Daily WHUFC News - 5th January 2017

Palace Ticket Exchange open now
WHUFC.com

The Ticket Exchange for the London derby against Crystal Palace on Saturday 14 January is open now - with Claret Members able to purchase exclusively until 4pm on Friday 6 January.

Big Sam will be bringing his Palace team to London Stadium for the first time, with the Hammers looking to register their first league success of the New Year.

Season Ticket Holders who are unable to attend can relist their seats online, giving other West Ham fans the opportunity to purchase their seat for the fixture. Season Ticket Holders will not only give another supporter the chance to be at the game, but they will also earn money back to redeem against your Season Ticket renewal.

Tickets start at £31, and are available to all Claret Members now.

On the Ticket Exchange, once a Season Ticket Holder's ticket has been exchanged, his or her Season Card will be disabled for the game, while the buyer's Claret Membership Card will be activated. If you are not a Claret Member, you will be able to print your ticket at home.

The credit for the ticket sale will be made available in the seller's Season Ticket Holder account, minus a 10% administrative charge.

For full details of how to release your seat to the Ticket Exchange, and for terms and conditions, please click here to view our helpful User Guide.

Season Ticket Holder seats which become available on the Ticket Exchange will be available to purchase online here.

If you are a Season Ticket Holder unable to attend this game, please relist your ticket to allow another fan to experience the Hammers at London Stadium and you will benefit with ticket credit in your account which you can use towards a future game.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Jackson Wray
WHUFC.com

Saracens star and West Ham United fan Jackson Wray was delighted to make his London Stadium debut for Monday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The Essex-born Number Eight has been one of the standout performers in English rugby union this season, and has been tipped for international honours.

The reigning Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup winners are enjoying another strong season, sitting second in the Premiership table and top of their Champions Cup group. With Saracens earning a hard-earned win at Leicester Tigers on New Year's Day, Wray joined fellow Hammer and backs coach Kevin Sorrell on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Jackson, what's the story behind you being a Hammer?

"Growing up I loved football and West Ham was my local-ish team in the Premier League, so it started there really. Obviously there have been plenty of highs and plenty of lows along the way, but I wouldn't have had it any other way and to see us here now is brilliant. We've come a long way."

This is your first visit to London Stadium, so what do you think?

"It's a big place. I've heard it's really impressive and walking in from the outside was definitely a sight, so it's fantastic to be able to get down and see it in person.

"It's a really impressive arena and in terms of size it's definitely up there with the likes of Twickenham and Wembley, where we've played and to have a full one of those is great. It would be nice to play here one day and I've no doubt it would be great."

What can this move do for the Club in the future?

"I was at the Play-Off final in 2012 and the support we took to fill half of Wembley was unbelievable and you can see the numbers we have here is up there. Hopefully now we can go from strength to strength. We've picked up recently and I am looking forward to seeing us improve and build on last year.

"I think this is what we needed, in terms of the size, where the Club wants to go, the players we want to sign, it's definitely a massive step in the right direction. To have this as a home in a massive part of London, it could bring in all sorts of new fans, and that's what we need to get to where we want to be."

Who are your favourite players?

"To be honest, I like Winston Reid. He is solid and has been linked with some of the top teams and that's the sort of player he is. To have kept him over the last few years, when he has been unbelievable, he's a massive part of the defence and a really, really good player.

"It's good to see Andy Carroll back. He really causes problems and it will be nice to see him up there, bringing the ball down and doing what he does."

As a fellow sportsman, can you sense the team spirit among the Hammers?

"Yes, you can see the way the manager is with his players and the atmosphere at the training ground, it seems to be a really good place to be and it's nice to see the results coming.

"Injuries play a massive part in any sport and I think we've probably hit the worst this year. Hopefully now we've got those guys back and it will be good to see them out there and it will be interesting to see if they can put some performances together."


How about you guys? How is Saracens' season panning out?

"Not too bad. We started off pretty well and are sitting a point off top spot at the minute and we've won four out of four in Europe, so we're ticking along nicely but we don't want to peak too early.

"Obviously last year was unbelievable to win the double and it would be good to do that again."

Reports suggest you aren't far off the England squad, so is that a goal for you?

"As with any young guy, I want to play for England. I'm 26 and have some development still to go which I'm going to work on and hopefully I can break into that set-up.

"It's a very difficult set-up to break into because they've been incredibly successful. They were unbeaten all year [in 2016], which was a fantastic achievement, but it's what I want to do and I know I need to work hard to get there."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Extra motivation for Fletcher in City Cup clash
WHUFC.com

Ashley Fletcher says he will be feeling extra motivated facing Manchester City on Friday
The young forward left West Ham's opponents' fierce rivals Manchester United during the summer
The 21-year-old will be hoping to play a part having scored in the Hammers' last Cup tie

West Ham United forward Ashley Fletcher admitted he will be feeling extra motivated going into Friday's FA Cup tie against Manchester City having signed from the visitors' fierce rivals during the summer. Fletcher traded Manchester United for the Hammers before the Club's big move to London Stadium and could face the Citizens there in the FA Cup on Friday night. The striker, who started the Hammers' last cup tie, scoring against his former club at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup, will be hoping to get some more minutes in football's oldest competition this week. Ahead of the third round clash, the 21-year-old, who scored two goals in as many U21 matches against the Sky Blues for his former club, declared he is always excited to face Manchester City. "I'm a Manchester lad and coming from round there, I know what it's like as an ex-Man United player to play against City," he said. "It will offer me a little bit more in terms of the game but we just have to treat it as a cup tie and look to go through. "It's going to be a tough game against them. They're obviously one of the best teams in the league so we're expecting a tough match. They'll be bang at it. "But it's a cup tie and a cup tie can go either way and league form doesn't really matter. It's about who really wants it more on the day and hopefully we will want it more. League form goes out the window and it will be a good game to watch."

Fletcher last played from the start in Claret and Blue in West Ham's home defeat by Arsenal back in early December, but the return to full fitness of fellow forward Andy Carroll has forced the youngster to be patient. But the Keighley-born attacker is delighted to have his teammate back alongside him in training, competing for a spot in Slaven Bilic's starting XI. "Obviously we didn't have Andy with us for a big period and he's part of the way we play," he continued. "Now we have him back in, he offers us a different style.
"I think people have seen, we look more dangerous with him. It's a huge positive to have him and other players back. "On Friday, we want to get a result because I think a cup run can give you confidence in the league so if we get a good result that can help us in the league as well. "We had the Chelsea game in the EFL Cup under the lights and the atmosphere there was great. Hopefully we can create that same kind of feeling and hopefully we'll get the win."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Nathan Trott
WHUFC.com

It's been quite a year for Academy goalkeeper Nathan Trott. In January 2016, the stopper signed for the Hammers on a two-and-a-half-year deal before, in early December, putting pen to paper on his first professional contract having impressed so much in action for the Club's junior sides. The Bermudan-born 18-year-old has made nine appearances so far this campaign for the Premier League 2 side, despite missing a large chunk of the first half of the season through injury. He has also turned out for the U18s twice.

In this week's #WHUAREYA, the youngster talks his best attributes, his favourite music, and why he is unstoppable on FIFA at the Academy of Football.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Feghouli red card rescinded
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that a Football Association Regulatory Commission has upheld the Club's claim for wrongful dismissal in respect of the red card shown to Sofiane Feghouli against Manchester United. The midfielder was sent-off during the first half of the Hammers' 2-0 Premier League defeat by the Red Devils at London Stadium on Monday 2 January, with the game goalless at the time.
However, the Club's successful claim means Feghouli's three-match suspension is withdrawn. The Algerian is therefore eligible to play against Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup third round on Friday evening and in the following Premier League fixtures with Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole - I would love to have played at London Stadium
WHUFC.com

Joe Cole is a big fan of London Stadium and would love to have played there
Cole believes the Hammers can bring Champions League football to their new home
The former fans favourite believes Slaven Bilic will achieve even more success


Former West Ham midfielder and fans favourite Joe Cole says he would have loved the chance to play at London Stadium and sees no reason why the Club cannot compete in the Champions League over the next few years. Cole made his first visit to the Hammers new home last month when he saw the team record a 1-0 win over Hull and was taken aback by the size and magnitude of the new Stadium. The 35-year-old progressed through the Academy with the east London Club and always knew the Club had the fan base to compete with the biggest teams in the country.
With the Hammers making a historic move into London Stadium during the summer and attracting nearly 60,000 fans every home game, Cole sees no reason why they cannot challenge the elite clubs in the top flight and secure European football on a regular basis. Cole said: "I think it is an amazing Stadium and it looks immense. I was getting an itch just looking out at the pitch and would love to have been out there playing. "When you come to a new Stadium you are going to have some little problems, but this is forward thinking by West Ham United and this is 100 per cent the right thing to do. With a few more good results I am sure it will begin to feel like home. "It is amazing that West Ham are playing at such a big venue like London Stadium. It was amazing for me to play at Upton Park and it was special in it's own right. But time waits for no-one and West Ham have now got the capabilities to compete with the biggest teams in the world. "It is exciting times for the Club and West Ham can now compete with the top teams financially. "You can see Champions League football being played at London Stadium. If you are honest, you probably couldn't see that happening at Upton Park. "But with the stature of this new Stadium, you can see it happening. If you are trying to sign a top player in Europe and you bring them down to see this venue I am sure they will be queuing up to play here."

Cole, who made his debut for West Ham back in January 1999 and went on to make over 150 appearances during a memorable career, believes Slaven Bilic will continue to do a good job at the Hammers and feels they have turned a major corner in recent weeks. Cole added: "You can see the progress and the plan that the Club have got. This is where it is happening and I can see where West Ham are heading. "People have questioned if the Club would be able to fill it, but West Ham have a massive fan base. You go all over the world and you see West Ham fans. That will only grow. The Premier League is still the most eye catching league in Europe so it will get even bigger. "I am confident that Slaven will turn things around. He did a great job last season. There were always going to be teething problems coming into a new Stadium, but he has had a few good results and he is definitely the right man for the job. Cole says he would love to make a return to London Stadium in 2017, but is now preparing for another year in the North American Soccer League as he looks to team up with the Tampa Bay Rowdies once again. "I have had a great time out in the States and am staying out there for another year. I have played every minute of every game and feel great out in the sun playing. It is a new adventure. "I know it sounds silly but the sun makes your body feel better when you are playing. I have played over 600 games during my career and there is a lot of wear and tear from a young age so having the sun is a massive help. I feel I can go on for a few more years yet.
"I am looking forward to coming back to London Stadium and watching Champions League football in the future. The fans will love that."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BRENTFORD REJECT £10M BID FROM WEST HAM FOR SCOTT HOGAN.
BY 337HAMMER ON 4 JANUARY 2017 AT 8:53PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

West Ham have failed with a bid to sign Scott Hogan from Brentford. Brentford have turned down a £10m bid from West Ham for striker Scott Hogan, according to Sky sources.

Hogan has 18 months left on his current contract at Brentford and is willing to leave in January in order to secure Premier League football.

The 24-year-old is valued at around £15m by the Sky Bet Championship club and Sky sources revealed on Monday that Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were also interested in signing him.

Hogan, who joined Brentford from Rochdale in a £750,000 deal in 2014, has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances this season. www.skysports.com

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IF I OWNED WEST HAM: AN INTERESTING ITK/OPINION PIECE ON OUR TRANSFER WINDOW
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 3 JANUARY 2017 AT 5:40PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

This is a feature which we ran in the Summer Transfer Window. The article is anonymous and is written by someone who is very in the know in the football world. I (ExWHUEmployee) have approved and verified his sources and they are top draw. Whilst this is an opinion piece it is based alongside news that they know and I bring. I hope that you enjoy it. Let us know your thoughts.

It's an interesting time for West Ham, should we go for it in the transfer window? Or should we not? And the question on everyone's lips is "Will we go for anyone?" We have already been linked with almost every name under the sun, however West Ham Way's finest Ex, has given us a few front runners like Defoe, Batshuayi, Iorfa, and Smalling. From that list it looks like we are looking for a striker, a Centre back and a right back all three of which I think we don't have to get and we will stay up and be safe without! They are however the three positions that we do need to improve in the long run.

I think the priority in January is a striker and right back and those are the two positions I think also need strengthening the most! However I, like lots of West Ham fans, personally do not think Defoe is the answer!! Defoe is 34 and has got 11 goals this year, which for someone of that age is very impressive. He has also not missed a match which for me is equally impressive HOWEVER he has got 11 goals this season in the Premier League five of which are penalties, which bring his total to 6 in open play! 6 goals in 20 games in almost a 1 in 4 striker. The reason I don't count the penalties is we already have a penalty taker in Mark Noble and even Lanzini who has scored 2 penalty so far this season, therefore Defoe wouldn't get a chance to get them! The next reason I wouldn't take Defoe is he's on about £75k – £85k a week at Sunderland and I can only see him coming to us for similar or more, this would be the same with the length of his contract which ends in the summer of 2019! Therefore we could have a player on £85k a week who is 36 and has lost his legs, which I think we would all agree would be a disaster. A player on £85k a week should be making a serious contradiction. My last point on Defoe is he is in a team that is solely relying on him, therefore he gets most of the chance (even though Sunderland don't create many). Another problem with Sunderland relying on him so much is they won't want to sell. Therefore they will be asking for top dollar for him along with his massive wages, as if they sell him they are basically throwing in the towel! Moyes has already said the owners have said he has no money to spend in January and you are never going to find a replacement for a proven Premier League goalscorer for £10million. Therefore I can only see them selling him in January for £15million, which I think is far too much for a 34 year old, who has a one in four goal radio this season in open play. As he gets older you can only see this rate going down! I think he's a great player and was a great player however for £15million and £80k a week I would struggle to buy him! A point that many have forgotten is he also left us when we were in an awful state and for me that would be the end of him at our great club!

Batshuayi on the other hand is someone I would take on a loan deal with an option to buy! The lad is 23 years old and someone we fancied in the summer after he got 17 goals and 9 assists at a very poor Marseille side last year! He's also a big powerful boy and someone who would fit into our style of play well. With Chelsea only having two strikers at the club I can't really see them letting him go however I'm sure he is getting increasingly angry with the lack of game time and there may be a deal to be done and I hope there can be! He's only played a total of 76 minutes for Chelsea this year in the league and if I was him I would be gutted and doing everything I could to get a move away. Surely West Ham would be a perfect fit for both parties!

Other possible more interesting options are Hogan at Brentford. He's got 13 goals this year at Brentford and we do love a Championship player as the ones that we have bought have all done very well! He also got 7 in 7 last year after his Cruciate Ligament Rupture. His only 24 and for me could show real promise and worth doing if we could get a good deal. Maybe £7million with a million after 20 Premier League starts and a million after so many goals it could a good buy for us! His wages would also be low and he would be seriously hungry. I know a Brentfood fan and he calls him Shane Long that gets goals, as his work rate is top class!!

Another interesting option is we don't do anything, as we have Carroll, Ayew (not for the next month), Fletcher, Sakho and Antonio. The first 20 minutes of yesterday's game Antonio played so well as a target man before Feghouli got sent off and the system had to be changed pushing out to the wing. Every game I see him play up front he seems to improve. His pace and power and pure rawness will scare centre backs as he is so unpredictable. The best example of this was at Liverpool, where one of the defenders was subbed off at half time. This would be a bold move as it's clear to see we lack that top striker like most Premier League clubs. Carroll and Sakho are two people we need to be careful with as both get injured a lot. I'm also not convinced Ayew is a lone striker however I think he is a real quality player and Fletcher probably needs a Championship loan! If we don't sign anyone for the next month we will only have Carroll and Fletcher as our recognised strikers as Calleri is injured along with Sakho and I can't see Zaza making it to the end of the window and I'm not convinced he knows where or what a goal is! There's also other interest in Sturridge and Rashford but both players I cant see being loaned out by their clubs and also I don't think we need anymore injury prone players such as Sturridge.

Our final and possibly most interesting option is if we go for it and spend next year's summer money on someone. I can't really see this happening however if we sign a goal scorer now it wouldn't be the end of the world!! And would save us a job in the summer. The names I would suggest are ones like Origi, Giroud or Modeste. Three fantastic players. Giroud is a goalscorer and always has been. He consistently got above 15 goals at Arsenal and in the summer will be on his last year of his contract and with almost being second choice at Arsenal he may feel it's the right time to move!

Origi is also second or third choice at Liverpool and at only 21 could be our striker for years and years! For me he is an unbelievable player; he's an all-round athlete and someone who could be perfect for us, he's also like Sakho but better. He's very intelligent with the ball with great link up play. I can't speak more highly of the boy and someone I would go all out to go and buy! He's a superstar in the making. However with these first two, the summer may be a better time to buy as the big English teams do prefer to wait to the summer to sell! However with Modeste I can see Koln cashing in now, the German clubs, apart from the top ones are normally run like a business and sell their players if they get decent money. His whole time in Germany he has been a goal in two games striker and he is a big powerful man. In Germany they play a very similar style to us in England and most players do come over and adapt very fast. He scores all types of goals and there's no doubt he knows where the goals is. I have a German friend and also watch a fare bit of German football and we both love him.

The other position we are looking at is a Right back. The name Iorfa has come up a lot. I've heard he has had a poor year at Wolves however he is English and played very well against us in the FA cup tie last year! The young boy has got talent, no doubt, however for me this is all about price!

Another player I hear about a lot is a return for Jenko on loan. For me this would be a bad move he was shocking for us last season and really low on confidence and has been really dropped completely from the Arsenal set up. He was so good for us in his first season but sadly for me I question his mentality. As when the West Ham fans last year got on his back he crumbled and he has done the same at Arsenal this year.

The only real option for me that just stands out is Tripper at Spurs, he must want more first team football and is never going to get ahead of walker at Spurs! However Spurs are awful to deal with and will want a large sum to let him go! I would like this position sorted as Nordtveit hasn't got the pace to play at rb and Bryam for me still looks a bit raw however he would be a fantastic back up!! If we could get him for anything less than £8 million this would be something I would get on and do.

People are also crying out for a Centre back however it now looks like we are going back to four at the back (thank god)! Therefore we only need two each game so I believe we have enough cover until the end of the season. As Reid, Ogbonna, Collins, Oxford, Kouyate and Nordtviet can all play there! Oxford has signed a new deal and at some point has to show us what he's got!! He is now on decent money and has to start to earn it for me! Bilic has to trust him.

Anyway I hope you enjoy my views on what we should do this transfer window. I will do one maybe later on this week about the out goings I would do if I owned the club! Let me know in the comments if you liked it or tell Ex! Also make sure you go to the West Ham way's Pre Match Event.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE'S TRANSFER UPDATE: DIFFICULT DEALS AND LOAN MOVERS
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 1 JANUARY 2017 AT 9:19PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Firstly I would like to wish all our readers and followers across our various platforms a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2016 was our first year as a site and we have achieved quite a few things but all of the team want to make 2017 even more successful. If you would like to be a part of the team as a regular writer, YouTube contributor or an advertiser please get in touch.

The Leicester game was a strange one. I agreed with Bilic in keeping an unchanged side from Swansea although that was harsh on Obiang who I think has been brilliant but you cannot change a side that has won 4-1. What was odd about the game was that we dominated possession 60%-40% and we had double the amount of chances than they did yet we couldn't win. This to be highlighted the need for us to buy a goalscorer in the window, as well as a right back too.

The forward situation is a tricky one. Bilic has made it very clear that Jermain Defoe is his number one target. He likes the fact that he is a proven goalscorer and this is proven no matter what the level, club or competition. He has also came very highly recommended to Bilic by Luca Modric who played with the forward at Spurs and is obviously a friend of Bilic's through the Croatian national team. Modric has stated that he is one of the best forwards that he has played with because of his movement and Bilic thinks that Defoe would be able to exploit the creativity of Payet and Lanzini that less mobile forwards haven't done for us. Defoe is in a tricky situation because he is loved up at Sunderland as was seen by his interactions with young hero Bradley Lowery and he also has a relegation release clause in his contract too. It would be in his interests in some ways to stay at the Black Cats but he has made it clear he would like to return to West Ham (a club he still cares about and feels he owes) and be back in London. For the transfer to happen we will have to pay a significant fee for a 34 year old and he would have to ask to leave-which would deny him significant bonuses.

Another key target is Chelsea forward Batshuayi but we find ourselves in another similar position as to Defoe. He really doesn't look like he is going to get much game time for Chelsea and this has apparently made him frustrated and seeking a loan move to prove himself in the Premier League. We were very keen on the player but he doesn't want to rock the boat by demanding to leave and Chelsea do not really want to loan him. So we need them to either sign another forward or for Batshuayi to insist he is allowed to move for first team football.

There are other alternatives that we have enquired about as well. Sturridge has been well documented although his injury record is a concern for the club. Shane Long is another that we have admired for a while because of his work rate but with him now starting for Southampton due to their injury problems this transfer is probably a lot harder to conclude now. According to two other ITKS on another site we are interested in former forward Demba Ba too. Demba Ba suffered a horrific leg break in June and wouldn't be fit until at least March and then we do not know whether he will be able to recover from this injury. Apparently according to them the Chinese club will allow him to come to us and would foot all of the costs involved. When Demba was at the club there was also major concerns around an ongoing knee problem so to me it does seem unlikely that this transfer will happen. The Sullivan's really rate Demba and have obviously signed him before and they always say he was one of their best signings here however this signing does seem a bit bizarre and personally I cannot see it. I will of course credit the other two or change my stance should I hear otherwise.

Beharino is somebody who we could take a gamble on from WBA. His contract is up in the summer and he will be a lot more affordable than he was two years ago when Spurs launched a number of bids. Whilst the club have question marks over his ability and attitude, a move could be made depending on other transfers falling through or not being great deals. Beharino has the same agent as Reece Oxford who has recently signed a new deal for the club so this could be a persuasive factor in him potentially joining us.

We have some interest in Scott Hogan of Brentford but this isn't likely to a deal we look at until the summer. Dembele of Celtic is someone who we have tried to sign on two other occasions. When he joined Celtic we were looking at him, Fulham turned down an offer from us and took it to a tribunal where they received a lot less than what we had offered. Braithwaite's agent is someone we have dealt with regularly before and he was a player we looked at in the summer but Bilic now wants proven domestic players and this can also be said for Bacca. They may emerge as targets if the domestic ones fail but for now they are back up plans.

We are also in the market for a right back. Arbeloa is expected to leave on a free either by joining a Spanish club or having his contract mutually terminated. It is fair to say that Bilic and the Spanish right back never really repaired their early disagreements. Glen Johnson is the number one target and his contract is also up in the summer. Again, he fits the criteria of having an abundance of Premier League experience and he would also fit well into our system. Whilst he played for Stoke at the weekend, the club could be prepared to cash in on him before his deal runs out.

Carl Jenkinson is also being made available this window and he is someone that we could consider bringing back for the third time. Again he ticks a lot of boxes and I think he would fit better into the system we play now as well. There are other right backs who I have mentioned being targets in previous columns such as Iorfa or Flanaghan but these are plan bs.

I have spoken of interest in various Manchester United players in the past and it does appear that it is unlikely that Manchester United will offer any loan deals out of the club. This has meant a number of our potential targets are no longer targets. I doubt that we would move for some of these players on permanent deals at this stage.

We have looked at Sakho from Liverpool and some foreign alternatives as well but the aim to buy domestically.

I mentioned on the radio show that we would like to sign a big name keeper in the summer in the mode of Hart or Begovic. Although both would be hard to pull off we hope that someone of their stature could be persuaded to join. I found this news rather odd because I think Randolph has done very well since he came into the team and Adrian is a very good alternative keeper to have. It is thought that Adrian maybe allowed to leave if a club should come in for him and his contract situation is currently unresolved.

Gordon has joined Newport and Samuelsen has re-joined Peterborough and these will not be the only loan moves completed soon for our development squad. Hendrie will return from Blackburn and be loaned out again I would imagine. Marcus Browne could be moving to Coventry on loan in the next few weeks and players such as: Rice, Pike, Quina and Sam Howes could also make moves.

We go into the Manchester United game with Kouyate and Ayew having been granted special leave from their African Nations call up to play in the game. This will be their last for a while. Feghouli has not been called up for Algeria and whilst that is good news that we have an extra player available it shows how disappointing he has been. Now that he isn't in this squad it could mean that other clubs are more tempted to approach him. We would be prepared to let him go if the right offer comes in.

Good news is that Byram, Oxford and Collins are all back in training or will be in the next week so that will give us a lot more options. Noble picked up a knee injury in the Leicester City game but whether that will keep him out of tomorrow's match it has not been confirmed.

Tomorrow we host out third West Ham Way event. I am really excited and hope to meet some more of you then. Alvin Martin is a hero of mine and when I first started going to West Ham I remember him being brilliant and singing "He has got no hair but we don't care Alvin, Alvin Martin". Both he and our host Mark Ward were key players in our best ever season. Alvin also lifted the FA Cup in 1980, played for England and played for us well into the Premier League era. We have a number of West Ham celebrity fans in attendance as well as the Hammerettes. For £25 you get all you can drink lager and bitter, coach travel to the game (or you can watch it at the club if you do not have a ticket), a West Ham atmosphere, a quality raffle and the chance to mingle and meet two West Ham legends. The feedback we have received has been great so far and we hope you will come along and try it out for yourself. You only have a few hours left to buy your tickets in advance! They go up by £5 tomorrow. Get your tickets here: http://bit.ly/TWHWTICKET3

We are aiming to bring daily transfer stories as they break through out the window and I will try to be a little bit more regular with my columns as well, so you will not need to look anywhere else other than the www.thewesthamway.co.uk for your transfer information. There will be times when there isn't much to report or much that I haven't said before (a bit like this column) and there will be some who like to point this out as a criticism of the site, however we will not make up news just to get new hits which some seem to want. What we report is as we know the situation to be, which I hope the majority appreciate.

I hope you all enjoy your bank holiday which will hopefully be made a lot better by our result against Manchester United.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JAANAI GORDON JOINS NEWPORT COUNTY ON LOAN.
BY 337HAMMER ON 1 JANUARY 2017 AT 5:00PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Newport County AFC are pleased to announce the loan signing of forward Jaanai Gordon who joins the club from West Ham United. The twenty one year old striker joins the Exiles in time for tomorrow's Sky Bet League two encounter with Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park. The Northampton born forward was signed by West Ham in 2014 after two years at Peterborough. He has been out on loan at Chelmsford, Nuneaton and Sligo Rovers.

Speaking after the loan deal had been agreed manager Graham Westley said "My main priority in this window is to strengthen our back 4 and defensive midfield options. It is obvious that we need to be better at both ends of the pitch and we all know that Rhys is off back to Cardiff. Jaanai is a player with the potential to change games. It is a good start to building a momentum and winning team in the second half of the season." The loan deal will run to the end of the season. www.newport-county.co.uk

Jaanai has been with West Ham for 3 years now. When we got him the club seemed very excited about him. He is now 21 and not a player we hear about so much. According to WHUFC.com he has had a lot of loans to date.

2014/15
Loaned to Vanarama South club Chelmsford City in December 2014, scoring on his debut against Ebbsfleet United on Boxing Day.
Scored five goals in ten appearances for Chelmsford City.
Loaned to Conference Premier side Nuneaton Town in March 2015.

2015/16
Played his first U21 game of the season on 28 August against Arsenal. Scored for Terry Westley's men against West Bromwich Albion on 7 December.
Played with the U21s into January before joining League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers on loan in March.Scored against Wexford Youths on 7 May for Rovers

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANTONIO CONTE TO MAKE SENSATIONAL MOVE FOR MICHAIL ANTONIO.
BY 337HAMMER ON 3 JANUARY 2017 AT 9:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Antonio Conte is on the trail of West Ham powerhouse Michail Antonio. Chelsea's boss has made the versatile Hammers' star a surprise inclusion on his wish-list for the January transfer window. Conte witnessed first hand winger Antonio's talents when he helped run Chelsea ragged the last time they lost a match – in the EFL Cup back in October. Antonio has played as a centre forward, wing back and right back for The Hammers this season as one of the few shining lights in a frustrating season for the club.

Antonio, 26, is West Ham's top scorer with eight goals this season and after a difficult start to the season under boss Slaven Bilic the pair have warmed to each other more. The Londoner is also extremely popular with the fans.

Conte will find it tough trying to prise the former Nottingham Forest winger out of the London Stadium – he earned his first England call up this season with West Ham and is enjoying life there. But Conte wants to up the energy levels in his team this month and has already admitted Chelsea 'are trying to do something' in this transfer window. Conte also already has his eye on next season's Champions League with his team five points clear at the top of the Premier League and Londoner Antonio's British heritage would be a boost for the squad where eight of the 25-strong players must be homegrown. www.thesun.co.uk

Please no, don't be true! I would hate to see Antonio leave. He is such a strong, versatile player (although I prefer him attacking rather than defending) and he always gives 100%.

What do you think? How would you feel about Antonio leaving? What about a swap deal with Batshuayi coming to us? Would you sell if the price was right?

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers tempted by Selke
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are being linked with a move for young German striker Davie Selke after their attempts to sign Jermain Defoe stalled. Sunderland rejected a bid reported to be worth around £5million for Defoe on Tuesday, forcing the Hammers to cast their net a little wider in search of a goalscorer with the ability to hit the ground running. And 21-year-old Selke, who features for German side Red Bull Leipzig is said to be under consideration by the Board, who are said to face competition from the likes of Everton and Swansea.

Selke, who hit double figures for RB in the German second tier last season has barely featured for the first team during their excellent opening half of the current Bundesliga campaign and is potentially available on loan. Although linked with the likes of Real Madrid prior to joining the Bundesliga front-runners, Selke became the second division's most expensive signing ever when moving from Werder Bremen for €8million in July 2015 Eligible to feature for both Ethiopia (via his father) and the Czech Republic (mother), the 6'3" German-born forward had made just 10 appearances, mostly as substitute, for Leipzig so far this season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defoe 'priceless', say Sunderland
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Sunderland have rejected a £5million offer from West Ham for Jermain Defoe, according to reports.

United's bid to recapture the striker - who left West Ham in controversial circumstances 13 years ago - was immediately rebuffed by the Black Cats, for whom Defoe has scored 11 of their 19 Premier League goals this season.

And despite being just nine months away from his 35th birthday, Sunderland boss David Moyes described the former England international as "priceless" when asked about the possibility of allowing Defoe to return to London.

"I don't think there's any price [we'd accept[ because we know that Jermain's goals are priceless to us," he said.

Whilst every player has his price, regardless of Moyes' words, that is unlikely to be one considered worth paying by West Ham's Board, who are desperately seeking a replacement for Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri and the regularly-injured Diafra Sakho.

Of rather more immediate concern however could be the slew of stories continuing to link Dimitri Payet with a return to France, to former club Marseille.

Today it was suggested that L'OM are considering a player-plus-cash package for the 29-year-old including winger Romain Alessandrini, 27, or Guinean midfielder Bouna Sarr, 24 plus up to €40million.

West Ham insist they will refuse to entertain any such offers for Payet.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Van Der Elst in critical condition
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Former West Ham United striker Francois Van der Elst is in a critical condition after suffering a suspected heart attack. The 62-year-old was rushed to hospital earlier today after collapsing and is currently being held in intensive care., where he is currently in a controlled coma. "Francois is suffering from heart rhythm disorders," his brother Leo told Het Laatste Nieuws.
"On New Year's Eve, Francois had a heart attack as we had a glass of champagne at my mother's home. It took thirty minutes to resuscitate him. "Doctors are monitoring his situation and he is still having plenty of tests. We are continually kept up to date."

Van Der Elst signed for John Lyall's West Ham United side in 1981 - just five years after his brace helped condemn the Hammers to defeat against Anderlecht in the 1976 European Cup Winners' Cup Final. During a glittering career, Van Der Elst also represented New York Cosmos in addition to winning 44 caps for his country between 1973 and 1983.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza left high and dry
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Simone Zaza is facing the propect of being without a club for the second half of the season after a move to Valencia fell through.
The Italian international failed to score a single goal for West Ham during his four months at the club and was keen on joining the La Liga outfit for the second half of the current campaign, having agreed to cut short his season-long loan with the Hammers. However Zaza has been left in the lurch by the resignation of head coach Cesare Prandelli, who walked out of Valencia after just ten games in charge as a result of the club failing to land key targets such as the former Juve man. "We still do not know anything, we still have no official news," said Zaza's father Antonio, who also acts as his agent. "We'll have to wait to see what happens. "Simone has a great desire to return to Italy, we just have to choose a destination more suitable for him and Juventus. He will not stay at Juve because it would be counter-productive for both the club and especially for us."
Prandelli walked out of Valencia after accusing the club of being run by "numbers people". "I felt undermined," he told SER Deportivos Valencia. "I arrived at a big project and left with a poor impression. "Why is Zaza not here? I do not know. But on the 28th, the president told me I had 24 hours to choose between a striker and a midfielder and that for me was not a progressive move."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brentford reject £10m bid from West Ham for Scott Hogan
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 04/01/17 8:56pm
SSN

Brentford have turned down a £10m bid from West Ham for striker Scott Hogan, according to Sky sources. Hogan has 18 months left on his current contract at Brentford and is willing to leave in January in order to secure Premier League football. The 24-year-old is valued at around £15m by the Sky Bet Championship club and Sky sources revealed on Monday that Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were also interested in signing him. Hogan, who joined Brentford from Rochdale in a £750,000 deal in 2014, has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances this season. West Ham are also hoping to re-sign Jermain Defoe, despite having their first offer of £6m rejected by Sunderland. The 34-year-old started his professional career with West Ham and scored 41 goals before leaving for Tottenham in February 2004. Sky sources understand the Hammers will return with a revised offer as they look to strike a deal to bring Defoe back to east London.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham not interested in selling Michail Antonio – Sky sources
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 03/01/17 9:01pm
SSN

West Ham have had no approach for Michail Antonio and the club have no intention of selling the winger, Sky Sports News HQ understands.
A report in The Sun on Tuesday claimed Premier League leaders Chelsea were lining up a bid for the in-form 26-year-old, who has scored eight goals so far this season. Antonio signed a new four-year contract at West Ham last July and Sky sources understand he will be offered an improved deal next summer if his good form continues into the second half of the season. He joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in September 2015 for £7m and enjoyed a superb debut season in the Premier League, scoring eight goals in 26 matches as the Hammers finished in seventh place and secured qualification for the Europa League. Antonio received his first England call up in September, but did not feature in Sam Allardyce's one, and only, match in charge of the national team - a 1-0 victory away at Slovakia. He retained his place in the national set-up for the matches against Malta and Slovenia, under then-interim boss Gareth Southgate, but once again did not manage to make an appearance.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham inquire what price Sunderland will sell Jermain Defoe for
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 04/01/17 2:30pm
SSN

West Ham have asked Sunderland at what price they will sell striker Jermain Defoe, Sky sources understand. Sky Sports News HQ reported earlier on Wednesday that the Hammers had been rebuffed in a £6m offer for the 34-year-old. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is keen to add a striker to his squad in January with midfielder Michail Antonio their leading Premier League scorer by some distance on eight goals. Hopes that Simone Zaza would provide goals to boost West Ham proved wide of the mark, with the Italy international appearing to be on his way out of the club in January. Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll have both struggled with injury, combining for only three goals, leaving the Hammers scoring at only just over a goal a game. Sunderland have struggled even more in front of goal with Defoe providing 11 of their 19 goals in the Premier League. Defoe started his professional career with West Ham and scored 41 goals before leaving for Tottenham in February 2004.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brentford want £15million for Scott Hogan as West Ham's £10m striker bid is rebuffed
The Bees are holding out for £15m plus add-ons for the 24-year-old hotshot
The Mirror
BYJACOB MURTAGH
20:07, 4 JAN 2017UPDATED20:07, 4 JAN 2017

Brentford have rejected a £10million offer from West Ham for star striker Scott Hogan. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is keen to add more firepower this month and has also targeted Sunderland's Jermain Defoe . Watford, West Brom, Newcastle and Reading have also expressed an interest in Hogan, who has smashed 14 goals in 25 games this season. The former Rochdale frontman still has 18 months remaining on his contract at Griffin Park, and the Bees are holding out for £15m plus add-ons for the 24-year-old hotshot. Hogan signed for Brentford in 2014 for £750,000 from Dale, who are entitled to a percentage of the transfer fee.
If the Hammers bring in a new striker this month, it could see young forward Ashley Fletcher leave the club on loan. Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds are leading the chase to land the ex-Manchester United youngster.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will West Ham recall Enner Valencia? Everton loanee may be solution to Hammers' striker crisis
The Ecuadorian was a surprise mover on deadline day as he made the switch to Goodison Park and he has impressed boss Ronald Koeman in recent weeks
BYDAVID PRENTICE
17:45, 4 JAN 2017UPDATED17:45, 4 JAN 2017
The Mirror

West Ham could be forced into trying to recall Enner Valencia from his loan at Everton. The Ecuadorian was a surprise mover on deadline day as he made the switch to Goodison Park. He has started three of his side's last five matches and came off the bench to score in the win over Southampton on Monday. And with his side suffering a striker crisis, Slaven Bilic could attempt to recall Valencia, reports the Liverpool Echo. Andre Ayew has jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, Diafra Sakho is out injured until March, while on-loan Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore and Simone Zaza are all struggling and set to have their season-long loans cancelled. That leaves Bilic with only injury-hit Andy Carroll and raw youngster Ashley Fletcher as his sole striking options. Koeman had initially selected teenage striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of Valencia against the Saints, but said afterwards: "He (Valencia) can play a lot of different attacking positions and give the manager a lot of possibilities to change systems. "It is too early to make a final decision about his future but it was a good signing for us."
West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have already pledged to add 'quality reinforcements' to the Hammers squad this month. But should they draw a blank in the transfer market - and they have already been rebuffed in a move for Sunderland's Jermain Defoe - Bilic could be left with little choice but to ask for Valencia's return.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Juventus don't want Simone Zaza back - the West Ham flop must find another club
The on-loan Italy striker failed to score in 11 appearances for the Irons – and will not play again to stop the activation of a £20m sell-on clause in the contract
The Mirror
BYNEIL MCLEMAN
13:32, 4 JAN 2017UPDATED13:33, 4 JAN 2017

Juventus don't want Simone Zaza back and the West Ham misfit must find another club in Serie A. The on-loan Italy striker failed to score in 11 appearances for the Irons – and will not play again to stop the activation of a £20m sell-on clause in the contract. But Juventus' sporting director Beppe Marotta said: "Zaza is on loan at West Ham for the whole season. The club has has indicated their intention not to pick him again and together we are sounding out the market to see the options. For now he is with them. He will not return to us in January – we already have a problem of having too many players." It has been a rollercoaster year for Zaza, 25, who scored the crucial winning goal for Juventus against Napoli in February but then comically missed a penalty against Germany at Euro 2016.
And his father and agent Antonio Zaza told Gazzetta dello Sport the striker never wanted to leave Italy. "We did not chose the blessed West Ham," he claimed. "Nobody forced us go but he would never have gone abroad. We want to take him back to Italy given his love for his country. A return to Juventus would be counterproductive because he would not get a game there." Fiorentina, Genoa and Milan are all interested in taking up Zaza's loan till the end of the season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham step up audacious bid to bring Jermain Defoe back to the club
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard

West Ham have lodged an official bid for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe. Standard Sport understands the Hammers are interested in re-signing the 34-year-old striker, who played for the club between 1999 and 2004, as Slaven Bilic looks to add to his attacking options this month. Defoe has been in fine form for relegation-battlers Sunderland this season, and has scored 11 goals in 20 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats, including two penalties in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Monday. His two goals against Jurgen Klopp's men resulted in Defoe becoming just the fourth player to score more than 10 goals in 10 different Premier League seasons after Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. Such has been his form this term that Hammers manager Bilic expressed his admiration for the striker last week, but refused to confirm whether West Ham would make an official offer for the 34-year-old. "He's a very good player," Bilic said. "Defoe is scoring goals and that is important. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best of the strikers they have played with. "But he's someone else's player so I don't want to talk about it."

West Ham's pursuit of Defoe will be made difficult by Sunderland's precarious position in the Premier League table, with the club currently sitting in 18th place and battling to avoid the drop. In addition, Defoe's history with West Ham's London rivals Tottenham, the club he left the Hammers for in 2004, could be bittersweet for some fans. The striker handed in a transfer request following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League in 2003 before sealing a £7million switch to Spurs. He went on to play for the north London club two times, scoring 142 goals in 363 games across two spells, but later admitted he made a "massive mistake" forcing through a move from West Ham to Spurs.
West Ham's interest in Defoe comes as the club's on-loan striker Simone Zaza is set to return to Italy this month. The 25-year-old arrived from Juventus on a season-long loan in the summer, with West Ham having the option of making the move permanent should the forward make an agreed number of appearances at the club. But after failing to score in eight Premier League appearances for the east Londoners, his agent confirmed Zaza will go back to Serie A during this transfer window.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sofiane Feghouli has Manchester United red card overturned and could face Manchester City on Friday night
The Algerian winger's first Premier League start lasted just 14 minutes but he has now had his three-game ban quashed
The Independent Online

Sofiane Feghouli has had the red card awarded to him in West Ham's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United overturned, and is now available to play against United's cross-town rivals Manchester City in Friday night's FA Cup third round tie. The Algerian winger was harshly dismissed just 14 minutes into his first Premier League start when he went in for a 50-50 tackle with Phil Jones. But the Hammers appealed his punishment and, after consulting television replays, the three-game ban was overturned. While they will be able to count on Feghouli again, it doesn't change the result against United which West Ham manager Slaven Bilic feels was swayed by the early decision. "I was very surprised," Bilic said of the decision. "You know me, I'm the first one who says [referees] have a difficult job, and every time we look at a slow motion I go: 'Yeah, they don't have that in real time.' But I said it then – I wouldn't have been happy with a yellow. I said it to the fourth official and to [José] Mourinho, it's not a yellow. If it was yellow I'd be asking: 'Why a yellow so early in the game for basically nothing?' And you have to know it's Feghouli – he very rarely makes a foul."

Bilic did not see a replay of the incident until after full-time and even went as far as to suggest that Jones, who writhed in pain, appearing to be hurt by the tackle, was attempting to deflect attention from his own misjudgment. "After the game, when I saw it, it gave me proof that I'm right," Bilic said. "The more times I've seen it, it's the other way round. It was Jones who made a more dangerous tackle than Feghouli, like a scissor. He got the ball, OK, but that was dangerous. Maybe his reaction was to save himself, but definitely not a red card."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham tipped to sign Ahmed Elmohamady from Hull
HITC
Vincent Ralph

The Hull City defender has been linked with a move to West Ham United. According to the Telegraph, West Ham United is a potential destination for Hull City player Ahmed Elmohamady this month. The 29-year-old right-back has played 203 matches for the Tigers, including 23 this season, and the struggling side will be desperate to keep the Egypt international at least for the rest of the campaign. That said, West Ham are in desperate need of a new right-sided defender of their own and they are being tipped to make a move for the experienced, and versatile, player. There is one big stumbling block that will make or break any potential deal, and that is the Africa Cup of Nations, for which Elmohamady will be starring for his country. If the wide man returns to Hull in January, which would mean Egypt are eliminated prior to the semi-final stage, there is a chance, however slim, that he could move on. But if he helps his country into the last-four or beyond, this is one rumour that will remain just that. West Ham will be searching for sensible additions in the coming weeks and Elmohamady is certainly that, meaning the link makes sense. But the AFCON could affect targets as well as some of the Hammers' current stars.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BESIKTAS REACH AGREEMENT OVER CALLERI LOAN MOVE
THOMAS BORE
ReadWestHam

Jonathan Calleri is set to call time on his West Ham nightmare as Besiktas reach an agreement with Deportivo Maldonado over a loan move with a view to permanent. Fanatik report Calleri will join the Turkish outfit on loan for the remainder of the season, before joining permanently for €4million in the summer window. Calleri signed for West Ham on loan in the summer but has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League so far, failing to score in any of his eleven appearances for the Hammers. Slaven Bilic is now keen to offload the Argentine this window in order to free up room for another striker addition – with Brentford's Scott Hogan as a reported target. Besiktas boss Senol Gunes is in the market for a striker, after becoming frustrated at the lack of progress in the negotiations with Antalyaspor for ex-Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o, and Calleri reportedly tops his wish-list.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MARSEILLE OFFER LASSANA DIARRA AS PART OF PAYET BID
MICHAEL OLIVER
ReadWestHam

Marseille really are serious about bringing their former talisman Dimitri Payet back to the club this January, despite West Ham's best efforts to completely dissuade them from even making a bid.

It was claimed yesterday that the Ligue 1 club were willing to offer either Romain Alessandrini or Bouna Sarr, both wingers, in addition to their €40m offer for Payet in January to help sweeten the pot for the Hammers.

Twitter: Breaking | Olympique de Marseille could include Lassana Diarra in a deal with West Ham for Dimitri Payet, according to tomorrow's L'Équipe. (@GFFN)
Now, according to Wednesday's print edition of L'Equipe (h/t Eurosport), Marseille are now also willing to chuck Lassana Diarra into the deal in another bid to get the deal over the line.

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder joined Marseille on a free transfer after he left Lokomotiv Moscow in a dispute which resulted in him being charged with a €10m fine he had to repay the Russian club and a 15-month ban from playing professional football.

During that time, Diarra came on trial with the Hammers with a view to signing for them on a free transfer under Sam Allardyce, but his FIFA-imposed ban put an end to any chance of him joining.

West Ham remain adamant that Payet is not for sale at any price in January, no matter who Marseille are willing to offer as part of the deal.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh dear, West Ham: Zaza 'didn't choose' Hammers
Date published: Wednesday 4th January 2017 10:33
Football365

Simone Zaza's move to West Ham descended into further farce when his agent revealed the player "didn't choose" the club. Zaza joined the Hammers in a season-long loan deal from Juventus in the summer, with the club agreeing a £24million deal to make the move permanent if he impressed sufficiently. But the Italian has been an undoubted failure, failing to score or assist a single goal in eight Premier League games. He has not played in the Premier League since November 19 as any further appearances could activate a clause which means West Ham would sign him permanently. The 25-year-old is now looking for another club to join in the winter transfer window, but agent, father Antonio, says he never wanted to move to London in the first place.

"We'll have to see what happens," he told JuveNews. "Simone has a great desire to return to play in Italian football, and we have to choose the most suitable destination for him and for Juventus. "He won't stay at Juventus, because that would be counter-productive. For them, but especially for us because he wouldn't find much space. "Is he disappointed that Juve didn't trust him? Look, don't make me answer that… it's too delicate a question. "Now 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…Now he's gone and we look to the future."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUNDERLAND TURN DOWN WEST HAM APPROACH FOR JERMAIN DEFOE
MICHAEL OLIVER
readWestHam

It's common knowledge that West Ham are after a striker this month and their search has led them down a familiar path. Targeting a move for Jermain Defoe, the Hammers are hopeful of bringing their former striker back to East London during the transfer window.

However, Sunderland will prove to be stubborn negotiators for their invaluable striker. The Mirror are reporting that West Ham have had a bid turned down for the 34-year-old striker, believed to be worth in the region of £5m.

The approach was immediately turned down by the Black Cats who are battling against relegation with Defoe's 11 goals already this season their sole beacon of hope in what looks like a lost cause.

West Ham believe Defoe is interested in a move back to London and are willing to go in with another offer, but Sam Allardyce and Crystal Palace are also keeping tabs on the situation.

With Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri expected to have their respective season-long loan deals terminated this month, Slaven Bilic is eager to bring in at least one striker this month and given Defoe's pedigree at this level he would prove to be a savvy acquisition.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leeds set to bid £1.5 million for Premier League forward 0
BY TOM CARNDUFF ON JAN 4, 2017 CHAMPIONSHIP, FEATURED, LEEDS UNITED, NEWS, TRANSFERS

Leeds United are set to bid £1.5 million for West Ham United forward Ashley Fletcher, according to the Guardian. The 21-year-old was a target for The Whites in the summer, but instead made the move to West Ham from Premier League rivals Manchester United. Fletcher has featured in 11 Premier League games so far this season but failed to find the net. His only goal has come in the 4-1 EFL Cup defeat to his former club Manchester United. The forward has had better luck playing in Premier League 2, scoring two and assisting another in four appearances in the reserve competition.
Now The Guardian reports that Leeds are set to make an offer of £1.5 million to bring the striker to Elland Road.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could Everton be forced to give Enner Valencia back to West Ham?
Valencia came to Goodison as a last minute transfer deadline-day acquisition, after the Blues bid for Moussa Sissoko collapsed
BYDAVID PRENTICE
10:19, 4 JAN 2017UPDATED10:44, 4 JAN 2017

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic may be forced to go cap in hand to Everton and plead for Enner Valencia's season-long loan deal to be cut short. The Hammers have a striker crisis at present. Andre Ayew has jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, Diafra Sakho is out injured until March, while on-loan Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore and Simone Zaza are all struggling and set to have their season-long loans cancelled. That leaves Bilic with only injury-hit Andy Carroll and raw youngster Ashley Fletcher as his sole striking options. Valencia came to Goodison as a last minute transfer deadline-day acquisition, after the Blues bid for Moussa Sissoko collapsed. But after failing to start a single Premier League match before December. Valencia started back to back matches against Arsenal and Liverpool before Christmas, started against Hull on December 30 and stepped off the subs bench to score his first Everton goal against Southampton on Monday. Koeman had initially selected teenage striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of Valencia against the Saints, but said afterwards: "He (Valencia) can play a lot of different attacking positions and give the manager a lot of possibilities to change systems. "It is too early to make a final decision about his future but it was a good signing for us."

West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have already pledged to add 'quality reinforcements' to the Hammers squad this month.
But should they draw a blank in the transfer market - and they have already been rebuffed in a move for Sunderland's Jermain Defoe - Bilic could be left with little choice but to ask for Valencia's return.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bookmaker lists West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion among favourites to sign Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson
HITC
Aiden Cusick

West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion are listed among the favourites to sign Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson in January, with bookmaker Bet Victor. Neither club have been formally linked with the Icaland star in recent months, but feature behind only Everton (3/1) with odds of 4/1 and 5/1 respectively. Despite Swansea's collective failings, Sigurdsson has once again proved the Welsh side's standout performer - scoring five goals and creating another six in 20 Premier League outings this season.
And with West Ham and West Brom both thought to be in the market for midfielders this month, the pair could look to take advantage of the Swans precarious position at the bottom end of the table. West Ham have been linked with moves for Nemanja Maksimovic, Luka Milivojevic and Taulant Xhaka in recent weeks, however, Sigurdsson is perhaps a more desirable target given his experience in England's top flight. The Iceland star would not come cheap for that reason, although it is unlikely that either the Hammers or West Brom - who are said to be in the running for £20-million-rated Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin - would struggle to meet Swansea's demands.
Middlesbrough (5/1), Roma and Stoke City (both 6/1) are the other main contenders, according to Bet Victor.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS ENTER DISCUSSIONS WITH MONTPELLIER OVER SANSON
THOMAS BORE
ReadWestHam

West Ham United have held discussions with HSC Montpellier regarding the availability of Borussia Dortmund target Morgan Sanson, the Daily Mail report. Sanson is no stranger to Premier League interest, having previously been tracked by Newcastle United when identifying replacements for his fellow countryman Yohan Cabaye. Fellow Premier League sides AFC Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion have also joined West Ham in the race for Sanson's signature, but it is Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Marseille who currently lead the chase, as per France Football (via GFFN). Sanson's representatives are expected to meet with a delegation from Marseille in the coming hours, if not tomorrow. Montpellier are keen on retaining Sanson's services for the rest of the season but would find it difficult to turn down an offer in the region of €10million (approximately £8.5million) due to his recent injury history – coupled with his contract expiring next year.
Sanson, who boasts three goals and seven assists this season, spent the majority of last season on the sidelines after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury late in the 2014/15 season. Sanson did return to action briefly midway through last season, before suffering another lengthy injury lay-off just weeks after returning.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea monitoring West Ham's Michail Antonio? Transfer news and gossip from Wednesday's papers
PLUS: Marseille join the list of clubs interested in Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin
BYFOOTBALL SPY

West Ham's Michail Antonio has caught the eye of Antonio Conte with the Chelsea boss pondering an approach, claims ESPN FC. The versatile Englishman has impressed in Slaven Bilic's struggling side this campaign across the park, from right-back to centre forward, and has scored eight goals. Following the departure of Oscar to the Chinese Super League, Conte is looking to boost is attacking options. And ESPN say sources close to the player tell them the Blues are monitoring Antonio's progress. The Sun also reported Chelsea's interest in Antonio, however Sky Sports claim West Ham have had no approach for him and no intention to sell.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford and West Ham track Scott Hogan but are yet to make a formal bid for the Brentford striker
Scott Hogan has scored 14 goals in 25 Championship appearances
Brentford are 14th in English football's second tier on 33 points
They have already rebuffed Reading with a £7million proposal last week
By Simon Jones for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 00:10, 4 January 2017 | UPDATED: 00:10, 4 January 2017

Watford and West Ham have interest in Brentford striker Scott Hogan but have yet to make formal offers for the 24-year-old. Reading were rebuffed with a £7million proposal last week as Brentford want £15m. Both the Hornets and the Hammers are keen to strengthen their attacking line and Hogan is seen as a player who can do that. Watford manager Walter Mazzari wants to boost the numbers he has in attack after watching his side score 23 goals in 19 Premier League matches. The former Rochdale striker is the Championship's third highest goalscorer with 14 goals in 25 appearances. He also scored in Brentford's 3-1 away victory over Birmingham City on Bank Holiday Monday. Reports have recently suggested that the west London club won't sell the player for less than £15million. Manager Dean Smith is keen on losing Hogan but he may not be left with a choice.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com