Daily WHUFC News - 31st January 2017

Payet departs
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet sold to Olympique de Marseille for a fee of £25m
French midfielder had told the Club he no longer wanted to play for West Ham United
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan 'disappointed' but says Club will grow stronger in future

West Ham United have sold Dimitri Payet to Olympique de Marseille for a fee of £25m. The French midfielder has been sold after stating that he no longer wished to play for the Hammers. Joint-Chairman David Sullivan, said: "The Club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the Club and fans showed him, particularly when it rewarded him with a lucrative new five-and-half-year deal only last year. "I would like to make it clear that we have no financial need to sell our best players and that the decision to allow Payet to leave was in accordance with the wishes of the manager and the interests of squad unity. To be frank, my Board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club. "I am confident that with the quality of the players we have brought in during January already, the squad will be stronger at the end of this transfer window than it was at the start. "We now look forward to building on our recent good run of form with five league wins in the last seven matches as we focus on continuing our rise up the Premier League table."

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Eight Hammers were in action on loan over the weekend in the FA Cup, Football League and National League
There were dream debuts for Toni Martinez and Marcus Browne at Oxford United and Wigan Athletic respectively
Martinez scored in Oxford's famous 3-0 win over Newcastle while Browne made his domestic senior bow at Old Trafford

It was a debut to remember for Toni Martinez, on loan at Oxford United, as he scored his side's third in their famous FA Cup win over Newcastle United. Being introduced with only 20 minutes remaining, the Spaniard superbly nodded home a cross from the right to make sure the Us would be heading to the fifth round for the first time in 23 years. Martinez only signed for West Ham United during the summer, joining from Valencia, and he hit the ground running in east London, scoring 12 goals in 13 competitive appearances for the U23s during the first half of this season, earning a loan move to the League One outfit. And it was a dream start to life at the Kassam Stadium as he found the back of the net in one of the club's most historic victories. Just after the break, Kane Hemmings nodded the third tier team in front and things got from bad to worse for Newcastle when Aleksandar Mitrovic missed the chance to equalise from the penalty spot. Ex-Hammer Rob Hall set Curtis Nelson up for the hosts' second on 79 minutes as the defender grabbed the second from a corner before Martinez put a gloss on the scoreline with an excellent guided header from another Hall centre.
Martinez's Oxford will now be one of 16 teams left in football's oldest competition when the fifth round begins at the end of next month.

Though he could not get a victory like his Hammers teammate, there was another incredible debut for Marcus Browne as he made his senior domestic bow at Old Trafford for loan side Wigan Athletic. The playmaker was introduced at the home of Manchester United with 14 minutes remaining on the clock, though by then, Jose Mourinho's men were out of sight at 3-0 up. Bastian Schweinsteiger added a fourth after Browne's introduction to seal the hosts' place in the fifth round after Marouane Fellaini, Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mhikitaryan had all scored previously in the tie. Browne and Wigan will now turn their attentions to fighting off relegation from the Championship – Warren Joyce's men currently sit in the drop zone but are only two points from safety.

Back to the bread and butter of the league, Bradford City were 2-1 winners at Oldham Athletic in League One and Josh Cullen again played a major part in the Bantams' victory. The midfielder has been a key man in the centre of the park for Stuart McCall's men this season and the Yorkshire side are still on course for a play-off spot. The Hammer grabbed an assist with City's first goal as he centred for Romain Vincelot to head home from close range after just a quarter of an hour. Brian Wilson equalised just before the break at Boundary Park but with Bradford pressing in the second period, the home side let up and conceded again when Rory McArdle bundled the ball home after Billy Clarke's free-kick. Cullen had previously been thwarted by goalkeeper Connor Ripley on two occasions when first a near post drive was beaten away before his header was saved.

Martin Samuelsen played his second 90 minutes back at Peterborough United on Saturday, but Posh were thumped 4-0 by rivals MK Dons.
All four goals for the visitors came within the final 20 minutes as Harvey Barnes set Robbie Neilson's men on their way at London Road.
Kieran Agard bagged a second before Chucks Aneke scored a brace to add to Peterborough's misery. Samuelsen went close to scoring his first goal in League One for almost a year when Marcus Maddison crossed, but the Norwegian could not stretch to toe home from close range.

George Dobson played the final three minutes in Walsall's topsy-turvy 3-3 draw at Bury, but he entered the field just minutes before Tom Soares grabbed a heartbreaking 91st-minute equaliser for Bury. The west Midlanders thought they had completed the perfect comeback when, having gone 2-0 down thanks to James Vaughan and Reece Browne goals, Erhun Oztumer's strike was followed by a Jason McCarthy double. But former Crystal Palace man Soares rescued a point for struggling Bury as he glanced in late on.

There was a third consecutive Cheltenham Town start for 19-year-old Alex Pike on Saturday too, though the Robins were held to a goalless draw at Crewe Alexandra.

Finally, goalkeeper Sam Howes made his home debut for National League South side Hampton and Richmond Borough – against fellow loan Hammer Sam Ford – as they were 4-1 winners over Bishop's Stortford. Striker Ford was making his third appearance for the Blues.

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Carroll excited about new partnership
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll is excited to be part of a new striking partnership that is developing at West Ham United and has nothing but praise for the way Michail Antonio has established himself as one of the top performers in the Premier League this season. Carroll has enjoyed a number of big name partnerships during his career including playing alongside Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen. But the Hammers forward is now reaping the rewards of playing alongside Antonio in the West Ham attack having scored three goals in the last two games. Antonio has assisted two of the goals including the perfect cross against Crystal Palace which saw Carroll score a memorable scissor kick. Carroll has no doubts that Antonio has everything in his game to be a major star in the top flight and feels they can become a formidable strike force.

Carroll said: "Michail is great to play alongside and he is non-stop. He works hard and he has played in almost every position since he joined the Club. "He has strength, power, finishing and hold up play has been great and he has probably been our best player. "It is incredible to see the journey he has gone on and he says he was a lifeguard. I could not believe it and now he is getting a call-up for England. I think it is a dream for him. "He has gone through all the stages to play in the Premier League and for his country so credit to him for the determination he has got and he is showing that every week for West Ham which is great. "We have not played together a lot so when we do link up in training it is good because we talk a lot and we do understand each other. It was difficult at the start because we were going for the same balls and we joked that we were getting in each others way because we are trying to make the same runs! "But we are now coming together and it is great to have a partner like him upfront."

Carroll has nothing but praise for the impact the West Ham fans have had on the team in the last two games and says they have played a major role in helping them get their season back on track. The West Ham striker has no doubts that everyone at the club came together following the fall-out from the Dimitri Payet transfer exit and hopes it will be another special atmosphere at London Stadium on Wednesday night when they face Manchester City. Carroll added: "I think the team have been fantastic and we have all stuck together. We are all friends and we all know what it means. "With everything going on it shows we are a team, everyone is united and everyone is sticking together. When we go out on the pitch we all want to fight for one another. "We got in the dressing room after the Palace game and the only thing we were talking about was the fans. We were not speaking about the goals or the result, but how good the fans were. "It helped us massively. The Palace game lifted everyone and it was a fantastic atmosphere. I think that is what helped us go into the game against Middlesbrough feeling so confident. "I can see the London Stadium becoming a fortress if we can re-produce that kind of atmosphere every game. It is a great stadium and it is great to have so many fans there. When the fans get behind you there is no better place."

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Beware youth player scam
WHUFC.com

It has come to the attention of the Club that young people and their families are being scammed by fraudsters posing as agents offering bogus trials at West Ham United and other clubs. The website www.footballmanagementagency.com and the email address footballmanagementagency335@gmail.com have recently been used in an attempt to defraud young hopefuls, by extracting payment for fees and travel for trials that never materialise. The fraudsters in question use falsified documents on West Ham United headed paper in an email with the subject heading, 'Football Tryout Documents Finalization Pending Approval'.
If you have experienced a similar scam or suspicious approach, please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk for more information or to report a crime. The reports received by Action Fraud will be forwarded to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau run by the City of London Police for collation and analysis. This will enable crucial intelligence to be gathered and preventative action to be taken. Action Fraud say, "Sometimes people choose not to report fraud because they are embarrassed that they fell for a scam, con, swindle, or any other word used to describe the crime. "Remember that fraud is a crime and that fraudsters will constantly reinvent themselves to find new ways of tricking people. Anyone could be a victim."

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West Ham United replica shirt offer
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are offering any supporter who purchased a 2016-17 replica West Ham United shirt printed with Dimitri Payet's name and number the opportunity to buy a replacement shirt for just £25.*

Following confirmation of the Frenchman's transfer to Olympique Marseille yesterday, the Club would like to pass on this gesture of goodwill, given the exceptional circumstances behind Payet's departure.

The recent signings of Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass have provided a huge boost for Slaven Bilic's squad and, with confidence already high on the back of five wins in our last seven Premier League matches, everyone at West Ham United is looking forward to an exciting and positive finish to our debut campaign at London Stadium.

To redeem this offer, simply bring your 2016-17 replica shirt printed with Payet name and number into any of our three official club stores (Stadium, Romford or Lakeside) before 31 May 2017.

This offer applies to 2016-17 home, away and Thames Ironworks commemorative shirts, in adult or junior sizes, and is available while stocks last.

*£25 replacement shirt offer does not include name and number printing. Please note that the Season Ticket Holder discount cannot be used in conjunction with the re-purchase of a shirt.

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#WHUAREYA - Josh Pask
WHUFC.com

Centre-back Josh Pask has experienced both highs and lows this season. The 19-year-old played 15 times for Gillingham on loan in the first half of the season and enjoyed plenty of great performances, including in an EFL Cup win over Premier League side Watford.

He then suffered an injury, however, which put an end to his spell in the team at Priestfield Stadium and meant he would be out of action for much of the winter.

On the road to recovery now though, Pask is eyeing another loan move in the second half of the season and hopes to build up his fitness playing for the Premier League 2 side.

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Collins - It was one of the best atmospheres I have seen
WHUFC.com

James Collins is hoping to witness another special atmosphere inside London Stadium on Wednesday night and believes the fans can inspire the team to another famous victory.

Collins played his part in a memorable 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the last home game and will never forget how the Hammers fans played their part in helping the Club secure all three points.

The Wales international has no doubts it was the best atmosphere that has been generated at London Stadium this season and hopes to see the same level of support against Manchester City.

Following the disappointing defeat against Pep Guardiola's side in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round at the start of January, Collins says the players are determined to make amends and feels the home support can play a significant role.

Collins said: "The fans were our 12th man and it was one of the best atmospheres I have seen at London Stadium (against Palace).

"It was incredible and they knew we all had to pull together in what was a difficult week. Everyone stuck together and we managed to get the win.

"It is massive when we have all our fans behind us. You go to places like Old Trafford and Anfield and all their fans are shouting for them and it makes a hell of a difference.

"The fans are on you every time you make a little mistake or a bad pass. To have that in our favour at home where we have not played as well as what we would have liked, makes a big difference.

"To see all the fans happy and for everything to click together made it even more special. Hopefully every game can be like that.

"I can see London Stadium becoming a fortress if we continue to play like that. A lot has been made about the Stadium and it has been different. It takes getting used to for everyone, but we hope that is how it can be every week."

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Dimitri Payet: West Ham criticise player as he rejoins Marseille for £25m
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have accused Dimitri Payet of showing a lack of "commitment and respect" after the France international rejoined Marseille for £25m. The Hammers insist they did not need to sell Payet and joint-chairman David Sullivan said he wanted the player to stay to "make an example" of him. But Sullivan added that manager Slaven Bilic approved the sale in "the interests of squad unity". Payet has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Ligue 1 club.

West Ham's statement in full
Joint-chairman David Sullivan.

The club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the club and fans showed him, particularly when it rewarded him with a lucrative new five-and-a-half-year deal only last year. I would like to make it clear that we have no financial need to sell our best players and that the decision to allow Payet to leave was in accordance with the wishes of the manager and the interests of squad unity. To be frank, my board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club. I am confident that with the quality of the players we have brought in during January already, the squad will be stronger at the end of this transfer window than it was at the start.

How Payet's Hammers career unfolded

The attacking midfielder joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.7m in June 2015 and signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract in February 2016.

He excelled in his first season with the London club, scoring 12 goals and earning a nomination for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He then helped France reach the final of Euro 2016, where the hosts were beaten by Portugal.

But Bilic said earlier this month that Payet, who has scored three goals this season, did not want to play for the club any more.

West Ham insisted he would not be sold, but after rejecting two bids from Marseille and signing Robert Snodgrass, they decided to sell the France international on Sunday.

As well as the purchase of Snodgrass this month, the Hammers also signed centre-back Jose Fonte from Southampton for £8m.

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Dimitri Payet: West Ham players wanted forward out before Marseille move
BBC.co.uk

West Ham's players wanted Dimitri Payet out of the club prior to his move back to Marseille, says the club's joint-chairman David Sullivan. France forward Payet, 29, rejoined the Ligue 1 club on Sunday for £25m, after allegedly refusing to play for the Hammers for the past month. "As much as we didn't want him out, you can't go against the consensus of the team," Sullivan told BBC Radio 5 live. Sullivan went on to reveal that Payet sacrificed his wages for January. "He's not been talking to anyone in the squad," said Sullivan of Payet, who joined West Ham in June 2015. "He's been sitting in the corner of the room for his meals and he's isolated himself. Before that he was bubbly, happy, shaking everyone's hand before the match. "Either it was a tactic or something in his head had changed. "The team wanted him out, the manager - with great reluctance - wanted him out. We think it's bonded the team better together."

West Ham paid Marseille £10.7m for the attacking midfielder in 2015 and he signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract in February 2016. He excelled in his first season in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and earning a nomination for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. However, Payet scored only three goals from September to December last year, and manager Slaven Bilic said earlier this month that he did not want to play for the club any more. "You could make him sit in the reserves for six months, and cost you another two or three million pounds in wages, and we thought about it because what we got out of Marseille wasn't our valuation of the player," said Sullivan, who rejected two initial bids for Payet. "The player's surrendered his January wages, so there's a bit of dignity we got with that. "You've got to take a sensible view - the offer was just about what we could accept. I can't say I'm pleased with it. It's a damage limitation deal."

After re-signing for Marseille, where he had previously spent two years, Payet said it was a "personal choice" to return and he needed to go "back to his roots".
Sullivan added: "We tried to talk him round but we accepted we weren't going to be able to. We offered free flights home, help for his wife, everything we could possibly do - but he wanted to go back to Marseille. "On his day he's an outstanding player. I feel very sad he's no longer a West Ham player."

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West Ham made me unwell, says Payet
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet has finally opened up on his reasons for leaving West Ham in order to rejoin former club Marseille. Speaking at a press conference this lunchtime (Tuesday) to confirm his return to Ligue 1, the 29-year-old claimed that he needed to go home - despite insisting that he will remember Hammers fans warmly. "I lived an exceptional year at West Ham, I have a great memory of the fans of the club," he told the assembled media. "Going back to Marseille is a personal choice. I no longer felt well at West Ham, I needed to return to my roots. Marseille is a very pleasant city to live in. "I needed to come back to France to Marseille – it was a personal choice. I don't need to justify my behaviour. I spoke to Slaven Bilic. I don't want to talk about this at the moment."

And when asked whether or not money was a factor in his move, Payet replied: "If I was in this for the money, I would have been in a different country a very long time ago. "It is not my motivation. This has been a sacrifice financially, but money doesn't drive me."

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West Ham chasing Fabregas
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have contacted Chelsea with view to signing experienced midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The 29-year-old Spanish international, who joined the Blues from Barcelona in 2014 was the subject of an enquiry from the Hammers at the weekend, KUMB has learned. And the Blues - for whom Fabregas has made 17 appearances so far this season, 13 of which came in the Premier League - are currently considering whether to grant West Ham permission to speak to the player. Should West Ham manage to pull off what would amount to a sizeable coup ahead of the transfer window deadline, it would act as the perfect panacea to the loss of Dimitri Payet who is set to be unveiled by Marseille later today.

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West Ham chasing French full back
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have had an offer for Saint Etienne full back Kevin Malcuit rejected, say French sources. The 25-year-old defender, who can also operate on the right side of midfield was the subject of a concrete bid (size unreported) from the Hammers earlier today, according to le10sport.com. However the source adds that United's bid -said to be "a good offer" - was instantly rejected by the Ligue 1 club with whom Malcuit has spent the last 18 months since moving from Chamois Niortais in an €800,000 deal.

* Jonathan Calleri's on/off move to Las Palmas appears to be on the verge of collapse with the Spanish side set to confirm the arrival of local boy Jese from PSG. The 23-year-old Argentine looked set to leave London for Spain but manager Slaven Bilic is understood to have had second thoughts about cutting his season-long loan short.

* Hull City's young centre half Harry Maguire is being linked with a potential summer move to West Ham, as well as one or two fellow Premier League clubs. Signed by the Tigers from Sheffield United in 2014 for £2.5million, the 23-year-old has just 18 months left on his contract and is said to be seeking a new challenge.

* West Ham are said to be one of a clubs targeting Manchester City's on-loan Joe Hart. With Adrian coming to the end of his current contract - although the club retain an option to extend it, should they so wish - the current Torino stopper would be a natural replacement for the Spanish former number one.

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Payet shirt replacement scheme announced
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Fans left with useless shirts featuring the name of Dimitri Payet have been offered the opportunity to replace them by West Ham.
According to vice-chair Karren Brady, speaking via twitter this morning, anyone in possession of a replica shirt featuring the name and number 27 of the now departed French international can take them into the club store and replace them with a blank shirt for £25.
Which, on the face of it seems like a great deal for Hammers fans - although it should be pointed out that you can get a brand new blank shirt for just £36.66 WITHOUT having to take your Payet shirt back, as the price of all replica kits was reduced by a third (down from £55) last week.

* Payet will be unveiled by his new club, Marseille, at 2.30pm this afternoon. He returned to France yesterday after a £25million fee was agreed by the two clubs.

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Payet paid £500k to break contract
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet was ordered to return his entire wages for January before being allowed to return to Marseille, it has been claimed.
According to journalist Kaveh Solhekol, the former Hammers terrace idol was only allowed to complete the move once he had returned around £500,000 - the equivalent of four weeks' wages - that he'd been paid by the club during January. Prior to going on strike midway through the month, Payet had featured in just two games against Manchester United and Manchester City - the former for 69 minutes before being replaced by Andy Carroll and then as a 58th minute substitute for Manuel Lanzini. However West Ham were determined not to pay the player for a month in which he has barely been involved - and successfully argued that Payet, previously United's highest-earner, that he should refund the club.

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UNDER 18S UPDATE-SUCCESS AT YOUTH LEVEL
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 30 JANUARY 2017 AT 9:29PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Katie Shergold @flump9

It has been a while since my last U18 update and I am delighted to say that their fine form has continued, with Steve Potts and Mark Phillips doing an excellent job with the youngsters. West Ham are having a brilliant season, unbeaten since 3 December and currently sitting in third place, just one point behind second place Reading.

On Saturday the U18's made the long trip to Wales, taking on Swansea. The team were awarded with another 3 points, with a convincing 1-3 win. This result was particularly impressive, as West Ham were without a few key players, including top goal-scorer Jahmal Hector-Ingram, who was injured and six of their first-team players were playing for the U23 team the night before. This not only shows the strength of the U18 team, to win with a depleted squad, but also what a bright future our youth team have.

West Ham's exciting winger Joe Powell was involved from early on, with his long-range effort going just over the bar. A little while later Powell was involved again, getting himself an assist and setting up Lewis to take the lead. Swansea equalised just a few minutes later, with West Ham feeling a little disappointed the be drawing at the break. However, the team showed their character and started the second half in the exact manner Potts and Phillips would have wanted. Just five minutes in, it was Lewis' turn to assist, with a nice pass to Henry, who calmly slotted it home to retake the lead. Henry then sealed the win with another goal, this time from the spot.

Norwich are up next up for our youngsters and you can go along and support them at Little Heath Sports Centre, on 4 February, 12.00pm. I have no doubt that it will be another great match and it is a great opportunity to go and watch some of the West Ham stars of the future.

I hope to provide more updates on our exciting U18 team, so make sure you keep an eye out. COYI!

@flump9

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Andy Carroll feels West Ham are united following Dimitri Payet exit
By Peter Gilbert
Last Updated: 30/01/17 8:24pm
SSN

Andy Carroll believes the fall-out surrounding Dimitri Payet's acrimonious departure from West Ham has helped galvanize the Premier League club. Payet returned to Marseille on a four-year contract on Monday after the Hammers accepted a £25m offer for the France international. The 29-year-old leaves West Ham having scored 15 goals in 60 appearances since joining Slaven Bilic's side from the Ligue 1 club in June 2015. "I think the team have been fantastic and we have all stuck together," Carroll told West Ham's official website on Monday. "We are all friends and we all know what it means. "With everything going on it shows we are a team, everyone is united and everyone is sticking together. When we go out on the pitch we all want to fight for one another."

Carroll scored a sensational bicycle kick against Crystal Palace in January and followed it up with two goals against Middlesbrough to help secure back-to-back Premier League wins in the absence of Payet. The 28-year-old believes West Ham's fans played a major part in the victory over Palace as the Hammers bounced back from three consecutive defeats, including a 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City in the FA Cup. "We got in the dressing room after the Palace game and the only thing we were talking about was the fans," Carroll added. "We were not speaking about the goals or the result, but how good the fans were. "It helped us massively. The Palace game lifted everyone and it was a fantastic atmosphere. I think that is what helped us go into the game against Middlesbrough feeling so confident. "I can see the London Stadium becoming a fortress if we can re-produce that kind of atmosphere every game. It is a great stadium and it is great to have so many fans there. When the fans get behind you there is no better place."

Michail Antonio assisted Carroll with two of his recent goals, including the stunner against Palace, and the former Newcastle and Liverpool forward was full of praise for the 26-year-old. "Michail is great to play alongside and he is non-stop," Carroll said. "He works hard and he has played in almost every position since he joined the club. "He has strength, power, finishing and hold-up play has been great and he has probably been our best player. "It is incredible to see the journey he has gone on and he says he was a lifeguard. I could not believe it and now he is getting a call-up for England. I think it is a dream for him. "He has gone through all the stages to play in the Premier League and for his country so credit to him for the determination he has got and he is showing that every week for West Ham which is great. "We have not played together a lot so when we do link up in training it is good because we talk a lot and we do understand each other. It was difficult at the start because we were going for the same balls and we joked that we were getting in each other's way because we are trying to make the same runs! "But we are now coming together and it is great to have a partner like him upfront."

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Dimitri Payet defends West Ham behaviour after Marseille move
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 30/01/17 7:17pm
SSN

Dimitri Payet insists he does not have to justify his behaviour after a bitter departure to Marseille from West Ham. The Hammers lashed out at the 29-year-old as he was announced by the French Ligue 1 club on Sunday, accusing him of a lack of respect. Payet admits he began his "stand-off" with West Ham a long time ago but insists he was unhappy in England and missed France. "[This move] is what I wanted. It was clear from the start," Payet said, who was forced to pay back his January wages, according to Sky sources. "I didn't feel very good over there. I wanted to be part of this project that is just getting started. It came at a time when I missed France. "It was drawn out because I started my stand-off with West Ham a long time ago. Slaven Bilic had his view. I spoke to him. I don't want to talk about this at the moment, but I don't have to justify my behaviour. "I needed to come back to France to Marseille - it was a personal choice. I'm very happy. My main motivation is to play football. If I was playing for money, I'd be in another country. "If [the move] hadn't gone through I would have lived with it. Thanks to all the staff for doing what was needed."

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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford set to join Nottingham Forest on loan
The 18-year-old was also on the radar of Brentford and Rangers but is set to complete a move to the City Ground
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
20:58, 30 JAN 2017UPDATED21:00, 30 JAN 2017

West Ham prospect Reece Oxford is set to join Nottingham Forest on loan. Oxford, 18, has been wanted by Forest, Brentford and Glasgow Rangers. Football League clubs are likely to tie up a lot of loan deals on deadline day after the emergency loan window was abolished last year. Clubs must tie up temporary moves now, or wait until the summer. Oxford hasn't featured for the Hammers in the Premier League this season but did make seven top-flight appearances last term.
He made his first Irons start against Arsenal as a 16-year-old in August 2015, impressing in defensive midfield as West Ham won 2-0 at the Emirates. Oxford, who penned a new long-term contract with the Hammers in December, has won caps at Under-16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 level for England.

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West Ham facing rival Premier League interest for £15million Scott Hogan amid Slaven Bilic concerns over striker
The Hammers have been in negotiations with the Bees for the £15million striker, a fee the Championship club still say has not been matched
BYJOHN CROSS
The Mirror

West Ham are facing a desperate three-way battle to sign Scott Hogan. Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has made an enquiry for the Brentford striker while West Brom are also interested. It sets up a desperate deadline day battle with Brentford holding out for £15m and the Championship club insist that their price has yet to be matched. West Ham have already had two bids turned down but are keen to get the deal done having already spent £10million of their Dimitri Payet cash on Robert Snodgrass. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic wants a striker but there are believed to be concerns over whether Hogan is Premier League quality and is worth Brentford's price. But West Ham appear ready to be press the button on the Hogan - even though they now face new competition. Palace are desperate for goals in their battle to beat the drop and Allardyce is still in the market for signings before the window shuts. West Brom boss Tony Pulis also has cash to spend and they have been looking at 24-year-old Hogan. Hogan is believed to be keen on moving to West Ham with the Londoners still in dialogue as they look to beat the deadline.

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Marseille confirm Dimitri Payet signs on four-year deal from West Ham
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 30/01/17 6:13am
SSN

Marseille have announced the signing of Dimitri Payet from West Ham. The French Ligue 1 club have confirmed Payet has signed a four-year contract and he will be officially unveiled at a press conference at the Robert Louis-Dreyfus centre - Marseille's training complex - on Monday at 1.30pm. The 29-year-old will be joined by OM president Jacques-Henri Eyraud and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, after costing them £25m. Payet arrived at the club he left in 2015 on Sunday, ready to undergo a medical and sign his personal terms. The France international smiled as he was met at the airport by fans, who took pictures with the attacker before he made his way to his new club. Payet signalled his exit from English football by posting on Twitter a photo of the plane that would take him to France, complete with the caption "on rentre a la maison", which translates as "we're going home". Sky Sports News HQ understands he has taken a £25,000-a-week pay-cut after also rejecting huge offers from China. There had been a protracted stalemate over the transfer fee but West Ham finally agreed to Marseille's final £25m offer on Sunday, after accepting the insertion of a 25 per cent sell-on clause. Payet leaves West Ham having scored 15 goals in 60 appearances for West Ham.

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West Ham accuse Dimitri Payet of lack of respect after £25m sale to Marseille
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 30/01/17 12:08am
SSN

West Ham lashed out at Dimitri Payet after selling him to Marseille, accusing the attacker of a lack of respect. Hammers' co-chairman David Sullivan issued a statement as Payet's £25m move back to his former club was announced, stating that he wanted to make an example of him and keep him at the club. Sullivan said it was manager Slaven Bilic and his squad that wanted Payet out of the London Stadium once and for all. He said: "The club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the club and fans showed him, particularly when it rewarded him with a lucrative new five-and-half-year deal only last year. "I would like to make it clear that we have no financial need to sell our best players and that the decision to allow Payet to leave was in accordance with the wishes of the manager and the interests of squad unity. "To be frank, my board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club. "I am confident that with the quality of the players we have brought in during January already, the squad will be stronger at the end of this transfer window than it was at the start. "We now look forward to building on our recent good run of form with five league wins in the last seven matches as we focus on continuing our rise up the Premier League table."

There had been a protracted stalemate over the transfer fee but West Ham finally agreed to Marseille's final £25m offer on Sunday, after accepting the insertion of a 25 per cent sell-on clause. Payet leaves West Ham having scored 15 goals in 60 appearances for West Ham.

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West Ham striker Andy Carroll opens up to Jamie Redknapp: 'I don't really like watching football! I had to Google some Liverpool players when I signed'
Andy Carroll is back in the West Ham starting line-up after his injury woes
He sat down with Sportsmail's Jamie Redknapp after three goals in two games
Carroll believes his overhead kick against Crystal Palace was his best goal yet
Striker admits he was a big drinker and has regrets but has changed his ways
He doesn't enjoy watching football on TV at home and avoids having it on
By Jamie Redknapp for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:00, 30 January 2017 | UPDATED: 22:04, 30 January 2017

It has been quite a start to 2017 for Andy Carroll. After being dogged by injuries, the West Ham striker is finally back fit and seems to be firing on all cylinders.
Three goals in his last two appearances has coincided with two impressive victories for West Ham, and the former England man looks set to keep his place this week. Here, Sportsmail's Head of Sport Lee Clayton listened in on Carroll's frank and honest discussion with columnist Jamie Redknapp...

JAMIE REDKNAPP: That overhead kick goal against Crystal Palace in mid-January… look at it. It should tell you how good you are. It was spot on, pure technique. Surely your best?

ANDY CARROLL: I'll take that… 'pure technique'… thanks! I enjoyed it. I thought, 'give it a go'. It was 100 per cent my best goal. Before that, it was my header for England against Sweden. Stevie G whipped it in and I scored with a header. I scored another good one for Newcastle against Liverpool in a 3-1 win, but I remember that more for the night out after! My mates were in the stand and I climbed straight into their box, got changed and we walked to the pub. They were showing the goal. The whole place erupted, we were jumping up and down too. We didn't have to pay for drinks that night! It was good, man…

REDKNAPP: The Palace goal was significant timing. The whole issue with Dimitri Payet had blown up. My mate was at the ground and he rang me, shouting, I could hear the cheers still — I couldn't wait to see it.

CARROLL: It was a great feeling. I didn't realise how good it was until the lads caught up with me and I could see their reaction, from James Collins, Mark Noble. I'd tried one the Thursday before in training and hit the post. After that game, we were all talking about 'feeling the fans'. There wasn't so much of a connection at the new stadium. It's been tough but we felt that was a game when we all came together. We were talking about the noise they made. We were buzzing about it.

REDKNAPP: A goal like that… does it make you question if you have achieved enough with your ability? Could you have done more? Marks out of 10 for your career?

CARROLL: Six — Newcastle, yeah good. Liverpool: never really happened. Here? In spells, yes. Not really done what I know I can do and believe I will do. There's a lot more. Yes, I'll give myself six. Nine caps for England, there are more caps in me. I've always thought I could play for England if I am on my game — if I am fit.

REDKNAPP: You are on your game now. I hope you go on from here because you've suffered bad injuries. I can sympathise with you because of my injuries…

CARROLL: When I've been injured, my head's gone, I've turned to mush. The one at the start of this season… all the hard work went out of the window. I was in a mess. I've spoken to a professional, to try to clear my head and to find positives. Always the feeling is: 'I need to sort it out, something is not right.' You come into training after the other lads, you work alone, don't train with them. They try to help, your missus tries, your parents try, nobody can help you back on to the pitch. You ask: 'What am I doing wrong? What can I change?' Now, I have listened. To the physios, my mum, my dad, my missus. I hate gym work, but I am doing more of that. People have been telling me for years, but I can't stand it. I'd go through the motions but now I am in there every day trying to do everything right. I have tried yoga, with my missus. Hot yoga! It takes it out of me, I need to make sure I have a day to recover so I don't do it as much as I should.

REDKNAPP: I'd go to the toilets at Anfield and recite the Lord's Prayer. I'm not religious but I reached the stage where I'd do anything to stay fit. Are you more careful now?

CARROLL: A little more clever. I have to be. I don't have to try to win every ball. There is always the next ball. You could say I'm not winning so many balls, but pick your battles.

REDKNAPP: Players with poor injury records struggle to trust their body. They are worried about what will happen next? Do you trust yours?

CARROLL: Yes. I can't doubt myself. I've always been able to put injuries out of my head. I can't remember them now. Was it right or left, knee or ankle? I have to see a ball and believe I can win it, not worry about what might happen. The physio is anxious because, even in my first day back in training, he will see me sprinting about, tackling, he's shouting 'easy, easy'. But I play at 100 per cent, I don't hold back. I can't think about what might go wrong or what has gone wrong before.

REDKNAPP: Were you living your life right? I used to still go out with my team-mates when I was injured and then wonder why my knee had swollen up the next day. Why did I do that?

CARROLL: The drink doesn't help. In the past I was a big drinker, I have been tarnished with that and I don't enjoy that. That is the old me. I have regrets looking back, maybe it would have helped me avoid injuries. But now? Alcohol is not the cause. Now I am doing whatever I can. I have a weird thing about salt: no salt. Then I drink lots of water but I've been reading that too much water can be bad for you, so now less water. In my head, I've turned it over, I am looking at it all. Diet: right, sleeping: right, fitness: right. It's all there.

REDKNAPP: This is the calmest you have been in your life, then?

CARROLL: Yes, 100 per cent. Chilled out Saturday night at home on the sofa watching terrible TV. Putting the little one to bed. I didn't watch Match of the Day after my goal against Palace. I don't really like watching football. My mum and dad watch a game on one screen, listen to radio commentary and have the laptop open for score flashes! I walk in the house… oh God! I need to switch off. I don't have it on in my house, unless I have friends over.

I try to get involved more these days so I can be involved in banter with the lads or else they hammer me. They think I'm weird. They'll talk about players and I'm thinking: 'Who they are talking about?' Sometimes the manager puts the opposition team up and I'm thinking: 'Who is that centre half or where's he from?'.

REDKNAPP: It doesn't matter because if the ball comes into the box then you are going to beat him anyway! I was the opposite to you. I obsessed about everything.

CARROLL: Jamie, when I was leaving Newcastle for Liverpool, I was in the helicopter on the way down and I had to go to Google to find out who their players were, looking on the phone. I was signing (for a British record £35million) and I didn't know who my team-mates would be! I knew Stevie and some of the others but not all of them. And I loved it at Newcastle. I wasn't ready to leave. It came as a shock. I'd had a season ticket, it was my club and it was a shock to move. I was 22. I could never get a grip at Liverpool.

REDKNAPP: So it was a relief to come here in 2012?

CARROLL: More than that. I walked in and I felt at home. It was a good feeling. The fans welcomed me and I felt the same as I did at Newcastle, as if I was with a group of lads I liked and had grown up with.

REDKNAPP: You say there is more to come but your recent form since coming back from injury is good. There's a bit of swagger about you.

CARROLL'S CAREER
2006-2011: Newcastle United
----> 2007-2008 Preston (loan)
2011-2013: Liverpool
----> 2012-2013: West Ham (loan)
2013-present: West Ham

CARROLL: Do you know what it is? Five or six weeks ago, I sensed something wasn't right among the lads. The team were struggling, we were split in small groups, there were cliques, results were poor. Then we started coming together, before the Dimi thing, but then when that happened it was: 'bang!' We have to be together, we are together. Everyone started enjoying it again. Everyone started to look forward to coming to training. I can't wait to see the lads.

REDKNAPP: Payet has acted as if to say, 'I am too good for the club, I have to move on…' I think that does bring everyone else together. It has to.

CARROLL: It has just sparked something in the dressing room. If he doesn't want to be part of our team, we are still a team. We've livened up. Just like it should have been. It kick-started our season. It has been great around the dressing room.

REDKNAPP: He's a great player, though. My youngest son has a West Ham shirt with his name on the back.

CARROLL: We've got other top players… Antonio has been great. He's scored the goals, played all over the pitch. He's been our main player. It's mad. Right back to centre forward, quality, power, strength — ridiculous. Ridiculous! A beast!

REDKNAPP: And you too. Come on, time to sing your praises. You are a leader. You are back!

CARROLL: The lads are hammering me for doing this interview! We are close. Over breakfast and lunch, they are saying: 'You've only scored a couple of goals, what are you doing that for?' I am like: 'Yeah: three in two, you need me, look at the points I've got on the board for you'. They come back with: 'Not training today? Another massage, another spa day?' I like all that. I'm not being big headed, I get pulled into line. After that goal (against Palace) I walked around at home saying: 'I'm the boy', but my missus said: 'No you are not. Shut up and sit down!'

REDKNAPP: I've just watched training. I was watching the influence of Mark Noble. He's the guv'nor here.

CARROLL: I can't believe I am saying this, but yes. He runs it. He's the main man, a West Ham boy through and through. Every day he brings the lads together, he gets involved, he's a leader. He's West Ham.

REDKNAPP: What else do you do with your time? Do you play any golf?

CARROLL: No. I have a farm at my house so that takes up my time. Two little dogs, one big dog, a snake, a fish, rabbit, chickens. This morning I was up walking the dogs, feeding the animals and then the missus said she was off to the gym so I had to feed our son. Then here for the gym. That's my life now, but I'm happy.
I've seen what Kevin Nolan (now at Notts County) has done going into management and I never thought it was for me, but I might change that. I'm thinking about whether I want to be a coach or a manager. I'm not good talking to big groups but it might be time to get over that. It might be time to watch a bit more football!

REDKNAPP: You have a six-year contract…

CARROLL: I am enjoying it here and I am hoping for a new contract here. I'm 28. I'd like to stay here.

REDKNAPP: Who is your toughest opponent?

CARROLL: Gary Cahill. Timing, reading, good leap, very good. And Liverpool's Lucas Leiva. Oh my God. He played centre half against us. I don't know what it was. Every time I went for the ball he gave me a little nudge, the referee was never going to give a foul and I never wanted a foul, but he did me every time. Just judging me so well and knocking me off balance. I couldn't play against him.

REDKNAPP: Do you prefer to have a war with the defender?

CARROLL: Yes, I like a battle. Ashley Williams loves that. I enjoy it against him. Makes you feel like you are in a game. I'd rather have a fight than just winning it without a challenge.

REDKNAPP: Are there days in the tunnel when you look at the opposition and think: 'You can't live with me.'

CARROLL: Yeah, I do. Nobes loves it when I tell him that. He gives me a big cuddle. 'Just cross it,' I said to Sam Byram (before Middlesbrough). 'You know what to do, don't you?' 'Yeah, cross it'.

REDKNAPP: Are we snobs in this country about big strikers?

CARROLL: Yes. Peter Crouch is an example. Fantastic, never got the credit he deserves. An English centre forward should be tall, strong, good with his feet. I admire small strikers from abroad, but let's also recognise strength, power, height too.

REDKNAPP: Have you always played as a striker?

CARROLL: When I was 15, I had played as a striker and I was the only left-footed player in the team, so they put me left back. My contract was running down and I knew I was in trouble, so I had to knock on the door and ask them to play me up top. I scored a few goals. I've been there ever since.

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WEST HAM HAVE BID REJECTED FOR KEVIN MALCUIT
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadestHam

Right back has been a real problem position for West Ham for many years now but the club are trying to plug the gap. Last January, the Hammers shelled out £3.7m to bring Sam Byram in from Leeds and while the former England U21 international has impressed in spells, injuries have halted his progress. With a natural, long-term running mate at the position, Slaven Bilic has been forced back into the transfer market and launched a bit so sign Saint-Etienne's Kevin Malcuit but according to Le10Sport, Les Verts have rejected the offer. West Ham have been forced to play the likes of Michail Antonio, Havard Nordtveit and even Cheikhou Kouyate on the right side of defence this season after Byram suffered a severe hamstring injury which sidelined him from the beginning of October until the New Year. Malcuit is a 25-year-old French-born Moroccan defender who can also play on the left as well as his natural right back position. After coming through the ranks with Monaco but ultimately failing to make the grade, Malcuit spent time with Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël and then FC Niort in Ligue 2 before returning to the French top flight with Saint-Etienne in August 2015. Slaven Bilic could look at several new signings over the next two days following the sale of Dimitri Payet. Brentford's Scott Hogan remains a key target.

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Au revoir West Ham star Payet - from messiah to pariah
13:00 30 January 2017 Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Newham Recorder

Our West Ham Correspondent examines Dimitri Payet's time and legacy at the club

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet scores his side's first goal during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool.West Ham United's Dimitri Payet scores his side's first goal during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. From messiah to pariah in a few short weeks that proved the lasting legacy for Dimitri Payet as he returned from where he came in a £25million deal with Marseille.
West Ham fans don't forgive easily, just ask Frank Lampard, Jermain Defoe and Nigel Reo-Coker, but this latest parting of the ways seemed particularly hurtful. It was like being dumped by that girl you thought was the one, it was like after declaring your love, the object of your affection turned round and laughed at you. Perhaps he was out of West Ham's league. From the moment he arrived and scored those two goals in the friendly at little Southend United, he was a star. His skills were something we had not seen since the time of Paolo Di Canio, his free-kicks were like nothing since . . . well never.
We must not forget that we were privileged to see him live. When he scored those free-kicks at Manchester United and at home to Crystal Palace we couldn't quite believe it. Even this season we have been astounded by his goals. The free-kick to spare us extra time against Accrington Stanley, another free-kick at Liverpool and that quite remarkable dribble and goal against Middlesbrough.
But somehow all those golden moments, all those renditions of 'We've got Payet' have turned sour after the actions of the last couple of weeks. He hurt the fans, he hurt Slaven Bilic and he just didn't seem to understand. And so it is bon voyage and good riddance to the most talented player the club have had in two decades. He made 60 appearances, scored 15 goals as well as whole host of assists; his rabona cross for Michail Antonio was perhaps the best of all, although we all know how that game ended too! He cost just £10.7million, a bargain in anybody's book and full credit must go to Bilic for making him his top priority. West Ham United's Dimitri Payet after the Barclays Premier League match at Upton Park, London.West Ham United's Dimitri Payet after the Barclays Premier League match at Upton Park, London.
On his departure he made the club nearly £15m in profit, not bad for someone who will turn 30 in March. Co-owner David Sullivan could not hide his annoyance at the turn of events. "The club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham that the club and fans showed him, particularly when it rewarded him with a lucrative new five-year deal only last year," he said. "I would like to make it clear that we have no financial need to sell our best players and that the decision to allow Payet to leave was in accordance with the wishes of the manager and the interests of squad unity. "To be frank, my board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed, in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club."

That sort of stand is commendable, but not realistic in this day and age. It is the players that have the power and there was little point in keeping a player who no longer wants to play for you and who is draining the club in terms of wages for nothing in return.
Perhaps West Ham fans should be thankful that they saw him in his pomp, that he put the club on the map on an international scale.
It will be difficult to see past the manner of his departure, but nothing ever really goes smoothly at West Ham.

Au revoir. C'est la Vie!

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EXCLUSIVE: West Ham Hogan pursuit going down to the wire as clubs hit stalemate over fee
Brentford are holding out for £15 million for the striker but negotiations have stalled
COMMENTS
BYSAM INKERSOLE
11:33, 30 JAN 2017

West Ham and Brentford are still no closer to reaching an agreement over the protracted transfer of Scott Hogan with 36 hours remaining of the January transfer window. The Bees are holding out for £15m while the Hammers are not prepared to go over £12m - £10m of that upfront with £2m in add-ons. Club sources at both sides this morning (Monday) have told football.london that there has been no movement in the past 48 hours over any deal so it is looking increasingly likely it will go down to the 11 hour on transfer deadline day tomorrow (Tuesday) to get a deal over the line. The Hammers have been very public in their pursuit of the 14-goal Championship striker, who featured for the Bees for the first time in three weeks in the FA Cup reverse at Chelsea at the weekend, with Hogan getting 30 minutes of action from the bench.
Football.london has also learned that a move for Hogan could be scuppered if Hammers boss Slaven Bilic – who ultimately has the final say in any transfer – decides to keep on-loan front man Jonathan Calleri at the club for the rest of the season. A loan move for the Argentine striker to La Liga outfit Las Palmas has fallen through, with Bilic impressed with the 23-year-old in recent weeks, culminating in scoring his first goal in claret and blue in the 3-1 Premier League win away at Middlesbrough. Another striker linked with a move away from E20 is Ashley Fletcher, who is interesting Championship play-off chasing Leeds United. Should a deal for Hogan get done, that will likely see the 21-year-old head north to join Garry Monk's side.

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West Ham and Brentford agree £9m deal, but fail to agree additional payments for striker Scott Hogan
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: January 30, 2017
By Tommy Wathen

West Ham United and Brentford are still in discussions over whether striker Scott Hogan will be moving to the Premier League side before Tuesday's [January 31] deadline and it seems like it is only additional transfer clauses that they are arguing over.

It is understood that the two clubs have agreed an initial fee in the region of £9 million, but Brentford would rather £6 million extra to be paid in future payments rather than the £3 million currently being offered by Slaven Bilic's team.

The Hammers have already failed with several offers for the 24 year-old former Rochdale striker who has scored 14 goals in the EFL Championship so far this season, but a deal is getting closer.

According to online sources, the move is still likely to still happen before Tuesday's deadline as West Ham are in the market for additional support in attack now that star midfielder Dimitri Payet has left the club.

Bees manager Dean Smith has confirmed in a recent interview that he will shake Hogan's hand and wish him well if the striker decides to leave the club.

"When you are talking about the numbers in the Premier League in terms of wages I think it is going to turn any young man's head, but he has been good, he's trained every day, he's been OK around the training ground.

"If he did go, I would shake his hand because I can understand him harbouring ambitions to go and play in the Premier League with the sort of money that is on offer. I would wish him well."

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West Ham waste no time air-brushing Dimitri Payet from the club's branding at the London Stadium
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

West Ham have wasted no time in air-brushing Dimitri Payet out of the club's branding at their new London Stadium. The France international completed his £25m return to Marseille on Sunday evening after the club had threatened to pull the plug on the deal unless he returned his £500,000 salary for January. A giant mural of Payet alongside his number 27 and lines from a supporters' song about him — all of which have been guarded by security personnel since he refused to play again for West Ham — have now gone. In their place is a silhouette image of striker Andy Carroll scoring a spectacular volleyed goal against Crystal Palace recently, plus fans' tweeted reaction to the goal. A giant shirt bearing Payet's name and squad number, which is above the concourse inside the stadium, is also being replaced by a similar shirt, bearing the words "Claret and Blue Army", plus the No12, although it was not certain today whether this would be done before Wednesday's Premier League encounter against Manchester City.

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West Ham threatened to pull plug on Dimitri Payet's £25m Marseille deal unless he repaid £500,000 January salary
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

West Ham threatened to pull out of the £25million deal to sell Dimitri Payet to Marseille unless the player returned his £500,000 salary for January. Last night Payet completed his move back to the club from which he joined West Ham for £10.75million in the summer of 2015. But the London club were prepared to pull the plug on the deal if the France international had not given back his £125,000-a-week wages for the time he has effectively withdrawn his labour by refusing to play. A club source said Payet had "under protest" returned his salary for January and that it was considered a "deal breaker."

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, meanwhile, has confirmed that he was prepared to make an example of the player, following his decision to down tools after being initially refused a transfer back to Marseille. "The club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the club and fans showed him, particularly when it rewarded him with a lucrative new five-and-half-year deal only last year," said Sullivan in a club statement. "I would like to make it clear that we have no financial need to sell our best players and that the decision to allow Payet to leave was in accordance with the wishes of the manager and the interests of squad unity. To be frank, my board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club. "I am confident that with the quality of the players we have brought in during January already, the squad will be stronger at the end of this transfer window than it was at the start. We look forward to building on our recent good run of form as we focus on continuing our rise up the Premier League."

West Ham now look likely, following the Payet deal, to sign Brentford striker Scott Hogan for £12m before tomorrow's transfer deadline.

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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford emerges as loan target for Nottingham Forest ahead of transfer deadline day
Reece Oxford is wanted by Nottingham Forest on loan in the January window
Oxford is fit after recovering from an ankle injury and is in search of gametime
Forest have asked the Hammers about taking the defender on loan
The transfer window will close at 11pm GMT on Tuesday
By Sami Mokbel for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 11:01, 30 January 2017 | UPDATED: 11:08, 30 January 2017

Nottingham Forest want to take West Ham starlet Reece Oxford on loan before Tuesday's transfer deadline. The City Ground club are without a manager, but have still enquired about the youngster's availability. Oxford is fit again after recovering from an ankle injury and the Hammers are ready to let their highly-rated youngster leave on loan this month to ensure he gets regular first-team football ahead of next season. The 18-year-old emerged through the club's youth system to make his competitive debut at the age of 16 in a Europa League match in 2015. He has gone on to play 14 times for the Hammers, but has only featured twice this season. In December, Oxford signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium, keeping him with West Ham until the summer of 2021.

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Reece Oxford, Ashley Fletcher set to leave West Ham on loan - sources
ESPN

West Ham United's Reece Oxford and Ashley Fletcher are being lined up for loan moves to Nottingham Forest and Leeds respectively, sources close to the Hammers have told ESPN FC. Scottish giants Rangers have also asked about the possibility of bringing in Oxford, 18, who has made just two first-team appearances this season due to injury. West Ham are considering whether to send him out on loan and Forest are hopeful that he will go to the City Ground if they choose to do so. Striker Fletcher could also be allowed to leave on loan before Tuesday's deadline if the Hammers succeed in their attempts to land Scott Hogan from Brentford. The 21-year-old joined West Ham on a free transfer from Manchester United last summer but has made just three starts so far. Leeds boss Garry Monk tried to sign him before he went to West Ham and he sees him as a player who can boost his side's bid for promotion back to the Premier League.

Peter O'Rourke is ESPN FC's transfer news correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @SportsPeteO.

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AFCON 2017: West Ham United congratulate Andre Ayew for taking Ghana to semifinal
Published on: 30 January 2017

English Premier League side West Ham United have congratulated Ghana deputy captain Andre Ayew for taking the Black Stars to the semifinals of the ongoing AFCON. Andre Ayew's 78th minute expertly taken spot kicked shot Ghana into the semifinal with a 2-1 win over the Leopards of Congo DR. Andre's younger brother Jordan Ayew had shot Ghana up with an excellent strike in the 63rd minute but Mpoku equalized for the Congo DR side five minutes later. The West Ham United Man made no mistake in converting the ball into the net to get Ghana going when Christian Atsu was brought down. In a tweet on their official twitter handle, the Hammers congratulated the skipper of the day and wished him well in the semifinals.

Follow
West Ham United ? @WestHamUtd
Congratulations @AyewAndre! His goal takes @ghanafaofficial through to the Africa Cup of Nations semis! ????#COYI
9:55 PM - 29 Jan 2017
169 169 Retweets 470 470 likes

Ghana will play the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Thursday in a repeat of the 2008 semifinal in their quest to win their fifth AFCON trophy.

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Irons forward set to join Leeds United
By London Football News 30/01/2017
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Ashley Fletcher is expected to join Leeds United on loan from West Ham ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline. The 21-year-old has impressed since his move to east London from Manchester United but West Ham are keen for him to pick up more first-team experience.
A number of Championship clubs have expressed an interest in Fletcher and a move to Elland Road in the next 36 hours looks increasingly likely. West Ham are also looking to bring in a striker following the departure of Dimitri Payet, whose move back to Marseille has finally gone through. The Irons have been discussing a deal to sign Brentford striker Scott Hogan. West Ham are not the only London club likely to be busy ahead of the deadline. QPR look set for a busy day or so as well as Ian Holloway looks to improve his squad.

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West Ham board wanted to make an example of Dimitri Payet but selling him was in the 'interests of squad unity'
RICHARD PARRY
Evening Standard

West Ham co-chairman David Gold and David Sullivan insist they wanted Dimitri Payet to remain at the club to 'be made an example of' and that his sale was in the 'interests of squad unity' and Slaven Bilic's wish. The France international completed a £25million move to Marseille on Sunday night after finally forcing through a return to the continent having downed tools in East London. Initially the club stood firm in its stance that the player would not be sold, but following talks with his representatives it became increasingly clear that the club's relationship with the 29-year-old was untenable, and West Ham were reluctantly open for business.
The deal was finally ratified late on Sunday evening, with Payet due to be presented by the Ligue 1 side on Monday afternoon.
But the club's co-owners, Gold and Sullivan, are adamant that they would have preferred to keep Payet to prove that 'no player is bigger than the club'.

A statement from co-chairman David Sullivan read: "The Club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the Club and fans showed him, particularly when it rewarded him with a lucrative new five-and-half-year deal only last year. "I would like to make it clear that we have no financial need to sell our best players and that the decision to allow Payet to leave was in accordance with the wishes of the manager and the interests of squad unity. "To be frank, my Board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club."

Meanwhile, fellow co-chairman David Gold tweeted: "We genuinely didn't want to sell DP and hoped to resolve his issues but slowly things got worse culminating with him refusing to play. Dg"

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How Dimitri Payet's petulance got him a move back to Marseille
by STAFF WRITERS WITH AFP
Source: FOX SPORTS

$42 million. That's 'all' West Ham will get for Dimitri Payet. The former Hammer and Griezmann were France's two standout players at Euro 2016 but there's a stark difference in how they've been valued. Payet's £25 million sale back to Marseille means West Ham only earn £15m more than what they paid the French club for his signature in 2015, while his international teammate has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid worth around $150 million (£90m). In July West Ham co-chairman David Gold said the club wouldn't listen to offers less than £50m, especially as he had signed a new £125,000 a week five-and-a-half-year contract in February. However the talented attacker's petulance on and off the field got him exactly what he wanted (a return to his former club), and now his transfer figure is dwarfed by other big-name, big-money but consequently underwhelming January swoops.

Chelsea bought Fernando Torres for £50m from Liverpool in 2011 but the Spaniard never found his feet at Stamford Bridge. Days after selling Torres, the Reds spent £35m to bring Andy Carroll to Anfield, and his stint turned out to be just as disappointing. Manchester City signed Wilfried Bony from Swansea for £25 million in 2015 but after failing to make an impact he's now at Stoke, while Juan Cuadrado is on loan at Juventus until 2019 despite Chelsea paying Udinese £26m for the winger in 2015. These January transfers all make the £25 million figure for Payet, who was one of the Premier League's best players last season, sounds unbelievably low.

So what changed?

According to Gold, the transfer had nothing to do with money but rather offloading a player who was doing a disservice to the club.
The 29-year-old, who starred with 12 goals last season, had effectively gone on strike at the beginning of the month. Payet stunned West Ham boss Slaven Bilic earlier this month when he said he would not play for the club again and his and his wife's priority was a return to France and his former club. Payet had been demoted to train with the Under-23 side as he was frozen out by Bilic and his teammates after his refusal to play. He was erased from their WhatsApp team conversations and excluded from team dinners and had also attracted the ire of the fans. His photograph outside the ground had to be guarded by a steward at home matches and the fans normal laudatory chant of him was replaced by more abusive terms. Gold says he wanted Payet to stay to make an example, but ultimately the player's "commitment and respect" wasn't in line with that of the club or its fans. "The Club would like to place on record its sincere disappointment that Dimitri Payet did not show the same commitment and respect to West Ham United that the Club and fans showed him," Sullivan said in a statement. "To be frank, my Board and I would have preferred for him to have stayed in order to make an example of him, as no player is bigger than the club." But in the end Payet got exactly what he wanted - a return to Marseille. Saido Berahino did the same thing. The 23-year-old striker recently moved to Stoke after a "very hard" stint at West Brom where he hadn't played since September.

Berahino had attracted interest from Tottenham after scoring 20 goals in 45 appearances in 2014-15, but reacted angrily when his club turned down a Spurs bid on Deadline Day in summer 2015. Two months later he tweeted he would never play again for the Baggies while then-chairman Jeremy Pearce was at the helm. "They rejected bids [from Spurs] and that was the end of it," said Berahino. "No-one ever sat me down and told me, 'the reason we are not selling you is because of X,Y,Z.' "They just left it and I carried on doing what I was doing."

Manager Tony Pulis revealed he hadn't played the striker since September due to his lack of fitness, but the club still offered him a new deal for the third time in December. However, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the 2016-17 season, the striker moved to Stoke. "I just thank Stoke for having so much faith in me, for coming window after window, wanting to sign me," he said. But he added: "Of course I have got some regrets - obviously I could have handled it much better. You live and learn, I guess.
"I take all my actions, all the wrong things that I did, and, as I've said before, the West Brom fans deserve an apology from me for the way I've gone on."

But will Payet apologise to the Hammers in the same manner? For now it seems he's too preoccupied with his homecoming. "We're going home," Payet tweeted alongside a photo of a small private plane with its door open.

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