Preview - Manchester City
WHUFC.com
When and where?
West Ham United v Manchester City
Emirates FA Cup third round
Friday 6 January 2017, 7.55pm GMT
London Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United host Emirates FA Cup football at London Stadium for the first time on Friday night when Manchester City come to town.
It is a meeting of two teams with a proud Cup tradition – as they have lifted the famous trophy eight times between them.
The Hammers have three of those FA Cup wins to their name – in 1964, 1975 and 1980, while City's last triumph came in 2011.
Manchester City are under Pep Guardiola's management this season, after the Spaniard left Bayern Munich last summer to move to England.
He appeared to arrive with the midas touch, as City won all of their first ten competitive matches under his stewardship. However, their form has not held up so well since and they currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Chelsea.
Since losing 4-2 to Leicester in early December, however, they have won four of their last five to set them up for the start of their Cup campaign.
West Ham, meanwhile, were unfortunate to lose their two New Year's fixtures – 1-0 and 2-0 to Leicester and Manchester United respectively.
Slaven Bilic's men are in 13th, with 22 points from their 20 games to date.
Team news
West Ham United have Sofiane Feghouli available for the visit of City, after his ban for a sending off against Manchester United was overturned.
Andre Ayew and Cheikhou Kouyate are unavailable after linking up with Ghana and Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Diafra Sakho, Arthur Masuaku, Alvaro Arbeloa and James Collins are all out injured.
Fernandinho is suspended for Manchester City after an appeal of their own was rejected by the FA this week.
Defender Vincent Kompany is also out.
Player head-to-head
Head-to-head
Any links between the two?
The Hammers have already met Manchester City in the league tbis season, with Guardiola's team managing a 3-1 victory at Etihad Stadium in August.
In the last meeting in London, West Ham and City played out a 2-2 Boleyn Ground draw. Enner Valencia was on target twice for the Hammers, while Sergio Aguero replied with a brace too.
How do I get to the game?
Click here for everything you need to know on London Stadium.
Once again, walking routes to the Stadium will be affected by Gas Works. Click here for full info.
Supporters should note that this game is all-ticket and paper tickets will be used to enter the Stadium. Click here for more info.
Click here for the latest news on the Tubes, London Overground and TfL Rail services, and the roads.
Click here for the latest news on National Rail services.
How can I watch the game?
The match is being broadcast live in the UK on BBC One. You can also follow all the action as it happens on the whufc.com Match Centre, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Join the conversation on social using #WHUMCI
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Bilic - We are dreaming about trophies
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic wants to bring silverware back to West Ham United
The Hammers boss plans to name a strong line-up in Friday's Emirates FA Cup third-round tie
The manager feels his side are good enough to beat Manchester City at London Stadium
Slaven Bilic says he would love to bring silverware back to West Ham and plans to name a strong team for the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City on Friday night. Despite the Hammers facing two games in three days against Leicester and Manchester United last weekend, Bilic feels his players have had enough time to recuperate and is hoping to record another big cup victory at London Stadium. The Hammers have not been handed the easiest of knockout draws this season following the recent EFL Cup ties against Chelsea and Manchester United, but the boss feels his players have the quality to compete against the big teams.
Bilic has always a big fan of the FA Cup and knows what it would mean to the supporters if the team could reach another major final at Wembley.Bilic said: "The Premier League is the priority, but we are also dreaming about trophies. "It is definitely more likely we are closer to a trophy in the cups than the league, like most of the clubs. It is a big ambition for us. We have a very difficult draw.
"We had tough ones in the EFL Cup with Chelsea and Manchester United. Manchester City will approach this cup very seriously but we are positive because our form is good now."
The manager confirmed he will make a few changes to the team following the disappointing home defeat against Manchester United, but still plans to name a strong starting line-up good enough to beat Pep Guardiola's side. Bilic added: "There was more rotation with the game with United because we had two games in three games, now there is a gap. "I am not saying there won't be changes, but from Monday to Friday there is a normal gap and we then have a game next Saturday against Palace. "Considering we are playing in the FA Cup, where we have big ambitions, we play at home against Manchester City, a big club, so we play a very strong side."
A limited number of tickets remain available for Friday's 7.55pm and can be bought via the Ticket Exchange.
For those unable to make it to east London in person, the tie will be screened live on BBC 1.
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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at the game against Manchester United...
What began as a potentially thrilling clash between West Ham and Manchester United was spoiled within the opening fifteen minutes due to the most appalling refereeing decision of the season. The back pages were littered with news of the outrageous sending off and offside goal to seal the away win, and it is another week where poor decisions are more prominent than what happened on the pitch.
Slaven Bilic's men looked good value in the opening exchanges, pushing forward and keeping United from entering the home penalty area. But the game changing decision came when Sofiane Feghouli and Phil Jones both went in for a 50/50 challenge, clattering into each other as the ball was knocked away.
The West Ham man got back up but Jones stayed down, appearing to have been badly hurt, and Mike Dean showed the man in Claret and Blue the red card. A yellow card would have been harsh considering that the tackle was low, with studs down and no excessive force.
It is easy to say not to dwell on the decision, but it completely changed the game, forcing Michail Antonio out wide and leaving us with no out and out striker. Regardless, we pushed on, and did ourselves proud being a man down. Manual Lanzini came close from distance but saw David de Gea push his effort round the post.
Darren Randolph made a fine save of his own, stopping the ball on the goalline after it bounced back off the post, falling to Jesse Lingard just a few yards out. After the break, Juan Mata came on with Marcus Rashford and the duo combined well for the opener. Rashford moved down out left, where Feghouli would have been, and pulled it back for Mata to fire home.
A 1-0 loss would have been tough to take, but the goal hurt even more as Antonio missed the chance to put us ahead with a one-on-one just sixty seconds earlier. Zlatan Ibrahimovic then wrapped up all three points, scoring from an offside position when our defence pushed up fantastically.
At the end of the day, no amount of complaining will change the result and Feghouli's sending off was rescinded. But it is difficult to accept the fact that a poor refereeing decision just 15 minutes in, spoiled what could have been a fantastic, even game of football.
Slaven Bilic's men did superbly well considering, and should go into the next game against Manchester City in the FA Cup with plenty of confidence.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
The Insider returns with the latest news on speculation surrounding West Ham United - in association with TransferMate...
Happy New Year everyone,
The January transfer window is now open and, as has been the case with seemingly every previous window in recent memory, West Ham United are being linked to player after player. With a number of first-team players injured and two more heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations in Andre Ayew and Cheikhou Kouyate, the Board and the manager have made no secret of their desire to strengthen the squad this month.
The recent run of wins in the Premier League has given the team some breathing space between themselves and the bottom three, as well as some welcome confidence, but I am told the Club's ambitions are to finish in the top ten as a minimum. My understanding is that the Board are committed to giving the Club the best-possible chance of achieving that target, and have allocated significant funds to bolstering the squad.
To that end, a bid of £20m – a figure close to the Club's all-time transfer record – was submitted for a player from Scotland. Meanwhile, an £8m bid was made for a player who currently plies his trade in the Championship, and a £6m bid for a current Premier League player.
It is my understanding that the Club understand that January is a difficult time to buy and sell players, as many other clubs are reluctant to do business in what is a very competitive market. That said, it is my further understanding that the Board will do their best to bring their selected targets to London Stadium, if at all possible.
With all of the above in mind, it should be remembered that transfers are very complicated business deals involving a number of hurdles which need to be overcome before the final contracts are signed. There has also been some speculation about Michail Antonio leaving this month for one of the Premier League's top six, but my understanding is that the Club will not sell their leading goalscorer.
Antonio signed a new contract last summer and will be offered an improved deal at the end of the season if the outstanding form he has shown in the first half of this season continues.
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
We are preparing for one of the biggest weekends in the football calendar – the Emirates FA Cup Third Round and I am looking forward to another big night under the lights at London Stadium when we host Manchester City.
Every general admission ticket has been sold and this is a wonderful achievement for a TV game on a Friday night. I want to thank all the supporters for attending.
We were determined to lower the prices and having our kids for a quid pricing strategy showed our ongoing commitment to affordable family football.
After reaching the quarter-final stage of the competition last season I know how disappointed Slaven and the players felt that they were unable to reach Wembley and we would love to make amends for that.
Having played Chelsea and Manchester United in the EFL Cup earlier in the season, we are certainly not getting the kindest of draws.
But we do not fear anyone in the top flight and having recorded a memorable double over Manchester City last season, I am hoping to see another famous victory on Friday night.
We have most of our key players back from injury and on our day we are good enough to beat any team.
Slaven showed last season what this competition means to him and he understands the history of the FA Cup.
He will have to make some changes as two of our players have now departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, but on a positive note it was great to see Pedro Obiang back in the team and he had another outstanding display against Manchester United in the last game.
I have been a big fan of Pedro since the day he arrived at the club and he is proving to be a fantastic signing. He is a terrific athlete and I would now love to see him get on the scoresheet.
Slaven and the players will be keen to get back to winning ways following the disappointing home defeat on Monday.
The game was of course severely affected by the early dismissal of Sofiane Feghouli and everybody could see it was not a sending off. Thankfully the decision has been overturned and he will be available for the City game.
I don't blame the referees as they are under so much pressure and face the most difficult job in football. But I strongly believe that the introduction of video technology would avoid a situation like this occurring and it would help our top officials make the right decision.
We could have gone on to win if Sofiane had stayed on the pitch, but I thought the players still produced an amazing display against the odds.
I hope we can have more luck on Friday and we can enjoy another magical night under the lights.
Enjoy the game.
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Bilic - Guardiola will always have a strong philosophy
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic is relishing the chance to come up against Pep Guardiola and has no doubts the Spanish coach will stick to his principles as he looks to win major silverware once again this season.
Guardiola has a proven track record as a manager following his memorable spell in charge of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
With six league titles and two Champions League winners' medals to name among a host of other trophies, there is no question that the 45-year-old coach enjoys winning at the highest level and he will look forward to the world famous FA Cup for the first time this season.
Guardiola started the season in electric fashion winning his opening ten games, but his side then suffered a dip in form and they have come under fire in recent weeks despite winning four of their last five league games.
Bilic has no doubts that the City manager will get things right and is expecting another tough encounter when the two teams meet at London Stadium on Friday night.
Bilic said: "He knew the intensity of the English league, he was well prepared for a difficult season. He didn't expect anything less that he is getting or has faced so far.
"He believes so strongly in the way he wants his teams to play football and he doesn't want to change it because at the moment it doesn't look so fluent on the pitch.
"He knew it would be hard. He was prepared for the Premier League, it goes for all the big men.
"They had a brilliant start to the season and then they slowed down a little bit. All the big teams hit form like Chelsea. This is a big game for us and big game for them, it is the FA Cup and it is big for the spectators and the fans.
"They will put out a very strong team because it is a big chance for them to get a trophy. Maybe after the great start they made, maybe some fans, pundits or football people expected them to cruise in the league, especially with Guardiola, especially after that start.
"But it is never easy in any league, especially here. They are not struggling but for their standards, to be seven points from the top is probably not what they expected. But in the beginning, they said they had a long term plan with Guardiola."
BilicThe Hammers manager was asked once again about potential moves for new signings in the January transfer window, but he refused to single out individuals and said if the right player becomes available the Club will look to some business in the January transfer window.
Bilic added: "We have a couple of positions that I discussed with the chairman but I believe in this squad that we have. That is my squad, a squad with enough quality, strength and character to finish the season good.
"Of course, always extra quality would be good to add to the team. In the league it is very likely we will miss some players in these 20 games through injury or suspension. But the core of the squad is really good and I believe in them."
One player who looks set to be leaving the Hammers is Simone Zaza.
Bilic has no doubts that the Italy international has the quality to compete at the highest level and feels he needed more time to showcase his talents in the Premier League following his move from Juventus last summer.
"He is definitely a good player and we had a big expectation of him but it wasn't to be because of the clause in his contract.
"With many players, they need a few months or even a year to adjust to the Premier League.
"Unfortunately he came in at a time when the team didn't play good. After the first international break, when we played those few games, against Watford at home and West Brom, unfortunately we had to judge him on six, seven, eight games which is not a big pattern to judge a player in general.
"He is definitely a good player but like many times in football, it just didn't happen."
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Pedro's Pep-talk ahead of City clash
WHUFC.om
Pedro Obiang has always been a big admirer of Pep Guardiola but he would love the chance to put one over his Spanish compatriot on Friday and play his first ever game at Wembley this season.
The Hammers midfielder is relishing the chance to come up against Guardiola's Manchester City side in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie and feels his team-mates will want to put on a show in front of the televised cameras at London Stadium.
Obiang grew up watching the famous Barcelona side that Pep put together and feels he will be a fantastic addition to the Premier League.
But the 24-year-old is determined to have a good run in the FA Cup and after visiting Wembley earlier in the season, he would love to help his team go all the way in the competition and bring some silverware back to the east London Club.
Obiang said: "I followed Pep when he played for Barcelona and then he played in Italy. It is easy to follow him because he is such a big manager and everyone knows about him.
"He lives and eats football! I am happy that he is a Spanish manager and I was pleased to see him come into the Premier League because he did such a good job managing in Spain and Germany.
"I have never played against him before and when I played against Barcelona he was manager of Bayern Munich.
"I went to Wembley to watch the recent friendly between England and Spain and thought it was amazing there.
"I would love to play there and hopefully this season could be the year we get to the final!
"This is the only cup competition we are left in and we want to play a good game on Friday. We seem to play well against the big teams and last season we had a lot of difficult games but we managed to reach the quarter-finals.
"I think we are a lot better this season and now we are trying to change something. If we play well in this game I think we could go on to win the cup."
Obiang has been quietly going about his business at the heart of the West Ham midfield, but he has been one of the star performers this season.
With Cheikhou Kouyate departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, Obiang knows there will be even more responsibility on his shoulders, but he welcomes the pressure and says it would be a dream way for him to start 2017 if he can finally score his first goal for the Club.
Obiang added; "At the moment I need to continue this kind of form and I want to get even better. I need to score my first goal for West Ham because that it is important for any player.
"I have come close but that is not good enough! I want to get on the scoresheet. Once I score my first goal hopefully I can score a lot more.
"I don't feel any more pressure with Cheikhou going away, but maybe I am lucky that I will get the chance to play. Last season I was on the bench and I needed to be ready every time I was called upon. Now I have my chance and I want to make the most of it.
"You need to feel confident when you are playing. It is not easy when you are not in the side, but when you are playing everything changes and you feel the confidence.
"I set the bar quite high and this is good for the mentality and all the players need this.
"When Cheikhou comes back he will make the team even stronger, but now we have to cope without him. It was the same last season when Manuel Lanzini was missing through injury and we needed to be stronger together and continue in the league."
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West Ham United v Manchester City
FRI, 06 JAN 2017FA CUP - THIRD ROUND
19:55
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
How to follow:
Live on BBC One, BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website
TEAM NEWS
Sofiane Feghouli is available for West Ham after winning an appeal against his sending off versus Manchester United.
Fellow midfielder Mark Noble may return after suffering a knock at Leicester, but Cheikhou Kouyate and Andre Ayew are away on international duty.
Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho begins a four-game ban after failing to overturn his red card against Burnley.
Ilkay Gundogan, Vincent Kompany and Leroy Sane are injured and Fernando could miss out because of a knock.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "1964, 1975 and 1980. West Ham's FA Cup-winning years remain the club's finest achievements* and bring misty-eyed memories to those old enough to remember.
"All before Slaven Bilic - but as someone whose Hammers association began 21 years ago this week, he understands the competition's importance to the club.
"City boast five FA Cup triumphs, with their latest in 2011 proving the catalyst for their Premier League title win the following year.
"Moreover, Pep Guardiola showed how much he values success in the knockout competitions by consistently selecting strong sides in leading Bayern Munich to victory in the German Cup twice.
"Both are in it to win it. Only one can. Magic."
*NB: Yes, the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965 was special but they couldn't have won it without the FA Cup!
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "They [City] had a brilliant start to the season and then they slowed down a little bit.
"This is a big game for us and big game for them, it is the FA Cup and it is big for the fans.
"They will put out a very strong team because it is a big chance for them to get a trophy. Maybe after the great start they made, maybe some fans, pundits or football people expected them to cruise in the league, especially with [Pep] Guardiola, especially after that start.
"But it is never easy in any league, especially here. They are not struggling but, for their standards, to be seven points from the top is probably not what they expected."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "I am not going to be training when I am 60 years old. But guys, I am 45! I am not going to retire in two or three years.
"I love my job and am in the perfect place to do my job, especially here in England... maybe it was inappropriate to say I am starting to say goodbye to my career, but I know what I am thinking about when I am going to retire.
"When I said compare history and titles with United and Liverpool, Barcelona and Madrid, that kind of club, we are behind. If people don't understand that, I am sorry. In terms of just titles, we are behind other clubs in the last 20 years.
"In the last five or six years Manchester City have been the best club. They are the club who have achieved the most. In terms of targets of getting better, of growing, of achieving the most, they are the best in the world, by far."
Mark Noble
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won only two of their last 15 league and cup games against Manchester City (D3, L10).
The last time the Hammers beat City in the FA Cup was in 2006 - when they went on to reach the final. They won 2-1 in a quarter-final at the Etihad thanks to a Dean Ashton brace.
The sides have only been paired together in the FA Cup three times before. West Ham claimed 2-1 away wins in 1998 and 2006, while City beat them 1-0 in a replay at the Etihad Stadium in 2008.
West Ham United
The Hammers have only lost one of their previous eight FA Cup games on home turf - that defeat coming against Manchester United last season.
The last time they lost a game at home in the FA Cup third round was in 2010 - a 2-1 defeat by Arsenal.
The Irons are three-time FA Cup winners (1964, 1975, 1980) and were runners-up in 1923 and 2006.
Dimitri Payet has had a hand in five goals in six appearances for the Hammers in this competition (three goals and two assists).
Manchester City
City's 5-1 loss at Chelsea in the fifth round last season was their heaviest defeat in the FA Cup since 1960, when they lost by the same scoreline against Southampton.
They have progressed past the third round in six of the last seven seasons - the only exception being their defeat to Manchester United in 2012.
This is the fourth time in a row City have been drawn away against Premier League opposition in the FA Cup (they travelled to Norwich, Aston Villa and Chelsea last season).
City won the trophy for the fifth time when they beat Stoke in 2011. They have been runners-up on five occasions - most recently against Wigan in 2013.
Sergio Aguero needs one goal to become the third highest scorer in City's history. He is tied with Colin Bell on 153 goals. Only Tommy Johnson (166) and Eric Brook (178) have more.
Khelechi Iheanacho has four goals and one assist in his three previous FA Cup appearances.
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MY OPINIONS ON THE TRANSFER WINDOW BY AARON LEE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 JANUARY 2017 AT 8:56PM
The WestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by 6_aaronlee
A little bit about me to start off with, I've been a season ticket holder for 17 years. I sat in the east stand upper at the Boleyn ground and now I sit in the east stand lower block 139 at the London Stadium. I was born and raised a stones throw away from the ground under the shadows of the magical lights of the Boleyn that we all loved so much. My Grandad took me to my first ever West Ham game when I was 18 months old and from that point on, I fell in love with our special club. My great Grandad had a hand in setting up the West Ham supporters club so West Ham has always been a big part of my family like I'm sure it has with many others…anyway enough about me and on to more important things.
The January transfer has officially opened which means we will be linked with anyone with two legs who can kick a football. I think the key areas for us that need addressing as I'm sure you all know are right back and a striker. I would also like to see us bring in a ball playing midfielder who can spread the play quickly from deep to our wide players and full backs. The problem in January is not many clubs will want to sell their in-form players and the fee will be inflated massively as the window is so short and clubs will be looking to replace players who could potentially leave.
In terms of right backs, I see we have been linked with the returns of Glenn Johnson and Carl Jenkinson.I thought Jenkinson was great in his first season with the club, but unfortunately things didn't work out so well on his return. A loss of confidence and a serious injury seems to have stopped him from building on his first season at West Ham. Glenn Johnson would be the cheaper option in terms of transfer fee's due to his contract expiring at the end of the season although Stoke do have the option for a further year should they wish to activate it. If we did manage to bring back Johnson, I think his return could be a benefit to Sam Byram who I still think could become a great player for us in the future. Another player is Kieran Trippier who would be my first choice but it would not be easy to get him from Spurs because let's be honest we all know how difficult they can be to do business with.
Now on to the position that West Ham fans have been calling out for to be addressed the most: a striker. We have been linked with Scott Hogan of Brentford who I have seen quite a few times. I like Hogan he works hard, pesters defenders and he has a very good goal scoring record at Brentford. Britt Assombalonga of Nottingham Forest is another player we have been linked with in the past, he returned the back end of last season from a serious injury but I think he could make the step up to the Premier League. He also worked well with our current top scorer Michail Antonio in their time together at Forest. I think Assombalonga is in a similar stature to Marlon Harewood who was the last striker to score over 12 goals for us in the Premier League. We also have an interest in bringing Daniel Sturridge and Michy Batshuayi in on loan. Personally I'd be pleased with either of these if we could manage to get a deal done. There are questions about Sturridge being able to stay fit but no one can take away from him that he has goals in him and could be great for us. There is also one more player linked with us that's Jermain Defoe I'm not sure how many of you remember Defoe as he departed the club quietly without much fuss (that was a joke by the way 😉). You know you will get goals with Defoe. It is a transfer that has split the supporters also at the age of 34 he hasn't got many years ahead of him and Sunderland would be hoping for a big fee for a player who is their biggest chance of survival. No doubt he would be on a high wage at Sunderland and would command a similar wage to return. Personally I'm on the fence with this transfer taking in to account all these factors but we need a goal scorer and that is something which Defoe has specialised in through out his career.
Fingers crossed we have a happy transfer window and we can bring in the quality we have lacked at times this season and we are able to kick on in the second half of the season.
Happy new year to all
Come On You Irons
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WEST HAM LODGE £20M BID FOR CELTIC STRIKER MOUSSA DEMBELE
BY 337HAMMER ON 5 JANUARY 2017 AT 4:39PM
TheWestHamWay.o.uk
The 20-year-old French youth international only arrived at Parkhead in June, signing a four year contract after interest from a host of top European clubs, but has proven himself to be a top performer in the Champions League, where he scored twice against Manchester City.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said that he does not intend to lose Dembele in January, though he acknowledges the Scottish champions will not be able to keep hold of their star striker indefinitely.
"It won't be January for Moussa," Rodgers said. "You know at Celtic that if you get a really talented player, then the cycle at best is a couple of years, like Victor Wanyama, Virgil van Dijk and Ki Sung-yueng.
"If they have that quality, then it's a great platform for them to demonstrate that and then they know there's a better financial situation down south."
However a bid of £20m may well test Rodgers' resolve and shows the esteem in which Dembele is held by West Ham, against whom the youngster made his Premier League debut in 2013. The fee would nearly match the Hammers' club record, which they paid to bring Andre Ayew from Swansea last summer. www.standard.co.uk
So that is 3 bids made for 3 strikers in the first few days of the transfer window. Seems we are after a striker then 😉
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Jenas: Defoe would rather be at West Ham than Sunderland
BBC.co.uk
Jermaine Jenas says former team-mate Jermain Defoe would 'undo all of the good work' he's done at Sunderland if he were to leave the club in the current transfer window, but admits the striker would 'probably rather be back in London'. Defoe has been linked with a move away from Wearside this month, and his club rejected a £6m offer from his former side West Ham. The pair played together for Tottenham Hotspur and England, and Jenas thinks the Irons are a more attractive proposition for the p layer. "You look at who's progressing more as a club, you'd say West Ham. I'm pretty sure he'd rather probably be back in London and being a part of what West Ham are trying to do", he said. This clip first appeared on 5 live Sport on Wednesday 4th January 2016.
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Zaza story over, confirms Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Simone Zaza is unlikely to ever feature for West Ham again. The on-loan Italian international managed just eight games in a claret and blue shirt without scoring a single goal and has been told he can find another club immediately, despite being contracted to West Ham until the end of the season. However Bilic refused to criticise the out-of-luck striker, who he insisted that, given time, could have been a success in the Premier League. "Zaza came to West Ham as we wanted him and he wanted to come," said Bilic, is response to quotes from Zaza's agent father who claimed that his son wanted to remain in Italy last summer.
"Maybe his wish was to stay in Italy or whatever, but because of his contract I can say that his story with West Ham is finished.
"He's still our player until the moment he goes somewhere else, but mainly because of the situation with his contract that's it with West Ham, basically. "Those kind of things happen in football. He's definitely a good player and we had big expectations for him but it just wasn't to be. The story with Zaza and West Ham is basically over. "Because of the contract situation it had top happen straight away [for him] with a big impact. Other players need a year to adjust to the Premier League; unfortunately he came in at the time when we weren't playing well at the beginnning of the season. "Unfortunately we had to judge him on six, seven, eight games which is not a big pattern to judge a player in general. What I'm trying to say is that he's definitely a good player but like sometimes happens in football, it just didn't happen for him or for us."
Bilic also revealed that despite stories linking fellow striker Jonathan Calleri with a move to Las Palmas in La Liga, he may yet have a part to play in the second half of the current campaign. "I wouldn't say that Calleri has necessarily played his last game for us," he stated. "Calleri has a different contract. Both of the players are on loan for one season but with Calleri, there aren't any conditions in the loan so it's different."
However he did refute suggestions that Enner Valencia could be recalled from his season-long loan at Everton. "Valencia? No. We didn't think about it," said Bilic.
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West Ham launch £20m striker bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have lodged a bid worth £20million with Scottish Premiership front-runners Celtic for Moussa Dembele.
The French forward - not to be confused with Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele - has been in sensational form at Parkhead since moving from Fulham on a free transfer last summer and is understood to be the target of the eight-figure bid by the Hammers, who are desperately seeking additional firepower.
However the Hammers are up against some serious competition for the 20-year-old's signature, with Manchester City just one of several fellow top-tier clubs said to be actively monitoring his progress.
Dembele, who has represented his country at all levels from Under 16 to Under 21, began his career with local junior club US Cergy Clos berfore joining Paris St Germain in 2004 when he was just eight years old.
At the age of 16 he left France to join then Premiership-sdide Fulham, for whom he made his first team debut in a 3-0 defeat against West Ham at the Boleyn Ground in November 2013.
After racking up 64 appearances and scoring 19 goals for the south west London side, Dembele moved to Parkhead on a free transfer last June having failed to agree terms with Fulham.
Since then, he has scored 19 times in just 36 appearances - including a hat-trick against fierce rivals Rangers back in September.
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New deal for Antonio
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th January 2017
By: Staff Writer
Michail Antonio is set to be offered a new contract at the end of the season in order to keep him at West Ham.
Should he continue his excellent form of 2016, the flying winger - who was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this week - is set to be offered a second new contract inside 12 months according to an article on the club's website.
"There has been some speculation about Michail Antonio leaving this month for one of the Premier League's top six, but my understanding is that the Club will not sell their leading goalscorer," said whufc.com.
"Antonio signed a new contract last summer and will be offered an improved deal at the end of the season if the outstanding form he has shown in the first half of this season continues."
The former Nottingham Forest man has scored eight goals for the Hammers already during the current campaign, to add to the nine he grabbed in his first season at the club.
He signed a new deal at the start of the season after being informed by Slaven Bilic that he would be employed in various roles when required.
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West Ham v Man City preview: Sofiane Feghouli avaliable but Fernandinho suspended
Last Updated: 05/01/17 2:56pm
SSN
Sofiane Feghouli will be available as West Ham welcome Man City in the FA Cup on Friday evening, but the visitors will be without Fernandinho. The Hammers forward had his red card from Monday's clash with Manchester United rescinded by the FA and will be available for selection. However, Fernandinho's sending off earlier that day stands and after being sent off against Chelsea at the start of December, it has been extended to four domestic fixtures, including the cup trip to the London Stadium. It will also be Pep Guardiola's first taste of FA Cup football, and the Catalan confessed he was looking forward to enjoying the "magic of the cup". "In the Bundesliga, the cup tradition is special. What I hear here is that the cup is special because the low teams can beat the big teams - that's why it's fascinating. I'm looking forward to it," he said.
The Hammers reached the quarter-finals of last season's competition, but were knocked out to eventual champions Manchester United after a replay.
Team news
West Ham duo Cheikhou Kouyate and Andre Ayew have left for Africa Nations Cup duty while Diafra Sakho, James Collins, Arthur Masuaku, Alvaro Arbeloa and Gokhan Tore are still injured. However, defenders Sam Byram and Reece Oxford are back in training following spells out and are in contention for places in the squad.
City captain Vincent Kompany is back in training, but the trip to London will come too soon as Guardiola confirmed he would not be available for selection.
The manager also said it would be unlikely for him to rotate his squad too much given the calibre of their Premier League opposition, but could bring in Willy Caballero for Claudio Bravo between the sticks.
Match stats
These two sides have not met in the FA Cup since a third-round clash in 2008, with City eventually winning 1-0 in a replay at the Etihad.
City have only lost two of the last 15 games in all competitions against the Hammers (W10 D3), although they've failed to win their last two away games against them (D1 L1).
West Ham have lost only one of their last eight FA Cup games at home (W5 D2), however that game was a quarter-final replay against Manchester United last season.
The Citizens have progressed past the third round in six of their last seven seasons, losing out to United in 2012.
Dimitri Payet has had a hand in five goals in six appearances for the Hammers in this competition (three goals, two assists).
Kelechi Iheanacho has appeared three times for Manchester City in the FA Cup, scoring four goals and assisting another.
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No West Ham offer for Celtic forward Moussa Dembele
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 05/01/17 9:50pm
SSN
West Ham have not made a £20m bid for Celtic striker Moussa Dembele, according to Sky sources. A senior source at the club says reports of an offer for the striker are wrong and inaccurate. The 20-year-old Dembele joined Celtic in the summer on a four-year deal and has made a very positive impression, scoring 19 goals for the Hoops. West Ham are definitely in the market for a striker, and have had a £6m offer rejected for Sunderland's Jermain Defoe. The Hammers are also interested in Brentford forward Scott Hogan, but have had a bid of £10m turned down.
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West Ham keen on signing Stoke defender Glen Johnson, Sky sources understand
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 05/01/17 12:37pm
SSN
West Ham are interested in signing Stoke City defender Glen Johnson, Sky sources understand. The 32-year-old began his career with the Hammers before joining Chelsea in a £6m deal in July 2003, winning the Premier League and League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. A permanent move to Portsmouth followed in 2007 and with it, FA Cup glory before he joined Liverpool for £18m less than two years later, where he was again part of a League Cup-winning team. Stoke then signed him on a free transfer 18 months ago and he has been a consistent performer in his time at the club, making 42 appearances for Mark Hughes' side. Johnson was a regular starter for Stoke last season until he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on February 13 2016. Despite West Ham's interest, Stoke are understood to be reluctant to let the former England international leave the Bet365 Stadium and could now face a battle with their Premier League rivals to keep hold of the right-back.
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Slaven Bilic praises Jermain Defoe and Scott Hogan
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 05/01/17 11:43am
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic talks about Sunderland's Jermain Defoe and Brentford's Scott Hogan after bidding for both players
Slaven Bilic has praised the ability of Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe and confirmed he is an admirer of Brentford's Scott Hogan.
The Hammers have had a £6m bid for Defoe rejected by the struggling Black Cats, and a £10m bid for Hogan has been knocked back by Championship side Brentford, according to Sky sources. The West Ham boss also confirmed that Italian striker Simone Zaza will not play for the club again, with the Hammers unwilling to activate the clause in his contract which dictates they must buy him permanently from Juventus after he has played a certain amount of games. "We are not going to discuss the players that are not ours at the moment," Bilic said. "The chairman is trying really hard to get some players, in a position that we need. But I am not going to talk about names here in public."
He did, however, expand on Defoe and Hogan. On the Sunderland striker, Bilic said: "I said last time that he does the things that are the most important in football; score goals. "He did that last year and he was probably the main reason Sunderland stayed up. He is doing it again this season, but he is also making chances and making them into goals."
Hogan, 24, has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances this season and Bilic said: "Scott is a good player. I watched him a few times.
"He is, again, scoring goals. He is very sharp, quick. A good finisher - doing it in the Championship, young and a good prospect."
Zaza has failed to score in his five Premier League appearances this season and Bilic confirmed West Ham will be looking to offload the Italy international. "Zaza came to West Ham," he added. "We wanted him and he wanted to come. Maybe his wish was to stay in Italy but because of his contract, I can say that his story with West Ham has finished. "He is still our player until he goes somewhere, but mainly because of the situation with his contract he is finished here. Nobody knows what happens in football. He is definitely a good player. It just wasn't to be. "Unfortunately we had to judge him on six, seven games, which is not big amount to judge a player in general."
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The 31 different strikers West Ham have been linked with in the last six months
The Hammers love being linked with a forward, and as Moussa Dembele becomes the latest name tipped with a move to the London Stadium, who remembers all of these?
COMMENTS
BYMARK JONES
17:42, 5 JAN 2017UPDATED17:44, 5 JAN 2017
The Mirror
Celtic's Moussa Dembele is the target of a £20m bid from West Ham United, whose big book of random strikers lies open on the page with the Celtic forward's face on it. Slaven Bilic's side are desperate to add some more firepower as they seek to turn around a fairly up-and-down season, during which they have been no stranger to the gossip columns as they've been linked with several forwards - both big names and not so big. And - just so you don't have to - we've counted no fewer than 31 of those forwards who have been linked with the Hammers in the last six months.
Not even Slaven's Superman impression could convince these lads to join (Photo: Ian Walton)
Are you ready?
Eyes down...
Moussa Dembele (obviously)
Jermain Defoe
Scott Hogan
Alexandre Lacazette
Christian Benteke
Marcus Rashford
Anthony Martial
Lucas Pratto
Shane Long
Michy Batshuayi
Carlos Tevez
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Theo Walcott
Jamie Vardy
Callum Wilson
Daniel Sturridge
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Wilfried Bony
Carlos Bacca
Martin Braithwaite
Andre-Pierre Gignac
Eder
Mario Gomez
David Selke
Vincent Janssen
Enner Valencia (their own striker, who has been linked with a loan return from Everton)
Gregoire Defrel
Nikola Kalinic
Jese Rodriguez
Mario Mandzukic
Ademola Lookman
Phew, that's all of them.
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Slaven Bilic talks up Jermain Defoe and Scott Hogan's talent as Simone Zaza's time runs out at West Ham
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Simone Zaza has played his last game for West Ham but he refused to speculate on potential moves for Jermain Defoe or Scott Hogan. Zaza joined on a season's loan from Juventus but a clause meant West Ham were committed to signing him for £20million once he had played 14 matches. The striker failed to score in his 11 games for the Hammers and Bilic said today: "We wanted Simone and he wanted to come but because of his contract, his story at West Ham is finished. These things happen in football. He's definitely a good player but it just wasn't to be. With players it takes a few months or a year to adjust to the Premier League but we had to judge him on seven or eight games."
West Ham have been linked with Sunderland striker Defoe and Brentford's Hogan during the transfer window. Manager Bilic said: "We're not going to discuss players that are not ours at the moment. The chairman is trying really hard to get some players in positions we need but we're not going to mention names. "All I would say is that Jermain Defoe is maybe or probably the main reason why Sunderland stayed up and in every game, even if he doesn't score, he is making chances. He's an excellent player. As for Scott Hogan, he is an excellent player and again he's scoring goals."
Sofiane Feghouli's red card against Manchester United was over-turned by the FA yesterday, the fourth time out of five that West Ham have successfully appealed against a sending-off. "First I was happy when I heard but four times must be a kind of a record," he said.
"If you add on top of that, a couple of times when players were retrospectively punished after we played them, it is six times."
West Ham kick off the third round of the FA Cup tomorrow night when they host Manchester City, who have struggled in recent weeks.
Bilic said: "They had a brilliant start to the season but have slowed down a little. It is a big game for them and us and I am sure they will put out a strong team tomorrow because it is a big chance for them to win a trophy."
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WEST HAM TO LAUNCH BID FOR BEGOVIC
THOMAS BORE
readWestHam
West Ham will launch a bid for Chelsea's back-up goalkeeper Asmir Begovic this week, according to Croatian source Vecernji List.
The decline of West Ham's first-choice stopper Adrian San Miguel has seen Darren Randolph recalled to the first-team by Slaven Bilic. And, even though Randolph's performances since replacing the Spaniard have been adequate to say the least, Bilic is still in the market for a new number one.
Begovic could be tempted by the lure of first-team football at West Ham, having made just 28 appearances for the Blues since signing from Stoke in 2015 – of which, only three having come under current boss Antonio Conte. Not to mention the Bosnian would not be required to relocate, with the Olympic Stadium less than ten miles from Stamford Bridge.
A return to Stoke City on loan is also on the cards for Begovic, according to the Mirror, as Mark Hughes in need of a temporary replacement for the injured Jack Butland.
Whether Chelsea will allow Begovic to leave on loan is yet to be seen, but, without European football, the 29-year-old's game-time is likely to be very limited – unless the Blues' first choice Thibaut Courtois sustains an injury
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic confirms interest in Brentford striker Scott Hogan - "He's a good prospect"
The Hammers failed with a £10million bid for the 24-year-old hotshot on Wednesday night, but Bilic is still keen
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
12:01, 5 JAN 2017
Slaven Bilic has confirmed his interest in Brentford striker Scott Hogan. The West Ham boss, still keen on Sunderland's Jermain Defoe , has been impressed by 24-year-old Hogan for whom the Irons have had a £10million rejected. Brentford want £15million but West Ham are unwilling to go that far and prefer a structured deal. Hogan, who has 18 months on his contract remaining, has scored 14 goals in the Championship this season. Watford have also made an enquiry but the Hammers are the favourites to clinch Hogan's signature. Bilic said: "He's a good player. I watched him a few times. "He is very sharp, quick – a good finisher, doing it in Championship. He's young and a good prospect." Bilic has reiterated his admiration for Defoe after seeing a £6million bid for the 34-year-old marksman rejected this week. The former West Ham striker has scored 11 league goals for struggling Sunderland this season. Billie added: "He has the things that are the most important in a football games - that's goals. "He scored them last season, maybe or probably the main reason they stayed up, and then he continues to do the same this season, scoring again. A couple in the last game. "In every game he is having chances and most of the chances he is converting them into goals. He is an excellent player of course."
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: This is the real reason why I want Jermain Defoe to return
SLAVEN BILIC has outlined exactly why he wants Jermain Defoe to return to West Ham.
By JON WEST
PUBLISHED: 11:26, Thu, Jan 5, 2017 | UPDATED: 12:11, Thu, Jan 5, 2017
Express.co.uk
Sunderland have rejected a £6million bid for the former England striker, 34, but are bracing themselves for a follow-up. Defoe left the Hammers for Tottenham in controversial circumstances in 2003 when he handed in a transfer request 24 hours after relegation.
Many Hammers fans have not forgiven him but Bilic was only interested in his goal-poaching abilities. He said: "He has the things that are the most important in a football games - that's goals. He scored them last season, maybe or probably the main reason they stayed up, and then he continues to do the same this season, scoring again. A couple in the last game. In every game he is having chances and most of the chances he is converting them into goals. He is an excellent player of course."
West Ham have also seen a £10million offer for striker Scott Hogan knocked back by Brentford. Bilic added: "Scott is a good player, I watched him a few times. He is scoring goals, very sharp, very quick, really good finisher, does it in the Championship. He is really young, a really good prospect."
Meanwhile, Bilic has confirmed flop striker Simone Zaza won't kick a ball again for the Hammers. The Italy international has been put in mothballs to avoid his loan from Juventus turning into a £20million permanent deal. Zaza failed to score a single goal for the Hammers - and his agent, who is also his dad, revealed he didn't want to be there in the first place. Now the Hammers have given up on him, opening the door for a loan exit to another club. Bilic said: "I can say that his story with West Ham is finished. He is still our player until the moment he goes somewhere but mainly because of the situation with his contract, that's it with West Ham."
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West Ham eyeing unlikely move for Tottenham ace: This could impact transfer
WEST HAM are reportedly looking at Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 05:14, Thu, Jan 5, 2017 | UPDATED: 05:52, Thu, Jan 5, 2017
Express.co.uk
Spurs' 26-year-old has struggled for regular game time at White Hart Lane since signing for £3.5m from Burnley. Kyle Walker rarely misses a match for Tottenham, meaning Trippier has been restricted. His ability hasn't gone unnoticed though, with the former England Under-21 international on West Ham's radar, according to The Telegraph. Slaven Bilic wants a new addition at right-back with summer signing Alvaro Arbeloa having struggled at the London Stadium. Sam Byram has also had injury problems and is still deemed inexperienced, meaning a senior arrival is required. Stoke's Glen Johnson and Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson have also been linked to West Ham. But Trippier would be seen as a long-term solution on their right flank to complement Aaron Cresswell on the opposite side.
However, it is said Spurs' participation in the Europa League will make a deal difficult for the Hammers. Trippier's appearances are often in cup competitions, while he also impressed at Watford in the Premier League last week when Walker was suspended. West Ham's rivalry with Tottenham would be an issue in agreeing a transfer, with the north London club not openly looking to sell Trippier.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic opens up about Sofiane Feghouli's successful red card appeal
SLAVEN BILIC has welcomed the decision to overturn the red card shown to Sofiane Feghouli against Manchester United – but is frustrated that it is now six of his games in charge of the club that could have been ruined by the on-field official.
By MATTHEW DUNN
PUBLISHED: 11:55, Thu, Jan 5, 2017 | UPDATED: 12:10, Thu, Jan 5, 2017
Express.co.uk
Incredibly, four of the last five West Ham players to be sent off have won their appeals – and on top of that twice last season video panels issued retrospective bans against opposition players who should have been given their marching orders at the time. "I was happy yesterday when I heard the news but then it is four times - it is kind of a record," he said. "It's good that the committee that it wasn't a red card, very happy about it, but it is four games when a decision was clearly against us. "When you add on top of that a couple of times minimum when the players were punished after the game or banned - like Bastian Schweinsteiger against Manchester United last season or Sergio Aguero this season against Manchester City – that is six games basically. "It is a lot. But at least we've got Feghouli available for the games."
SIX OF THE WORST
Matches in which it was subsequently PROVED Bilic's West Ham were hard done by:
Jan 2017: Premier League - Manchester United (h) 15th minute
Sofiane Feghouli wrongly sent off. Score at time: drawing 0-0. Final score L 0-2
August 2016: Premier League – Manchester City (a) 76th minute
Sergio Aguero elbow missed – subsequent 3 game ban. Score at time: losing 1-2. Final score: L 1-3
April 2016: Premier League – Crystal Palace (a) 65th minute
Cheikh Kouyate wrongly sent off. Score at time: winning 2-1. Final score D 2-2
Feb 2016: FA Cup - Blackburn (a) 75th minute
Cheikh Kouyate wrongly sent off. Score at time: winning 3-1. Final score W 5-1
Dec 2015: Premier League – Manchester United (a) 40th minute
Bastien Schweinsteiger elbow missed – subsequent 3 match ban. Score at time: drawing 0-0. Final score: 0-0.
Aug 2015: Premier League – Liverpool (a) 78th minute
Mark Noble wrongly sent off. Score at time: winning 2-0. Final score W 3-0
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Hammer Time For Hogan – Or Will Bunfight Go To The Wire?
beesotted.co.uk
I'm not sure we've ever seen a bun fight on the scale of the one that is emerging for the signature of Scott Hogan in the history of our football club – there's a plethora of top flight clubs in England and across Europe contemplating bids for the Brentford hot-shot striker this transfer window – and it shows no sign of abating.
Of course, we have had in-demand players before – Andy Sinton and Dean Holdsworth spring to mind – and in more recent years, some big-buck transfer fees have exchanged for our brightest talent as they left for pastures new, but I can't recall as much media coverage and rumour for one single player as we are witnessing right now for Hogan.
West Ham are emerging as the early front runner, with Sky reporting a £10m offer having been rejected by Brentford just five days into the window, so with more than three weeks to go, and the club seemingly in no mad rush to offload the striker, we could realistically see the final purchase price rise to anywhere between £10-£15 million, depending on which Premier League club want to secure the goals that could keep them up. That is a realistic expectation.
Whether we see Hogan in a Bees shirt until his fate is sealed, or not, is another matter though, and if we have resigned ourself to the inevitable, mothballing Hogan to ensure he's not injured may be a price we have to endure as fans if we want to guarantee any windfall is used to restock the squad in several key areas. The loss of Alan Judge last season shows that any player is one nasty tackle away from ruin – a leg break that has arguably cost our club over £5m.
We may also have to take a plunge into the transfer market ourselves and pre-empt the loss of Hogan – admittedly its all cloak and dagger manoeuvring during a situation like this, and timing is key, but it does highlight how disruptive the January window can be for a selling club such as ours, and how clubs who we are enquiring about for players will be inflating the numbers with Hogan on their minds too.
But 21 goals in just 33 games is an incredible record, it's no surprise there is a clamour for the former Rochdale ace, I just wonder how long Brentford will hold their nerve on this before accepting an offer… or will this go to the wire?
Dave Lane
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Slaven Bilic heaps praise on 'excellent' Jermain Defoe as West Ham consider a second bid for the Sunderland striker
West Ham saw their £6million bid rejected by Sunderland earlier this week
The Black Cats are determined to keep hold of Defoe as they fight relegation
Brentford have also turned down a £10m bid from the Hammers for Scott Hogan
Slaven Bilic confirmed Simone Zaza will not play for the club again this season
West Ham host Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday night
By Adam Shergold for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:11, 5 January 2017 | UPDATED: 12:11, 5 January 2017
Slaven Bilic has described January transfer target Jermain Defoe as an 'excellent player' as West Ham ponder whether to up their rejected £6million offer for the Sunderland striker. The Hammers are very keen to strengthen up front this month and a return for their former striker, 34, is one of the names in the frame. But Sunderland, who are once again embroiled in a Premier League relegation scrap, will dig in their heels in a bid to keep hold of a striker who has scored 11 times in 21 appearances this season.
Speaking ahead of West Ham's FA Cup tie against Manchester City on Friday night, Bilic said: 'He has the things that are the most important in football games - that's goals. 'He scored them last season - maybe or probably the main reason they stayed up - and then he continues to do the same this season, scoring again. 'In every game he is having chances and most of the chances he is converting them into goals. He is an excellent player, of course.'
Another potential target is Brentford's Scott Hogan and the Championship side have already turned down a £10million bid from West Ham as they hold out for £15million. Prolific Hogan, 24, has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances for the Bees this season and has attracted attention from a number of Premier League clubs. Bilic said: 'Scott is a good player, I watched him a few times. He is scoring goals, he is very sharp, very quick, a really good finishers, he does it in the Championship. He is a really young, a really good prospect.'
One striker who won't be staying at the Hammers is Italian flop Simone Zaza, with Bilic saying his 'story with West Ham is finished'.
Zaza has failed to find the net in any of his 11 appearances for the club and there is no possibility that West Ham will pay the £20million to sign him permanently from Juventus. Though Zaza may remain with the club until someone else comes in for him, he won't feature in any games. Bilic said: 'I can say that his story with West Ham is finished. He is still our player until the moment he goes somewhere mainly because of the situation with his contract, that's it with West Ham basically. 'He is definitely a good player and we had a big expectation of him but it just wasn't to be. Because of that clause in his contract, the story of Zaza at West Ham is basically over. 'With many players, they need a few months or even a year to adjust to the Premiership. Unfortunately he came in at a time when the team didn't play good.'
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Red Bull deny claims of £650m West Ham takeover approach
cityam.com
Joe Hall
West Ham United are not the target of a Red Bull takeover, according to the company's global head of football. The Hammers were reported to have turned down a bid from the energy drink company who own football clubs in America, Germany, Brazil and their native Austria, fuelling fears amongst some fans the club would be rebranded as "RB London".
All of Red Bull's clubs play under the "RB" moniker and wear the same colours, including RB Leipzig who are challenging for the Bundesliga title in their first ever season in the division. Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham co-chairman David, said last month that Red Bull had a £650m takeover offer for the Hammers rejected by the Premier League club. But the group's global head of football Oliver Mintzlaff has flatly denied any suggestion in West Ham and said Red Bull are not currently looking to add to its portfolio of football clubs. "I should really know about this in my function because I'd be actively involved in it," Mintzlaff told German magazine Kicker. "But I am not involved. Thus, I can completely rule it out. We continue to focus on our investments at our current clubs."
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has said he and partner David Gold, who together own a controlling stage in the club, have no desire to sell. "We, the current owners, have no desire to sell the club unless it is to somebody like the King of Saudi Arabia who can take it to a level we cannot ourselves hope to reach," said Sullivan last year.
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SLAVEN BILIC CONFIRMS SIMONE ZAZA IS 'FINISHED' AT WEST HAM
MICHAEL OLIVER
ReadWestHam
Slaven Bilic has confirmed to the media that on-loan striker Simone Zaza's time with West Ham has 'finished' due to the clauses in his contract. Desperate for a big name striker at the end of the summer transfer window, West Ham paid Juventus £5m to take Italian international striker Simone Zaza on loan until the end of the season. Built into the deal was a clause that if he made 14 appearances for the club during his loan spell then the move would become permanent for a fee of £20m. Through 12 appearances, Zaza is yet to score and has been a huge disappointment. Speaking today at his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow night's FA Cup 3rd Round clash with Manchester City, Bilic confirmed that Zaza's time with the club is finished due to the contractual situation.
"His [Zaza's] story with West Ham has finished because of the situation with his contract," he told reporters. Presumably, West Ham will not feature Zaza in a game for the rest of the season and hope to negotiate a deal with Juventus to terminate the loan contract.
The Serie A giants are unwilling to take him back so soon, so there's a stand-off right now as both clubs wait for a third party to make their interest know but one things for sure, Simone Zaza will not play for West Ham again.
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Ravel Morrison training with Wigan - Sky sources
Last Updated: 05/01/17 10:23am
SSN
Former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison is training with Wigan, according to Sky Sources. He has been invited to train with his former coach Warren Joyce, who was in charge of the United reserve team when Morrison first came to attention.
The 23-year-old moved to Italy just under a year ago but has not made an appearance for Lazio this season and is seeking a return to England. Morrison was tipped for a bright future in the game when he turned professional at Old Trafford at the age of 17 in February 2010. But in January 2012 the player was sold by United to West Ham, who were then in the Championship, for an undisclosed fee. During his three-year stint at Upton Park, Morrison was loaned to Birmingham, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff.
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Diarra linked as speculation continues over Payet and Defoe
By London Football News 04/01/2017
Marseille could offer Lassana Diarra to West Ham as part of a deal to take Dimitri Payet back to the French club, L'Equipe claim.
The French publication say former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Diarra, 31, has been earmarked as a possible bargaining chip. It follows recent reports that Marseille, who sold Payet to West Ham in 2015, are keen to re-sign him. Meanwhile, The Sun say Jermain Defoe is keen to return to West Ham and make amends for the circumstances in which he left the club. Sunderland's former England striker, 34, has been an unpopular figure among Hammers fans since demanding a transfer straight after the club's relegation in 2003.
The Sun quotes 'a source close to the player' as saying: "Jermain still feels terrible about the whole thing. He was badly advised at the time, when he was just a kid. He accepts that. "He loves Sunderland and is doing his best for them and will continue to do so. But there is an emotional attachment to West Ham. "If a deal is done and Jermain gets the chance to go back there and score the goals which make sure they stay up and move up the league it would help him heal some old wounds which still hurt him."
And the Daily Star reports that Simone Zaza's father Antonio, who also acts as his agent, has said that the striker did not want to join West Ham. Zaza, 25, has failed to impress since arriving on loan from Juventus and is expected to return to Italy during this month's transfer window. His father was quoted in the Italian press as saying: "We're trying to bring Simone back to Italy because he loves this country. We didn't choose West Ham. "No-one forced us, but Simone never wanted to go abroad, he loves Italy and Serie A.
"A series of circumstances led to him going to the Premier League."
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Premier League transfer news and rumours: 'West Ham willing to pay £15 million for Jermain Defoe'
Telegraph Sport
5 JANUARY 2017 • 9:00AM
West Ham are willing to pay £15 million to sign Jermain Defoe, according to The Sunderland Echo. The Hammers have already had a £6 million bid rejected and have been told by David Moyes that Defoe is not for sale at any price. However, talk eminating from the London press of the 34-year-old former England striker making an emotional return to his first club, where he began his career at 16, is refusing to die down and the Hammers apparently believe a £15 million bid will be enough.
Jermaine Jenas, a former team-mate of Defoe's at Tottenham, believes the forward would "probably rather be back in London". "You look at who's progressing more as a club, you'd say West Ham. I'm pretty sure he'd rather probably be back in London and being a part of what West Ham are trying to do", he told BBC Radio 5 Live. Celtic, meanwhile, will reject any interest in Moussa Dembele from West Ham, claims The Daily Mail. Slaven Bilic is scouring the market for a striker just in case the Defoe chase comes to nothing. Rumours linking Dimitri Payet away from the London Stadium have grown louder following reports his former club Marseille want to ring the France international back. According to L'Equipe, 31-year-old former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra will be a used as a bargaining chip for Marseille to acquire Payet. Chelsea are reportedly planning a bid for Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, reveals The Mail. We are told the 22 year-old has also been discussed by fellow Premier League side Manchester United. The Mail adds that Chelsea also remain in talks to sign Franck Kessie from Atalanta, who is currently away with Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations However, they are reluctant to pay the £30 million asking price for a 20 year-old. Chelsea are prepared to let Ruben Loftus-Cheek leave on loan this month, with Brighton emerging as favourites, says The London Evening Standard. West Ham are also, apparently, in the running.
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Sassuolo plot move to re-sign West Ham outcast Simone Zaza
HITC
Dan Coombs
A solution to West Ham's problem striker could be on the horizon. West Ham's summer move to sign Simone Zaza has not worked out to be a success, and a solution to the problem may be on the horizon. Italian website Tuttomercatoweb report Zaza's former club Sassuolo are planning to make a move to re-sign the Italy international. Zaza, 25, spent two years at the Serie A side between 2013 and 2015, before Juventus activated their initial right of sale by invoking a clause to re-sign him. The striker was loaned to West Ham this season, with an option to buy if Zaza played a minimum number of games, which he is currently short of. With no goals scored at all, West Ham are not keen on signing him permanently, and do not want to play him, even though he could potentially come good, because they would be on the hook if he does not. Sassuolo are not the only side reported to be interested, but their desire to sign the striker could be significant, as his time spent with the club could prove tempting as the forward plots his next career move.
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Phil Jones writhing on the floor was a big factor in Sofiane Feghouli being sent off - GRAHAM POLL
West Ham's Sofiane Feghouli was sent off for a challenge on Phil Jones
His red card was rescinded on Wednesday but the case isn't closed there
Jones exaggerated and that helped to make up referee Mike Dean's mind
By Graham Poll for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 00:43, 5 January 2017 | UPDATED: 02:46, 5 January 2017
West Ham's Sofiane Feghouli has been spared a three-match ban after the Football Association overturned his controversial red card against Manchester United. Feghouli was dismissed just 15 minutes into the clash at the London Stadium on Monday by referee Mike Dean following a collision with United defender Phil Jones. Here, Sportsmail's Graham Poll gives his verdict after the card was rescinded.
Common sense prevailed as the FA overturned Dean's dismissal of West Ham's Feghouli for his challenge on Jones. If I had the angles afforded by TV cameras, I would have awarded Manchester United a free-kick and spoken to both players about taking more care when going into challenges. No cards and no controversy. And once I had established that Jones was not badly injured I would have asked him not to react in such an exaggerated manner. He does not come out of this with any credit. Dean has been heavily criticised but Jones's theatrical turns and twists on the floor may have influenced his decision. West Ham have now had four of their last five red cards rescinded. No wonder they feel aggrieved.
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Karren Brady sets record straight and delivers comprehensive stadium update on Twitter
HITC
Damien Lucas
Much-maligned West Ham United vice-chairman has gone on something of a Twitter marathon, providing a number of updates on the Olympic Stadium. A woeful start to life at their new Olympic Stadium has left a large section of Hammers fans despondent. Fighting among supporters marred early matches as did safety fears for away fans over segregation and insufficient policing and stewarding.
A perceived lack of the famous intimidating Hammers atmosphere from Upton Park has seen the stadium switch cited by many as a reason for the club's contrast in fortunes compared to their fantastic campaign last term. The Hammers had picked up of late until harsh back-to-back defeats against Leicester City and Manchester United. But the club's biggest problems are off the pitch where the stadium issues have driven a wedge between factions of supporters and the club's owners. Vice-chairman Brady has bore the brunt of disgruntled fans' frustrations and was allegedly spat at during this season's 4-2 home defeat to Watford.
A number of issues continue to irk the Hammers faithful, 52,000 of whom signed up for season tickets at the Olympic Stadium this season - second to only Manchester United. The move has been beset by problems but Brady has come out fighting to set the record straight in a series of Twitter posts.
Stadium name
The stadium naming rights were out to tender by the E20 company West Ham lease the ground from ahead of the big move and reports suggested Indian technology company Mahindra were set to win the deal. West Ham only make money on anything agreed over £4 million for naming rights. That did not materialise, though, and instead the ground was named London Stadium. It was put to Brady that it was 'embarrassing' the club still did not have a naming rights partner on Twitter. "These rights are not ours to sell as they belong to E20 who are in charge of selling them, but the stadium is called London Stadium," Brady said. "We have the right to approve the deal but not conclude it."
Free stadium WiFi for fans
West Ham fans were promised free WiFi in the stadium ahead of the move. It was not available when the season started and the club said it would be in place by the end of the year but it now appears they will have to wait until next season. "Yes there has been a delay was linked to naming rights and as you know this has not been concluded E20 and (stadium operators) LS185 promise us will be in next season."
Stewarding
From ejecting and banning supporters for standing up during games to accusations of ineptitude, the stewarding at the new stadium has been nothing short of farcical. But Brady has pledged to fix the problem. "I promise you resolving supporters issues with stewards is our number one priority," she said. "We call out to all previous Upton Park stewards to come and work at the London Stadium and are looking to make West Ham United supporters ambassadors in the ground to bridge the gap." On suggestions Upton Park stewards were 'sacked' ahead of the move. "Utter rubbish. Every single one was offered a chance to move, and encouraged to do so."
Access to the stadium
Fans have generally felt unwelcome in their new surroundings with Westfield even erecting walls to keep them out despite supporters spending millions in their shops, bars and restaurants every match day. Access to the stadium has improved somewhat of late with nearby Westfield re-opening one of the walled off access points for supporters to get to games from the shopping area. Recently one of the main paths towards the stadium has been closed due to problems with a gas supply in the area. Conspiracy theorists claim the club is being economical with the truth but Brady has flatly denied such accusations, saying: "Why on earth would we lie about a gas leak!"
Capacity
Due to the ugly scenes which marred many of the early matches at the stadium, particularly Watford and Chelsea, West Ham were forced to cap their 60,000 capacity to just 57,000 by Newham Council's Safety Advisory Group. That has meant only 2,000 or less tickets were available to non-season ticket holders after away fans' allocation was taken into account this season. The club wants to operate a 66,000 capacity from next season but Brady - who clarified the club had always been up front over the capacity issue - hopes they will soon be up to the full 60,000 with a meeting planned for next week. "We are applying for the 60k capacity at the next SAG (meeting) and those supporters on the waiting list will be contacted and given first option to buy," Brady said. "What lies have we told about the capacity? We currently have 57k, moving to 60k and we hope to get to 66k for next season? "It is a safety license and EVERY club in the country - Premier League or otherwise - has to have one by law to operate a stadium. "We will apply Monday at the SAG If successful our first act will be to invite the supporters moved to block 127 the chance to move back to 114."
And empty seats...
One major bug bear for the supporters has been the sight of empty seats dotted around at games which have sold out. Some are season ticket holders who, for whatever reason, have not attended and not sold their ticket on through the club's ticket trader service.
But Brady says there is a simple explanation for empty seats. "Yes there are (empty seats) and that is because there are 66,000 seats in the ground and we only have a license to sell 57,000 - all 57k sold out," she said.
The 50,000 waiting list
Brady has publicly celebrated the fact the club has a waiting list of 50,000 supporters in addition to the 52,000 season tickets holders. Some fans are sceptical about the claims, particularly after the EFL Cup home game against Chelsea - the first game of real note against an established rival at the London Stadium - failed to sell out. But Brady reiterated the waiting list claim and blamed the licence issue with the SAG for the Chelsea match falling some 10,000 below capacity. "You're right it (the waiting list) is not 50k, it is 52k," she said. "SAG only allowed us to sell tickets for that game (vs Chelsea) to supporters with a purchase history, hence the issue."
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West Ham vs Manchester City: Prediction, team news, line-ups, start time, live coverage, TV, head to head, betting odds - FA Cup preview
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham have very little time to dwell on their league loss to Manchester United as Slaven Bilic's men host Manchester City in the FA Cup on Friday. The Hammers suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to United at the London Stadium on Monday, in a game that saw Sofiane Feghouli wrongfully sent off in the 14th minute. But the east Londoners can pick themselves back up with a victory over Pep Guardiola's stuttering side. City have endured a mixed set of results this season, but they bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Liverpool on New Year's Eve by beating Burnley 2-1 on Monday.
START TIME
West Ham host Manchester City at the London Stadium on Friday 6 January. Kick-off is at 7.55pm.
LIVE COVERAGE
The game will be shown live on BBC One from 7.30pm, but Standard Sport will bring you team news and all the build-up from 6.55pm. Insert your email below to receive an update of our coverage.
TEAM NEWS
Bilic will be buoyed by the FA's decision to reverse Feghouli's red card against United, meaning he will be eligible to play against City.
However, the West Ham manager still has several players out injured, which includes Diafra Sakho, Arthur Masuaku, Gokhan Tore, James Collins and Alvaro Arbeloa. Reece Oxford could return from an ankle injury, though.
Guardiola, meanwhile, has four players missing through injury in Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph.
The Spanish coach will also have to do without Fernandinho after his claim for wrongful dismissal was rejected by the FA. It means the midfielder
will not be available for the trip to the London Stadium as he sits out City's next four matches.
POSSIBLE STARTING LINE-UPS
West Ham (4-3-3): Randolph, Nordtveit, Ogbonna, Reid, Cresswell, Lanzini, Noble, Kouyate, Payet, Feghouli, Antonio.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Bravo, Sagna, Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy, Toure, Fernando, Navas, De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero.
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Football transfer rumours: Lassana Diarra to West Ham or Manchester United?
Gregg Bakowski
Thursday 5 January 2017 08.10 GMT Last modified on Thursday 5 January 2017 08.12 GMT
The Guardian
West Ham are determined to keep hold of their star man and will not let him go even if Marseille come knocking with a fist full of notes to the tune of £30m. Now you might think I'm talking about Pedro Obiang, a giant of a centre-back who's gradually growing into the club's most steady performer, but no, I'm on about Dimitri Payet. It says here that with Marseille convinced the player wants to return to the club he left just over 18 months ago for £12m, they're willing to throw in France's Lassana Diarra as part of the deal. But whoah, hang on! Who's this apparently ready to steam over the hill waving a nice little late-career contract in the direction of the Marseille midfielder? It's José Mourinho, the man who once thought Diarra so useful he flogged him to Portsmouth for £2m in 2007. And any potential transfer to Manchester United might see Morgan Schneiderlin – Mourinho's Diarra de jour – end up at the Stade Vélodrome blinking in wild confusion while wondering whatever happened to 2016. It would almost certainly torpedo Marseille's chances of getting Payet too. Cheers José.
Meanwhile, David Moyes has batted West Ham's £6m bid for Jermain Defoe out into the North Sea, a dark, cold and depressing place similar to the one where Sunderland will inevitably end up if they do fail to hold on to their one good thing this season. Stoke will also tell West Ham to do one if they come knocking with £1m and the offer of a one-way ticket to London for Glen Johnson. While Brentford have already told West Ham where to go after they dangled £10m outside the Griffin Park office windows in the hope of tempting the club into parting with striker Scott Hogan.
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