Daily WHUFC News - 23rd December 2016

Sakho ruled out for considerable period
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Diafra Sakho will be
ruled out of action for a considerable period after he underwent surgery on
a back injury. Sakho was forced to miss the start of the season and only
returned to action last month when he scored against Manchester United at
Old Trafford. But the Senegal forward has now been forced to have an
operation and will miss the Africa Cup of Nations and another large part of
the season. The news comes as a major blow to Bilic who was hoping to see
his influential forward back in action in the early part of the New Year.
Bilic said: "He (Sakho) has a back problem and it will rule him out,
six-eight weeks, maybe 10 weeks, we are talking about even March for him to
be back. "With Diafra, he was out at the beginning of the season for a long
time and when he came back he played a couple of games against Tottenham and
Manchester United. We saw how much impact he can have on our game. "It's a
big blow for us. He's out - that's the situation."

Bilic was asked about the possibility of new players arriving in the January
transfer window and with Sakho now ruled out for a lengthy period, the
Hammers manager said the Club will be looking to strengthen a couple of
positions in the squad. Bilic added: "Like all the other managers I'm not
crazy about the January transfer window but you plan your team in May, June,
July and then a lot of things like injuries come up for Sakho. "We've had a
few injuries, that's why the January transfer window is good but I'm not a
big friend of big things in January but one player or a couple of players I
get to fill a gap with loans until the end of the season or, even better, to
find something permanent that is also good. "So we're going to try to do a
couple of positions. If something really good becomes available then we're
going to try to do it."

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Nordtveit - My best is yet to come
WHUFC.com

Havard Nordtveit determined to show his best form for West Ham United
Norway captain has started nine games for the Club since arriving in July
Versatile player says Hammers have the quality to climb the table over
Christmas

Havard Nordtveit admits he has yet to show his best form in a West Ham
United shirt, but is convinced he will yet prove his value to the Hammers.
The likeable Norwegian has started just nine times since his summer move
from German Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, who he helped qualify
for the UEFA Champions League last season. Nordtveit's versatility has seen
him appear at right-back, centre-back and in his favoured deep-lying
midfield position, with arguably his best performance coming as a full-back
in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool. The Norway captain has since appeared as a
late substitute against Burnley and Hull City, helping see his side to two
1-0 home victories, and he is hoping to be given further chances over the
busy festive period. "I'm always positive," he said. "I was born positive,
so I'm working hard every day. The games I've played, I know I can play much
better, so I'll take it game-by-game and day-by-day and hopefully I can be a
good player for this Club."

West Ham travel to Swansea City on Boxing Day – Nordtveit's first taste of
Christmas football since he was a teenager with Arsenal – before making the
shorter trip to Leicester City on New Year's Eve. The Hammers will hope to
close out the opening half of the Premier League season by extending their
recent unbeaten run. Should they do so, Nordtveit and company could climb
into the top half of the table by the time 2017 dawns. A player used to
battling for European qualification rather than against relegation in recent
seasons, the 26-year-old has faith that his new Club will do just that.
"Hopefully with the Christmas time coming and so many games, we can take as
many points as possible and get out of the lower part of the table, because
the quality in this team is much better than that it says in the table," he
confirmed.

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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com

Fan blogger Joe Difford gives his take on a successful week for the
Hammers...

Just like our home game against Hull from a couple of years ago, Saturday's
clash was far from pretty, but showed our character and resilience to pick
up all three points, even if we did have a little help from Lady Luck.

After the match, 'The Post' was named as Man of the Match as it was struck
three times, once by our own Mark Noble, keeping us from conceding. When you
look at which teams escape relegation battles and move up the table, it is
those who are fortunate enough to get a little luck, and although our
fortune is usually always hiding, it was clear for all to see against Hull.

We dominated the opening proceedings in terms of whereabouts on the pitch
the football was being played, but the tempo was too slow and we were
struggling to create any clear cut chances, or many half chances for that
matter.

Andy Carroll was causing problems up front as he always does, but without a
partner alongside him, his knock ons were falling to players in orange and
black, rather than claret and blue.

Hull had most of the chances in the first 45, except for a close effort from
the scintillating Dimitri Payet, who put in a dazzling display yet again,
but just lacked the space to find the back of the net.

With just 14 minutes to go Mr West Ham, Mark Noble, stepped up to score from
the penalty spot after Michail Antonio was softly brought down in the box.
It was Noble's second goal in two games, and Darren Randolph's second clean
sheet in as many games too. The Irish shot stopper was excellent again,
making a number of crucial saves to seemingly cement his place in the
starting eleven.

Next up for Slaven Bilic's men is a trip to Swansea on Boxing day, and if we
manage to come away with all three points, we could be in the top ten if
other results go our way. It is a lot of ifs and buts, but considering
people were talking about relegation just two weeks ago, it is a vast
improvement.

Our injury crisis is coming to an end and our squad are gelling and becoming
more comfortable in the new formation, helping our defence remain tight.

As we approach the halfway stage of the season, we know there is still
plenty of more work to be done, but things are looking up at West Ham
United, even if it means grinding out wins to get us back to where we
belong.

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

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

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Bilic confident on Payet future
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic says West Ham United will be doing everything to keep Dimitri
Payet at the Club and insists he is a crucial part of the first-team squad.

Payet has been one of the star performers for the Hammers following his move
from Marseille back in June 2015 and has become a cult hero with the West
Ham supporters.

The 29-year-old was one of the star performers at the European Championship
Finals for the host nation France during the summer and was recently
nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

Bilic is not surprised that Payet is attracting so many headlines, but feels
the Club are showing a big statement of intent that they want to keep him at
the Club.

Bilic said: "That is our statement. We don't want to sell him. He is our top
player and like with any other player, especially great ones, there is
speculation. He has a long contract and we will do everything we can to
ensure he stays with us.

"West Ham are showing a strong statement that we want to keep our best
player but you can't stop the speculation.

"We all knew it would happen - stories, rumours in the media. That's why it
was important the board said they wanted to keep him.

"I spoke to him a few times of course. He plays every game for us and has a
long contract. We treat him the best possible way, he knows we want him to
stay.

"He has the status and has the ambition. He is competing with the best
players as he is playing in the Premier League.

"The speculation does not come from us, we can't stop it, it happens with
players playing in good form. I played my best football when other clubs
showed interest in me as it proves you are doing good."

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Foundation celebrate successful 2016
WHUFC.com

Members of the Foundation team were celebrated at an annual event, designed
to give credit to the 100+ staff who deliver over 40 Foundation programmes
throughout the year.

Foundation CEO Joseph Lyons hosted the event, joined by key stakeholders,
trustees and the Foundation's senior management team, at Loughborough
University London, on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Staff were given the opportunity to hear from members of the Foundation,
were able to celebrate key highlights from 2016, and give their input to the
plans that will see the Foundation grow further in 2017 and beyond.

There was also an awards presentation, with Foundation staff having voted
amongst their peers in five categories. The awards were presented by Henri
Brandman (Trustee), Dr Marcia Wilson (Associate Dean of School of Health,
Sport and Bioscience at UEL) and Joseph Lyons (WHU Foundation CEO).

The winners were:

Mentor of the Year: Najma Sheriffu

"Najma has made a significant contribution to the Employability programmes
and the young people we work with.

"Najma is the current vice-chair of the West Ham United Foundation Youth
Board and started her active work with the Foundation on the Premier League
Works project. She has mentored a number of her peers to achieve and has
also improved her own skills. She has also championed female participation
within club programmes."

School Sports Coach of the Year: Ricky Graves

"Ricky has worked for the Foundation for six years; in that time he has
proved to be a proactive and consistent deliverer and always to the highest
standard. He has built up excellent relationships with schools and his
peers, who always speak of Ricky's enthusiasm and knowledge. Ricky works at
Graham Jones Academy in Thurrock, and is a head coach across our Soccer
Schools and football development programmes."

Community School Sports Coach of the Year: Brendan Brigstock

"Brendan has been with the Foundation for five years, starting as an
apprentice. During his time at the Foundation he has developed into a
mature, reliable and more importantly consistent member of staff. He now
works across several strands of the department as well as supporting the
Club. He is well respected by his peers and is now a key member of the
Foundation staff."

Newcomer of the Year: Shazeb Iqbal

"Since joining West Ham United Foundation's new Sports Traineeship
programme, launched in September 2015, Shazeb successfully achieved his FA
Level 1 in Football Coaching, Futsal Coaching, Mentoring and a Level 3 in
Premier League Reading Stars. Through his dedicated volunteering role
supporting flagship campaigns such as Kicks and Show Racism the Red Card
respectively, Shazeb secured employment as a sessional coach within the
Foundation.

"As a personal highlight, Shazeb was part of the group of young ambassadors
who represented the Foundation at the annual Black and Asian Coaches
Association and FA Licenced Coaches Club conference held at Wembley Stadium
and St Georges Park. One year later, Shazeb has been accepted onto our
Leadership Through Sport & Business apprenticeship programme where he will
complete a 12-month apprenticeship at a blue chip finance organisation
whilst studying for an AAT Level 2 and Level 3 qualification"

Foundation Person of the Year: Arran Johnny

"Arran is a well-liked member of staff who is very adaptable and works in
many strands of the Foundation, Club and Academy.

"Arran is currently studying for the Applied Community Sport Degree at UEL.
He is a proactive and enthusiastic student who is succeeding on the degree
and is an excellent role model to his peers.

"Throughout his time with the foundation, Arran has gone above and beyond
expectations to offer his time and support during sessions, even on a
voluntary basis. He is reliable and has grown in confidence throughout his
time at the Foundation. He is an asset to the Community Sport team and
currently works as a coach inspiring others in the community."

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Antonio - Performances are picking up
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio insists the Christmas spirit is well and truly alive in the
West Ham United dressing room as the players prepare to head to Swansea City
on Boxing Day.

Seven points from a possible nine in their last three matches has lifted
Slaven Bilic's men into 13th place in the Premier League table – just five
points behind Southampton in seventh – and our leading goalscorer believes
that confidence will be high at the Liberty Stadium.

"There is definitely a feel-good factor around the place at the moment,"
says Antonio. "We've started to get results when we feel we should be
getting them, and the performances are picking up.

"We've got to keep it going now and build the confidence, hopefully with
another three points at Swansea.

"It's been a great year for me personally but I've got to keep performing,"
he added. "That's one thing I've always told myself, that I've got to keep
working hard, and keep up those levels."

Monday's trip to South Wales gives Antonio an opportunity to add to his
tally of seven Premier League goals this season – six of which have been
scored with his head.

The 26-year-old has already equalled the Premier League record for most
headed goals in a calendar year – a total of 11 that he shares with former
Everton star Tim Cahill – while he is now just three short of the season
record of nine, currently held by another ex-Everton man, Duncan Ferguson.

According to Michail, however, he should actually be only two short, having
considered his effort against Stoke on November 5 to have been wrongly
awarded as an own-goal.

"I should be on seven!" he laughs. "I think some other strikers might have
been given that goal but, hey, things don't always go your way, and I'll
just have to make sure I do it another day.

"The fact that the record is there for me to break does mean a lot, and it's
something that I am now determined to do. There are some great strikers on
the list and it's an honour to be on there with them.

"The heading is something that I've worked hard on over the years, it's all
about timing, finding the space and keeping your eyes open. The main thing
is that the team win of course, but I would love to break that record."

Michail was speaking during his visit to the Newham University Hospital this
week when, along with some of his Hammers
image:
http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AntonioNewhamHospital
336.jpg

Michail Antonio team-mates, he helped put a smile on the faces of some young
Hammers fans who face spending Christmas in hospital.

"It's so difficult for those families," said Michail. "I had to do it myself
when we had our first child, who arrived six weeks early. We had to spend
Christmas Day in hospital and it's just a terrible feeling,

"To be able to come here and just give the kids a few presents and sign some
autographs, which puts a smile on their faces and gives them a bit of
enjoyment, is a great feeling.

"It's great to be in a position to be able to do that, and it's something
that should never, ever change in football."

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Diafra Sakho: West Ham striker ruled out for up to eight more weeks
BBC.co.uk

West Ham and Senegal striker Diafra Sakho will miss the 2017 Africa Cup of
Nations after being ruled out for up to eight more weeks with a back injury.
The Hammers said on 30 November the 26-year-old would be missing for six
weeks because of a thigh injury, meaning he would not return until
mid-January. But boss Slaven Bilic said on Thursday that Sakho faced up to
eight more weeks out, taking him to mid-February. The 2017 Africa Cup of
Nations starts on 14 January.
Two years ago, Sakho withdrew from Senegal's squad with a back injury but
scored 18 days later in West Ham's FA Cup 1-0 win at Bristol City. As a
result, the club were fined £71,000 by world governing body Fifa. Last
month, in only his second appearance of an injury-plagued season, he scored
in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United. The forward, who joined West Ham in 2014
from French club Metz, had only returned from a back injury in the defeat at
Tottenham on 19 November. West Brom were keen to sign Sakho for £15m in
August but the deal was called off because of a back problem. West Ham are
13th in the Premier League table, five points above the relegation zone. The
Hammers visit struggling Swansea on Boxing Day (15:00 GMT) before travelling
to Leicester City on 31 December (15:00 GMT).

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Sakho out for (another) three months
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd December 2016
By: Staff Writer

Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of action for up to ten weeks, according to
Slaven Bilic. The Senegal striker, who made his first appearance of the
season in the 3-2 defeat at White Hart Lane last month was injured in his
second game back against Manchester United.
And despite being ruled out until the end of 2016 with what was described as
a thigh injury, the club now report that the 27-year-old has developed "a
back problem" that will beep him out of action until early Spring. "It's a
big blow for us. It will rule him out, six-eight weeks, maybe 10 weeks, we
are talking about even March for him to be back," said Bilic during a press
conference this morning. "He was out at the beginning of the season for a
long time and when he came back he played a couple of games. We saw how much
impact he can have on our game. It's a big blow for us. He's out - that's
the situation."
Bilic also revealed that he and the club are planning to fill the void
during the transfer window., with Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri also
unlikely to feature for West Ham in the second half of the season and Ashley
Fletcher linked with a move to Leeds.
"I'm not crazy about the January transfer window but you plan your team in
the summer and then a lot of things happen, like the injury to Sakho," he
added. "But it's good to fill a gap with loans until the end of the season
or, even better, to find someone permanent. If something really good becomes
available then we're going to try to do it."

However there was slightly better news with regards to the Boxing Day trip
to Swansea. "We have a few knocks but we're expecting everyone to be fit
apart from Diafra, who needs a back operation", confirmed Bilic. "The guys
who played in the last game, I expect them all to be fit."

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West Ham step up pursuit of new striker after Diafra Sakho is ruled out for
10 weeks with back problem
The ambitious Irons already have Daniel Sturridge or Michy Batshuayi on
their shortlist but have been told there is no chance of them loaning
Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford
BYDARREN LEWIS
12:47, 22 DEC 2016UPDATED12:47, 22 DEC 2016
The Mirror

West Ham are stepping up their bid to bring in a striker after Slaven Bilic
revealed Diafra Sakho is out for up to ten weeks. But Bilic has reiterated
that Dimitri Payet will not be leaving the London Stadium either next month
or next summer. The ambitious Irons already have Liverpool's Daniel
Sturridge or Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi on their shortlist. But have already
been told there is no chance of them loaning Manchester United pair Anthony
Martial or Marcus Rashford. The Irons are desperate for reinforcements up
front with Andy Carroll's fitness uncertain and Juventus flop Simone Zaza
set to have his loan deal terminated early. Sakho is set for surgery for a
long-standing back problem . Bilic confirmed: "We are expecting everyone to
be fit apart from Sakho who will have an operation and we expect them to be
out for six-eight weeks. "Sakho is out of the Africa Cup of Nations. It may
be 10 weeks. We are talking about March for him so he will be out of the
Nations Cup. "It is a very frustrating season. He was out at the beginning
of the season, he came back. It's a big blow for us. He's out, that's the
situation.
"We have played most of the season without Sakho. But we don't have players
of the same characteristics as Diafra."

Sakho saw a move to West Brom break down during the summer after he failed a
medical. West Ham now want to get to the bottom of the problems that have
hampered his career at the club ever since his arrival two years ago. Asked
specifically about Rashford and Martial as potential replacements, Bilic
admitted: "I can't see that happening, they will improve most clubs but I
don't see that happening."

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Slaven Bilic reveals Diafra Sakho is out for 'six to eight weeks' in huge
blow to West Ham entering festive period
The Hammers have been starved of goals this season and the Senegalese's
absence will hurt their cause yet further as they prepare to face Swansea on
Boxing Day
BYBEN BURROWS
10:49, 22 DEC 2016UPDATED10:49, 22 DEC 2016
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that striker Diafra Sakho has been ruled out for
between six and eight weeks in a huge blow for West Ham. The Hammers have
been starved of goals this season and the Senegalese's extended spell on the
sidelines is a blow in their bid to move up and away from the relegation
zone. "Diafra Sakho will be out for six to eight weeks. He will miss the
Africa Cup of Nations and it is a big blow for us," Bilic confirmed. Bilic
also admitted he has more players carrying knocks, but that only Sakho would
miss the Boxing Day match against Swansea. The Crotian also ensured fans
that Dimitri Payet is going nowhere in the January transfer window. The
Frenchman has been linked with a move away from West Ham and added fuel to
the fire earlier this week with a series of interviews hinting he'd be keen
to leave the club in January. But Hammers boss Bilic has no intention of
granting his wish "We don't want to sell him. He is our top player," he said
in his weekly press conference. "He has a long contract and we will do
everything to ensure he stays. "You can't stop speculation. "Great players
always attract it when the transfer window comes. It's nothing new." "He
leaves the door open but it doesn't mean he is not committed to the club."

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West Ham forward Diafra Sakho ruled out for up to eight weeks
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 22/12/16 10:58am
SSN

Diafra Sakho has been ruled out for up to eight weeks through injury and
will miss the Africa Cup of Nations, according to West Ham manager Slaven
Bilic. The Senegal forward has featured only twice for the Hammers this
season due to a long-term back problem and because of a hamstring tear
suffered in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United in November. Sakho, who was
originally expected to be out for up to six weeks, was due to represent his
country at the AFCON in January. But ahead of West Ham's trip to Swansea on
Boxing Day, Bilic revealed the 26-year-old had undergone back surgery and
could be on the sidelines until March. "We have a few knocks but are
expecting everyone to be fit except for Diafra Sakho who will be out for six
to eight weeks. Sakho had to do a back operation," he said. "He will miss
the Africa Cup of Nations and it is a big blow for us. "They're talking
about even March for him to be back, so he's definitely ruled out of the
Africa Cup of Nations."
Bilic also stressed West Ham would do all they can keep midfielder Dimitri
Payet at the club beyond the January transfer window.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan said in November he had no intention of
selling Payet in the New Year, while captain Mark Noble admitted he would be
shocked if the France international left the club. The 29-year-old, who
signed a new five-and-a-half year deal in February, spoke about the
possibility of playing for other clubs, including Arsenal, in an interview
with French broadcaster RMC Sport earlier this week. "We do not want to
sell Dimitri Payet and he is a great player," Bilic said. "He has a contract
and we will do everything to make sure he stays with us.

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Slaven Bilic reveals Diafra Sakho is out for 'six to eight weeks' in huge
blow to West Ham entering festive period
The Hammers have been starved of goals this season and the Senegalese's
absence will hurt their cause yet further as they prepare to face Swansea on
Boxing Day
BY BEN BURROWS
Mirror.co.uk
10:49, 22 DEC 2016UPDATED10:49, 22 DEC 2016

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that striker Diafra Sakho has been ruled out for
between six and eight weeks in a huge blow for West Ham.
The Hammers have been starved of goals this season and the Senegalese's
extended spell on the sidelines is a blow in their bid to move up and away
from the relegation zone. "Diafra Sakho will be out for six to eight weeks.
He will miss the Africa Cup of Nations and it is a big blow for us," Bilic
confirmed. Bilic also admitted he has more players carrying knocks, but that
only Sakho would miss the Boxing Day match against Swansea. The Crotian also
ensured fans that Dimitri Payet is going nowhere in the January transfer
window. The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from West Ham and
added fuel to the fire earlier this week with a series of interviews hinting
he'd be keen to leave the club in January. But Hammers boss Bilic has no
intention of granting his wish. "We don't want to sell him. He is our top
player," he said in his weekly press conference. "He has a long contract and
we will do everything to ensure he stays. "You can't stop speculation.
"Great players always attract it when the transfer window comes. It's
nothing new."
"He leaves the door open but it doesn't mean he is not committed to the
club."

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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford doesn't hold back with bold claim
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United's hugely promising youngster Reece Oxford has made a bold
claim about his future prospects. The supremely talented teenager is fresh
from signing a four and a half year contract with the Hammers, snubbing
interest from some of Europe's leading clubs including Premier League trio
Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City. He has been rarely used
since bursting onto the scene under Slaven Bilic in the memorable 2-0 win
over Arsenal at the Emirates on the opening day of last season. The
18-year-old has spent much of this season out injured but looks set for a
return in the coming weeks. Oxford is often likened to another Hammers
academy graduate Rio Ferdinand. But having signed a new deal the 6ft 5 star
has made the bold claim on the club's official website that he could go on
to become an even better player than the likes of Ferdinand and fellow West
Ham and England legend Joe Cole.
"Hopefully I can progress now," Oxford told whufc.com. "Seeing the old
players here, the likes of Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, I just want to follow in
their footsteps and hopefully I can be as big as them or maybe even bigger.
"I want to be a part of the squad and help the Club challenge for silverware
by winning the FA Cup or Europa League – winning a trophy would be great. My
long-term ambitions are to be captain of West Ham United one day."
Some will see it as arrogance, others supreme confidence but wherever you
stand you cannot fail to admire Oxford's ambition. West Ham, so long a
conveyor belt of talent for the national team, have endured a barren spell
in terms of academy players establishing themselves in the first team. There
has been a dearth of talent available and former manager Sam Allardyce was
always reluctant to give young players a chance. But that looks to be
changing now with the likes of Oxford, fellow youngster Reece Burke and Toni
Martinez coming through.

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Slaven Bilic loses faith in West Ham United stopper Adrian, willing to sell
HITC
John Verrall

West Ham United are open to offers for Adrian in the January transfer
window. According to the Daily Mirror, Slaven Bilic is prepared to listen to
offers for West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian in the January transfer window.
Adrian has fallen out of favour at the London Stadium this season, after a
series of error prone performances. The Spaniard was a solid option for West
Ham during his first two campaigns in goal for the London club. However, his
standards have slipped this term, and BIlic has reportedly lost faith in the
29-year-old. Adrian has lost his place in West Ham's goal to Darren
Randolph, and Bilic has deemed that there is no way back for his former
first choice stopper. As yet, West Ham are yet to receive any offers for
Adrian, but if a reasonable bid came in, Bilic would reportedly be open to
doing a deal. West Ham want to raise funds, as they look to invest in their
squad in the January transfer window. The Hammers are keen to bring in a
central-defender and a striker, as they look to push on up the Premier
League table.

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West Ham send begging letter to Premier League's 'big five' in frantic
search for January reinforcements
Matt Law, football news correspondent
21 DECEMBER 2016 • 9:00PM
The Telegraph

West Ham United have sent a begging letter to the Premier League's top clubs
ahead of the January transfer window as part of their desperate bid to boost
their squad. The Hammers have made specific enquiries over Michy Batshuayi,
Daniel Sturridge, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as they try to land a
striker on loan, but have also made a more general plea to the leading
clubs. West Ham have sent letters out to Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester
City, Arsenal and Manchester United asking whether they have any strikers,
full-backs or central defenders they would be prepared to loan out in the
January window. Other than Batshuayi, Sturridge, Rashford and Martial, West
Ham are interested in the likes of Chris Smalling, Branislav Ivanovic,
Mamadou Sakho, Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson, who has already spent two
previous spells on loan with the Hammers. West Ham's enquiries for the likes
of Rashford, Martial and Smalling are more in hope than expectation, but the
club feel it is worth asking the question before moving on to other, more
realistic, targets. Hull City, Swansea City and Aston Villa are also
interested in Jenkinson, but West Ham could rival that trio of clubs for his
loan signature if they are unsuccessful with other moves. Despite the fact
Tottenham Hotspur have central defender Kevin Wimmer, who can also play at
full-back, West Ham have not sent their begging letter to their fierce
rivals. Tottenham and West Ham have refused to do business with each other
during recent seasons, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy blocking the Hammers'
January bid to sign Emmanuel Adebayor two years ago. Borussia Dortmund and
Wolfsburg have shown an interest in taking Wimmer back to the Bundesliga,
while the Austrian is also thought to be on Southampton's radar. Tottenham
are unlikely to allow Wimmer to leave in January, but a move at the end of
the season could be considered.

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West Ham overhaul: Slaven Bilic to axe six and eyes Arsenal, Chelsea and
Liverpool stars
WEST HAM could axe as many as six players in a major January clear-out as
Slaven Bilic prepares for a rebuild of his failing squad.
By TONY BANKS
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Thu, Dec 22, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:10, Thu, Dec 22, 2016
Express.co.uk

Slaven Bilic is looking to shake things up at West Ham to turn around their
fortunes, And they will resist all offers for star playmaker Dimitri Payet.
A disastrous summer recruitment programme which cost some £40million is now
set to be ripped up, with the board ready to back their manager as he starts
again, though mainly with loan signings. Pressure on the Croatian has been
eased with successive home wins over Burnley and Hull, but West Ham are
still far too near the relegation zone for comfort at five points above, and
Slaven Bilic has been given the go ahead to recruit reinforcements. But
first there will be a massive clear-out, with flop striker Simon Zaza, who
joined on loan from Juventus in the summer, in talks with Valencia and set
to depart. Midfielder Gokhan Tore, on loan from Besiktas, is set to go back
to Turkey, and striker Jonathan Calleri, on loan from Deportivo Maldonado,
will also be allowed to leave. Striker Ashley Fletcher, who joined in a loan
deal from Manchester United in the summer, is another who could go, with
Leeds interested, while defender Arthur Masuaku, a £6m signing from
Olympiakos, is another potential sale, as is fellow defender Alvaro Arbeloa,
who joined from Real Madrid but has made only four appearances. West Ham are
casting their net wide for recruits, but have been told by Chelsea that
Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi is not available. They are though still in
talks over England Under-21 midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Bilic has also
enquired after Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson, who had 18 months on loan
at the club over the last two years, but the 24-year-old is not keen on a
return. Bournemouth winger Max Gradel is a player Bilic is confident he can
bring in on a loan deal when the transfer window opens on January 1. West
Ham remain keen on Liverpool's misfit England striker Daniel Sturridge, but
expect Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp to veto any deal. Atletico Miniero striker
Lucas Pratto, who would cost £12m, is another who Bilic has made enquiries
about, as is Fiorentina forward Khouma Babacar, who would cost around £6m,
and Sassuolo frontman Gregoire Defrel. Bilic is likely to be allowed only
one cash signing, with the rest being loans – though that could depend on
how many players come off the wage bill.

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West Ham poised for January sales with Simone Zaza, Adrian and Gokhan Tore
among the likely departures
Youngster Ashley Fletcher could also leave to gain experience on loan as the
Hammers seek more seasoned frontmen but Dimitri Payet is going nowhere
BY DARREN LEWIS
22:30, 21 DEC 2016UPDATED20:29, 21 DEC 2016

West Ham are set to stage a big clear-out of flops in the January window –
with striker Simone Zaza the first to go. But the Hammers will fight off all
attempts to prise away star player Dimitri Payet . They have taken a dim
view of the Frenchman's latest interviews, in which he refused to close the
door on a move away. But they remain resolute that, with with
four-and-a-half years left on his contract, they will not be pressured into
surrendering their 29-year-old prize asset. They will, however, allow
several other players to leave – starting with Juventus loanee Zaza. West
Ham paid a £5million loan fee for the 25-year-old, who arrived in the summer
with a further £20m payable if a permanent deal is activated after 15
­appearances. But Italy international Zaza is still without a goal after 12
games and has failed to impress. Spain's Valencia are in talks to take him
when the transfer window reopens.
Championship promotion chasers Leeds are also in talks with West Ham over a
move for 21-year-old forward Ashley Fletcher, with the Irons looking for
more experience up front. They retain an interest in ­Liverpool's Daniel
Sturridge and Lucas Pratto of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro, who is able to move
if a release clause in his contract is met. Former Liverpool and Real Madrid
defender Alvaro Arbeloa, 33, has insisted he is staying until next summer at
least. But West Ham are looking for more long-term stability at right-back
and have approached Arsenal about yet another loan deal for Carl Jenkinson.
Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri is another without a future at the London
Stadium. The 23-year-old is currently out injured, but has just six league
appearances so far this season and has been unable to live up to the hype he
arrived with. Keeper Adrian has also fallen out of favour with boss Slaven
Bilic.
The Spaniard has not started a Premier League game since the 1-1 draw with
Stoke in early November, and is another for whom the club could listen to
offers. Winger Gokhan Tore has been panned by fans following his summer
arrival on loan from Besiktas and is keen to move back to the Turkish club.

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