Daily WHUFC News - 11th August 2017

Masuaku receives first DR Congo call-up
WHUFC.com

Arthur Masuaku has been called-up by DR Congo for the first time. The West Ham United full-back has been included in the African nation's 36-man provisional squad for two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Tunisia next month. Masuaku, who was born in the French city of Lille and played U18 and U19 football for Les Bleus, switched his international allegiance to DR Congo in June The 23-year-old is one of seven English-based players included in Florent Ibenge's selection, with AFC Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe and Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba among them.
The Leopards are on course to qualify for next summer's tournament in Russia, having beaten Guinea and Libya in their opening two Group A fixtures, and victories over Tunisia in the back-to-back fixtures on 1 and 5 September. DR Congo travel to Rades for the first meeting before welcoming the Eagles of Carthage to Kinshasa four days later Then named Zaire, DR Congo have qualified for one previous World Cup, when they lost all three group matches and conceded 14 goals without reply in West Germany in 1974.

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Commemorative bricks update
WHUFC.com

West Ham United has once again joined forces with fund-raisers for the Bobby Moore Fund to reunite supporters with their treasured commemorative bricks from the Boleyn Ground. Dozens of volunteers supporting the Bobby Moore Fund and the Club's efforts helped to collect the bricks from the memorial walls on the Sir Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore Stands and continue to work in partnership with the Club to locate the individual or family who commissioned them. The latest brick collection day is taking place this coming Saturday, August 12, at the West Ham United Supporters' Club in Castle Street, next to the site of the Boleyn Ground, from midday to 6pm.

West Ham United was originally advised in 2015 that there was no guarantee the bricks could be saved as part of the demolition process, and arranged for every message to be reproduced on a stone at Champions Place at London Stadium as a lasting memorial. However, the demolition company managed to keep many of the bricks intact and has worked with West Ham United and the Bobby Moore Fund to return them to their owners with more than 100 bricks already handed back. Involved in the initiative is 15-year-old Jonjo Heuerman who, with the help of his family and fellow West Ham supporters, has raised more than £300,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK He was inspired to start fundraising in 2009 following the death of his beloved nanny, Lyn, to bowel cancer and in recognition of Club legend Bobby Moore who passed away of the same illness. Jonjo's fundraising achievements have gained national recognition and he became the youngest ever recipient of the British Empire Medal in the 2016 New Year's Honours list.

Jonjo's mum Donna, who raises money for the Bobby Moore Fund, said: "We are delighted to be working with West Ham United to ensure as many commemorative bricks as possible are returned to their owners. "It has been very emotional to see people came from far and wide to collect their treasured bricks. This is all about re-uniting people with these sentimental items and we would also like to take the opportunity to thank people for the generous donations they have chosen to make to support the Bobby Moore Fund as part of this process."

All of the commemorative bricks have now been recovered and logged. Due to the nature of the process, although every care is taken, not all bricks were able to be salvaged.

If you had a commemorative brick at the Boleyn Ground the Club would be delighted to hear from you to help you locate it please contact: supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk, or visit www.fornannyandbobby.com where you can search a log of the recovered bricks.

You will also be able to register the inscription of the brick you are trying to trace in the event that it is recovered in the next phase of reclamation. Alternatively you can search via Facebook group Boleyn Brick Salvage at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047807192112530/

To identify the location of your new stone at Champions Place, please follow our step-by-step guide below:

Visit the Champions Place home page at https://www.championsplace.whufc.com

Click the 'Customer log In' tab in the top right hand corner of the page.

You can either input your surname and order reference or surname and voucher number.

Once logged in, you will be able to view the zone your stone is located in along with a downloadable/printable location map.

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West Ham United partners with Ricoh to re-engineer processes and ways of working
WHUFC.com

West Ham United work with Ricoh to modernise its IT services and impact business processes.

As one of London's most iconic football clubs and with the recent move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the club needed a revamped and fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure.

With an ageing server estate and a greater demand for mobile and flexible working, Ricoh could offer the holistic package needed to modernise.

Ricoh IT services designed a converged IT solution based on a thin-client and cloud-based infrastructure. This provides the club with an IT infrastructure that is more efficient, flexible and scalable to meet demand without compromising on security. Other key features are: simple, quick needs-based disaster recovery plans and centralised and automated application deployment.

400 existing PCs have been replaced with 230 thin-clients and on-site hardware replaced by a virtual server environment. Microsoft System Centre is used for systems management and monitoring. The new IT infrastructure integrates with additional Ricoh services and solutions, including a Ricoh Managed Print Service and Ricoh digital display equipment.

As well as day-to-day business operations of West Ham, the IT infrastructure also supports the club's customer-facing operations, such as the call centre and on-site and remote retail outlets.

Mike Bohndiek, Head of IT, West Ham United commented "The transformation project that Ricoh has helped West Ham deliver is critical to the business and a significant catalyst for change. Staff have seen IT go from a poor relation into something that really works for them day-to-day. It has challenged thinking across the business. Before it was muddling along with an adequate IT service, now it's become an enabler for better, smarter and more productive working."

Chas Moloney, director at Ricoh UK also commented , "Working with West Ham to help create a truly flexible and modernised mobile working environment makes for a rewarding partnership. We are proud to provide the services and solutions that can help the club streamline key business processes."

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Nathan Trott: The Big Interview
WHUFC.com

It has been some 18 months for West Ham United's talented young goalkeeper Nathan Trott. Born and raised in Bermuda, Trott initially played as a midfielder before converting to a goalkeeper as a teenager. He was then spotted by the Hammers and invited to London for a trial, which he came through with flying colours.
Last season, aged just 18, Trott established himself as first-choice goalkeeper for West Ham's U23 side, before earning a call-up to England's squad for the UEFA European U19 Championship finals, which they ultimately won! Trott spoke to whufc.com about his eventful 2017, prospects for the new U23 season and ambitions for the future with club and country…

Nathan, you were back in a West Ham United shirt for the first time since winning the UEFA European U19 Championship with England, but not the result you would have wanted?

"It's always good to get back to West Ham and it feels good to be playing with my teammates again after quite a long summer. Obviously the result was not what we wanted but we're working towards the start of the new season on Friday, so that's the main focus.

"Hopefully we can get off to a good start. It'll be a tough game, everyone knows that because they are the champions, but I think we can try and get a result."

You mentioned the start of the season and that means Premier League 2 Division 1 football, kicking-off with a home fixture with Everton on Friday. We are also taking part in the Premier League International Cup this season, so there's plenty to be excited about…

"It's good for everyone to experience different types of football. It's a different level after getting promoted, so I think it will push everyone and make us all better players and develop, as it will playing against foreign teams in the International Cup."

Looking back on the summer, you helped England win the Euros, so how do you reflect on that experience?

"It was a long but successful summer. Obviously next time I'd like to play and get more minutes, but it's always good to be in a squad of that quality and win a major championship.

"The main thing was that we made England proud and I think everyone was happy with the way we played. It's been a successful summer for the England teams, with everyone making a semi-final or a final.

"I thought it was a good experience for me as my first major tournament as an England player, so to win it was amazing!"

You have only been a goalkeeper for a few years, so to change position, get picked for England and win a major tournament is some achievement!

"That's a big benefit to my game, the fact I was an outfield player when I was younger. My distribution and technique with the ball at my feet are a strength and I think they helped get me there."

England kick-off the 2017/18 Euro U19 qualifiers in November, when they face Bulgaria, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, so hopefully you can start this time around!

"Hopefully next time I can get some more minutes and keep pushing myself as I'd love to be in goal at the Euros and, if all goes well, the U20 World Cup next summer!"

You are from Bermuda and still send and receive messages of support from your home country, too!

"Even when I'm playing and supporting England, I feel I am still representing Bermuda because you can never forget where you've come from. Everyone back home is supporting me and sending me messages, too, which is great."

Back here at West Ham, you are one of a number of promising young goalkeepers, but behind Joe Hart and Adrian there is not a third 'experienced' stopper. Are you aiming to fill that role this season?

"I am hoping to move towards the first-team squad this season. I would like to be the one to fill that spot as I feel I am ready for it. Hopefully I can be on the bench and maybe make my first-team debut in a cup game. Whatever comes, I'm ready!"

Do you have to pinch yourself, when you consider how quickly your career is developing?

"Yeah, sometimes! I think the best thing is just to stay humble, keep your head down and keep working. When you are that way, it's easier, because things then just happen one thing after the other."

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Chicharito: I'm going back to my old house on Sunday
WHUFC.com

Chicharito cannot wait to start his 'new chapter' in the Premier League at his 'old house'.

West Ham United's superstar summer signing spent five years as a Manchester United player and is set to make his competitive debut for the Hammers at Old Trafford.

The Mexico striker has only positive memories of 157 games he played and 59 goals he scored for the Red Devils, but insists he will have no sentiment in his head or his heart when he returns to Salford on Sunday. "I don't know how to describe the fact we are playing Manchester United in my first game for West Ham, but I can just say it's luck!" he smiled "I'm very lucky to be going back to my old club, to my old home, my old house, to start my new chapter in this second part of my English life and in the Premier League.

"It's going to be something happy, one very important and very lucky moment. We want to go there, try to play, and move forward. "I'm feeling in the same way I did in my first day in England, the same way I go to play with the national team I've been playing in for seven or eight years, because I love this game. "I love to do what I do and of course we have a good salary as well, we live in good cities, I have had good experiences and met good people, I'm just living my dream and trying to improve as a player and a human being as well. "Game by game, training by training, I'm just trying to improve and help my team-mates and then, if the results come, we're going to be happy."
It is seven years this week since Chicharito announced his arrival in English football with a debut goal in Manchester United's Community Shield win over Chelsea at Wembley.
The striker would go on to score regularly in all competitions and the Premier League title twice in his four seasons as a Red Devil. Unsurprisingly, therefore, he says he was 'living the dream' during his time there.
"It was a great experience," confirmed the No17, who also revealed that former Manchester United teammate David De Gea had been in contact ahead of Sunday's game. "Now, it was seven years ago, but I remember only happiness. There was happiness that I was living my dream that I made that big step which is not common [from Mexico to the Premier League]. "I was very glad, very happy, my family was with me so they were living that dream as well. I have very good memories of those four years that I lived in Manchester. "I will play against some friends, against my old club, one of the best clubs in the world, and I'm going to see some of the people who worked around the club that I have very good relationships with them. There is nothing negative to going there. "It's going to be emotional, of course, to be in my old house against my old club. With my new team, my new chapter. I want to do as best as I can. It's an important moment for me."

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ONE TO WATCH: WILLIAM CARVALHO
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 19 FEBRUARY 2016 AT 8:29PM ( *** NOTE DATE **** )
THE WESTHAMWAY.CO.UK


Age: 23 years
Nationality: Portuguese
Current Team: Sporting Lisbon

This week we have a promising young tough holding midfielder in William Carvalho. He has great defensive qualities about him. William is strong, tough and reads the game very well to make the good interceptions. He tracks back helping the defence hugely… adding that steel to the team. William makes it hard work for teams trying too break through, he is always limiting the spaces and working hard.

On the ball he is comfortable, he is very good with his passes, rarely gives the ball away and uses it well. He is a calm composed player and one who would be consistently good for a team. I think he could be a great asset for a top 4 team and maybe a club outside the top 4 could land him as he has been linked continuously to Arsenal in previous years but nothing has happened.

He has great experience for his age being 23, 15 caps already and I feel he is ready for a move to a top league. He shows a good attitude , works for the team and I think a player of his type would be a great asset despite the price. He is consistent ,will do the job required week in week out and is a very reliable player.

Carvalho is certainly a top talent and he will only get better. His price is likely to be 20 million plus I would think, but you got to pay the going rate these days to get these top players most of the time.

He would obviously be a player I'd like to see come in if Alex Song departs …..he would be a great replacement for him at West Ham. He would be a top coup for us but an expensive one as I said.

STRENGTHS : Tackling – Strength – Composure – Passing

WEAKNESSES : None

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Villa boss plays down Snodgrass links
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th August 2017
By: Staff Writer

Aston Villa CHairman Dr Tony Xia has played down reports linking the Championship club with a move for out-of-favour Hammer Robert Snodgrass.
Despite moving to West Ham just seven months ago, when switching from Hull in an eye-opening £10million move, the Scottish internation is already surplus to requirements at the Olympic Stadium. However shifting the 29-year-old has proved rather more difficult in persuading him to sign back in January.
And whilst Villa were reported to have expressed an interest in taking Snodgrass earlier in the transfer window, such a move materialising now would appear extremely unlikely according to comments made by Xia on social media. Speaking in response to a question on twitter from a supporter, Xia admitted that there were no plans to sign Snodgrass imminently. When asked whether the story was just a rumour, Xia simply replied "yes".
And in response to another queston asking about Snodgrass and fellow purported target Jordan Rhodes, he added: "Both were never on our radar. They were not on our list - completely made up rumours."

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West Ham interested in Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 10/08/17 12:59pm
SSN

West Ham are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, according to Sky sources. The Portugal international, who joined Sporting Lisbon in 2012, is understood to want a move to the Premier League. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has scored nine goals in 137 appearances for the club in four seasons, has a £40m release clause in his contract which still has three years remaining.
Angola-born Carvalho was an integral part of the Portugal team which won the European Championships in France last summer and has previously been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United. West Ham have already signed strikers Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic this summer, but manager Slaven Bilic is keen to add further options to his squad.

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Who is William Carvalho and why does Slaven Bilic want him? West Ham transfer target profiled
West Ham transfer news has been dominated by William Carvalho and the Portuguese midfielder could be perfect for Slaven Bilic
Football London
BYTOM MARSHALL-BAILEY
15:40, 10 AUG 2017

After a summer of spending at the London Stadium, West Ham could be about to dip into the transfer market once again with the signing of Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho. Many of Europe's top clubs have been linked with the player in the past, yet he still remains at Sporting despite his commanding displays in the middle of the park. Although co-owner David Sullivan previously stated that the club would not be moving for a midfielder, the Hammers have reportedly submitted an offer of €30m (£27.1m) for the player.
With Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez already joining the Hammers ahead of the new season, the potential arrival of Carvalho would cap off a remarkable summer in the transfer market for the club. Here we take a look a closer look at Carvalho following talk of him moving to the capital.

Who is he?

Carvalho is a defensive midfielder who has caught the eye of many of Europe's top clubs since making his debut in April 2011. The 25-year-old has become a key part of Sporting's team and it is quite surprising that he is still with the Primeira Liga side after all this time. Carvalho, who is known for his imposing displays on the pitch, is a master in his holding role with his ability to read play and dispossess opponents. The player has also impressed against some of Europe's top sides in the Champions League, as well as for the Portugal national team. The Euro 2016 winner would be an excellent signing for the club if they could manage to get a deal over the line.

How did he do last season?

After helping Portugal win the European Championship against France, Carvalho carried his form into the new season for Sporting. Although the team finished the season in third, 12 points behind champions Benfica, the midfielder once again came to the attention of a number of top clubs with his displays. Carvalho was impressive in the Champions League against the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, even though Lisbon crashed out of the group stage with one win from six games. The Angolan-born player appeared in 38 games in all competitions for his club, scoring three goals and picking up 11 bookings throughout the campaign.

Who wants him?

Carvalho has attracted the attention of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, while European giants Juventus and Bayern Munich have also cast their eye over the 25-year-old. West Brom had tried their luck to sign Carvalho back in January, only for Sporting to knock back their bid of £26million.

Player profile
Despite Carvalho previously admitting that he would like to move to Arsenal, it looks unlikely that Arsene Wenger will resurrect his interest in the player.
West Ham could potentially have a free run on signing Carvalho, although other clubs may well join the race and finally move for the midfielder if it looks like he's heading to east London.

How much would he cost?

After signing Arnautovic for a club-record fee, the Hammers will have to surpass the £24m paid to Stoke for the Austrian if they are to sign Carvalho.
According to The Telegraph, the Hammers have submitted an offer of €30m (£27.1m) to Sporting for the Euro 2016 winner. However, Sporting are believed to be holding out for €40m (£36.1m) for their prize asset. While the Hammers won't pay Sporting's asking price, club representatives currently in Lisbon will be hoping to come to an agreement for the midfielder.

What have people said about him?

Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal said the midfielder is capable of playing for one of the top Premier League sides following links with West Brom. Carvalhal, speaking to Radio Renascenca in Portugal, said: "William Carvalho is a player for a big club, a top one. "West Brom are not a top club but being in the best league in the world at a medium club isn't negative for any player. "He has the ability to be in a team with other goals, but if he comes to West Brom he'll join the Premier League which is a great stage and where almost every player would like to be."

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West Ham bid £27.1m for William Carvalho: Hammers chiefs in Lisbon trying to close deal
WEST HAM have made a club-record £27.1million bid to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 14:28, Thu, Aug 10, 2017 | UPDATED: 15:00, Thu, Aug 10, 2017
Express.co.uk

Slaven Bilic has identified the 25-year-old as his final key addition to his side this summer. The Hammers have been strong in their business so far, bringing in Joe Hart, Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Sead Haksabanovic. And with money still left to spend, Carvalho has been targeted to strengthen West Ham's midfield. According to The Telegraph, an offer has now been submitted for the Portugal international worth the equivalent of €30m. Carvalho has a buy-out clause in his contract of £36.1m and Sporting are attempting to hold out for that figure.

However, it is said they are aware Carvalho is now keen on the move to the Premier League. Arsenal have previously shown interest, but West Ham appear close to landing their man following negotiations that have been going on for over a week. The Telegraph add Hammers representatives are currently in Lisbon attempting to seal the deal. And West Ham are optimistic Carvalho can be signed. Despite the east London side being unwilling to pay as much as £36.1m, talks remain positive between the two clubs.
Carvalho is apparently aware he need to move on to further his career, having been at Sporting since the start of his professional career. The highly-rated player is represented by Pep Guardiola's brother, Pere, and would offer strong competition for Pedro Obiang, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble at the London Stadium. But while the Hammers feel there is a real chance of getting Carvalho, outgoings are needed too. Sofiane Feghouli is due to leave for Galatasaray, while Aston Villa are after Robert Snodgrass.

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Manuel Lanzini ready to sign new £85k-a-week West Ham deal amid Liverpool interest
HITC
Aiden Cusick

Liverpool are said to have earmarked the West Ham United star as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho. Playmaker Manuel Lanzini is 'ready to sign' a new £85,000-a-week contract at West Ham United, The Sun reports. It is claimed that negotiations over an improved deal began four months ago, with West Ham said to have been willing to increase Lanzini's earnings from £35,000-a-week to £50,000-a-week. But with new signings Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez reported to earn more than double that - and amid alleged interest from other clubs including Liverpool - the Hammers appear to seen their hand forced. And according to The Sun, Lanzini will finally commit to Slaven Bilic's side, and sign on for another five years at the London Stadium.
It is claimed that Liverpool have been tracking the Argentine since January, with the Reds are said to have earmarked him as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who has been the subject of bids from Barcelona. The new deal for Lanzini - who has scored 15 goals and created another seven since moving to West Ham two years ago, initially on loan - would see him collect £4.42 million per year.

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West Ham bid club record £27.1m for William Carvalho
Telegraph.co.uk
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
10 AUGUST 2017 • 1:32PM

West Ham United have bid a club record €30 million (£27.1m) for the highly-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. Club representatives are currently in Lisbon attempting to close the deal for the Portuguese international and negotiations have been going on for more than a week. Sporting are attempting to hold out for €40m (£36.1m) but are aware that the 25-year-old is keen to finally move to the Premier League club.

Signing Carvalho would represent another huge coup for West Ham who have already signed Marko Arnautovic, for a club record fee that could rise to £24m, Javier Hernandez, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart during this transfer window as manager Slaven Bilic re-shapes his side ahead of Sunday's kick-off away to Manchester United.

It is not thought that West Ham will go as high as €40m for Carvalho but talks remain positive between the two clubs and sources close to the deal are optimistic it can be done. The highly-rated midfielder, who has been linked to a number of big Premier League clubs in recent seasons, including Arsenal, is understood to be aware of the fact that he needs to move to further his career.

Carvalho is represented by Pere Guardiola, the brother of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and would be expected to go straight into the West Ham side as a holding midfielder.

Born in Angola, Carvalho has 37 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad that won Euro 2016. Bringing him in would complete Bilic's transfer moves this summer with the manager aware that his team needs a high-quality addition in midfield.

If Carvalho is signed then West Ham, who have also signed 18-year-old Montenegro midfielder Sead Haksabanovic, will then concentrate on balancing their squad with Sofiane Feghouli due to leave and join Galatasaray while Robert Snodgrass may also go with Aston Villa having expressed an interest. In addition at least one more departure is expected.

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West Ham told they must pay £36m for William Carvalho - but have not been put off by Sporting asking price
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic wants to continue his productive summer by signing the Portugal international
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
16:11, 10 AUG 2017UPDATED17:01, 10 AUG 2017

West Ham have been told by Sporting Lisbon that they want a staggering £36million for William Carvalho. The Irons have representatives in Portugal trying to thrash out a deal for the highly-rated holding midfielder who would become their sixth signing of a productive summer. West Ham have already landed England keeper Joe Hart, Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic for a club-record £24million, ex-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez for £17million and Pablo Zabaleta from Manchester City on a free transfer. This week the club also confirmed the arrival of 18-year-old attacking midfielder Sead Haksabanovic for £2.7million. The Hammers' £27.1million bid for Carvalho went in to Sporting earlier this week. The Irons were told that they would have to pay closer to the £36.1million asking price if they want to take him. The valuation has not scared West Ham off with the club determined to add quality to their midfield before the window closes. Key midfielder Cheikou Kouyate is out injured and will miss at least the first month of the season. When fit, West Ham believe he would form a powerful combination with Carvalho in the middle of the park.

Carvalho has 37 caps for Portugal and was a member of the squad that lifted the Euro2016 title last summer. West Ham are now willing to listen to offers for Robert Snodgrass with Aston Villa interested. Winger Sofiane Feghouli is also likely to go to Galatasaray.

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