcements, with the likes of Carlos Bacca and Mario Gomez also linked with moves to the club. Calleri, who spent last season on loan from Deportivo Maldonado at Brazilian side Sao Paulo, averages a goal every 180 minutes in all competitions and was awarded with a place in his country's Olympic squad last month. He told ESPN: "My move to West Ham is complete. I always wanted to play in Europe."
West Ham have found their summer hunt for a striker to be a frustrating one, with the likes of Michy Batshuayi and Carlos Tevez turning down moves to Slaven Bilic's side. The Hammers still await a response from AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, the subject of a £26million bid, and have submitted a £20m bid to Swansea for Andre Ayew. Calleri's arrival may open the door for Diafra Sakho to leave the Olympic Stadium. West Brom have made an offer worth up to £16m for the Senegal striker, who was told he would not be able to depart until a replacement had been found.

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West Ham London Stadium debut is SOLD OUT
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: August 02, 2016
By Sam Inkersole sam.inkersole@KRNmedia.co.uk

It's officially a sell-out. West Ham's debut at the London Stadium on Thursday is officially a 54,000 sell out at the London Stadium. Hammers fans have been quick to snap up tickets for the Europa League third qualifying round second tie against NK Domzale on Thursday and the last 500 were picked up throughout this morning by supporters wanting to be part of history for the club. The Club announced this week that the relocatable seating on all four sides of London Stadium is now in place, which means the Hammers' iconic new home will be operating in full football mode for both the Domzale game and the Betway Cup friendly against Juventus on Sunday. It's all part of getting ready for the London Stadium's Premier League bow on Sunday, August 21, against Bournemouth when the former Olympic Stadium will be opened at its full 60,000 capacity for the first time as a football venue. There are still tickets available for the Juve friendly but not many, so be quick. They are available through the offical West Ham wesbite.

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GOMEZ'S DESIRE TO MOVE SUITS STRIKER-LITE WEST HAM PERFECTLY
Mario Gomez sees his future away from Turkey and Italy
news.ladbrokes.com

West Ham are still searching for a few players to make certain the high standards they set themselves last season are at least maintained, if not improved upon in new surroundings.
Manager Slaven Bilic has raised the bar of expectation surrounding the Olympic Stadium's first tenants and a few big names, such as Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli, have already joined the Hammers this summer. One player who doesn't look up for the new Irons' chapter is Diafra Sakho. Widespread reports put the French striker on the verge of a £15m to West Brom, leaving Bilic an obvious void in his squad. That striker-shaped hole could well be filled with Mario Gomez. The 31-year-old is the property of Italian side Fiorentina, but after a hugely successful loan spell at Besiktas last season, it was assumed the German frontman would extend his stay. Gomez netted 26 times in 33 Super Lig appearances as Besiktas went on to win the Turkish title, however, a military coup d'état in the country this summer has reportedly left Gomez looking for alternative options. With staying as a Viola player also thought to be off the table for Gomez, there seems a clear situation for the Hammers to exploit. Some rumours say Bilic is sanctioning a £7m bid for the German international's services, who scored twice in as many games at Euro 2016 before his tournament was cruelly curtailed by injury. Gomez is a centre-forward with serious pedigree, especially from his time in the Bundesliga. After leading the line so successfully for Stuttgart, scoring 87 times in 156 appearances and helping secure the 2006/07 title on the way, Bayern Munich swooped. Two more Bundesligas, a Champions League crown and 113 more goals followed for FC Hollywood in four seasons prior to his Serie A switch.

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London Stadium could inpsire next West Ham generation
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: August 02, 2016
By by Luke Mannion

After a triumphant farewell to the Boleyn Ground at the end of last season, West Ham will now adapt to life at their new home, London Stadium, writes Luke Mannion. A venue with a maximum attendance of 60,000; the third highest of all Premier League clubs. With Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City all about to increase their capacities, this move comes at the right time for the Hammers. Although there was something typically British about seeing Andy Carroll score a thumping header in front of the Bobby Moore Stand, West Ham's new home modernises the club and they may attract more top European players – if they can continue to impress on the pitch.
West Ham's match attendances will increase by around 25,000, which should mean more noise from the home fans as well as a lot more bubbles. The only obstacle facing the supporters is the distance separating them from the action – a factor which might take some getting used to. Naming rights on stadiums are as common as a Payet screamer these days, but it seems the Olympic Stadium will be named after something other than an airline. Indian company, Mahindra Tech have made the biggest steps to having their name in lights, contrary to online speculation that Tesco are the highest bidders.
West Ham will pay £2.5m for 25 home games this season, with additional matches costing £100,000 – which is almost half of City's rent to play at the City of Manchester Stadium. The East London side will also pay another fee depending on their success this season. Qualifying for the Europa League would mean they have to pay an extra £100,000, but a top four finish would cost them £250,000.
However, earlier this year it was revealed that West Ham will only contribute £15m to the conversion of the stadium. This sparked heavy amounts of criticism from other football clubs, supporters' trusts and the Taxpayer's Alliance – all of which accused the Hammers of benefiting from taxpayer's money. When the floodlights of the Boleyn Ground were switched off for the final time, West Ham were saying goodbye to their historic ground as well as the moments that shaped their club. Now, the stage is set; it is now down to West Ham's current squad to inspire the next generation of talent.

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West Ham make contact with Palermo, deal for left back Achraf Lazaar targeted
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham are reportedly keen on Palermo star Achraf Lazaar. According to Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham United have turned their attention to Palermo's Achraf Lazaar as they continue to hunt for a new left back. Manager Slaven Bilic learned last week that first-choice left back Aaron Cresswell will be out for up to four months having suffered knee ligament damage – and with Stephen Hendrie sent out on loan to Blackburn Rovers, Bilic has no recognised cover at left back. Right back Sam Byram filled in there against Domzale on Thursday, but a natural left back is needed, and a host of players are being linked with that role ahead of the start of the Premier League season. Now, Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio has thrown another name into the mix, reporting that Palermo's Achraf Lazaar is a new target for the Hammers. Lazaar, 24, has been a regular for Serie A side Palermo since signing from Varese in 2014, and has spent most of his time at left wing back or left back, offering a strong attacking threat – just as Cresswell has for West Ham.
A Morocco international with 16 caps to his name, Lazaar made 30 appearances for Palermo last season, and his performances for the Italians appear to have attracted West Ham's interest. Di Marzio claims that West Ham have a strong interest in signing Lazaar, and have made contact with Palermo over a possible deal. Lazaar may not be a big-name signing, but West Ham don't need a big-name signing in this situation. Cresswell should be back by the start of 2017, so West Ham simply need to bring in somebody who can cover until then, and then offer competition for Cresswell after that – and Lazaar could be just the man, if reports are to be believed.

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