Daily WHUFC News - 10th January 2018

West Ham United Ladies continue search for new head coach
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies' managing director says the Club will not rush the appointment of a new head coach.

Jack Sullivan, who took charge of the Ladies' operation last year, believes it is vital that the Club hires the right individual to build on a promising 2017. "I believe it is important that we take our time in appointing the next head coach of West Ham United Ladies," Sullivan told whufc.com. "It is vital we bring in the right individual and we are working closely with our partners in women's football, including the FA, to ensure we make the right choice for our team, both on and off the pitch."

The Ladies parted ways with former head coach Greg de Carnys last month, with Club general manager Karen Ray taking charge of the team in the interim.
Sullivan says the experience that Ray, a former West Ham, Arsenal and England player, brings to the role means he is comfortable in taking time in confirming the right permanent appointment. He added "Karen brings a wealth of experience to a fantastic group of players which has already delivered some improved performances. I am extremely confident they will continue to thrive while the process of making a permanent appointment continues." Ray led the Ladies to a battling draw with Gillingham over the weekend and the interim coach has echoed the managing director's sentiments.

The next 12 months will see the Ladies' status in the newly reformed Women's Super League confirmed and Ray wants the decision on a new head coach to reflect the side's ambitions. "At the moment, we are trying to ensure we make the right selection, not a selection for right now," Ray told whufc.com. "This is a long-term project and we want to ensure we have someone who has long-term aspirations. "Rushing a decision as important as this could be detrimental, so Jack and I are committed to securing the best possible candidate and will not be hasty."

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Hart: FA Cup replay is going to be a different game
WHUFC.com

Joe Hart says West Ham United will need to do their homework ahead of their Emirates FA Cup third-round replay examination by Shrewsbury Town.
The goalkeeper earned the Hammers a second chance to beat his hometown team with a pair of fine first-half saves at Montgomery Waters Meadow on Sunday.
The Shrews will now head to London Stadium on Tuesday 16 January, and Hart knows the home side will need to be at their best to overcome opposition who have tasted defeat just five times in 33 matches this season.

"They've got a lot of energy, are very hard to break down and don't concede," said Hart, when asked to assess his former club's performance in Sunday's goalless draw. "We watched videos and they're very well-drilled and a well-organised team and that showed on Sunday in front of some good home support.
"The replay is going to be a different game, though. It's on a Tuesday night at our stadium and they'll have played on the Saturday, the same as us. Hopefully we will have a few more players fit, as we were missing a lot of players on Sunday. We will see what happens. "It's something for the Shrewsbury boys to look forward to, coming down from here, and we've got to be ready for it. The best homework we can do is watch the original tie and see in all areas how we can improve."

Hart was afforded star status on his return home, signing hundreds of autographs and posing for dozens of selfies for supporters of both teams, some of whom remembered his days as a Shrewsbury played more than a decade ago, as well as many younger fans who idolise him as England's current No1.

While he may have been in demand from the moment he stepped off the team bus to the moment he departed after the final whistle, the 30-year-old took the adulation in his stride. "Of course, I still follow Shrewsbury's fortunes. It's impossible not to keep an eye on them, especially in this day and age, as it's very easy to follow a team. I've still got a lot of friends and family in the town who keep me updated. "It was really special to play there again. It's my home and, when I was a kid growing up and moved to Manchester at the age of 19 everything moved fast, now I'm an older man and stuff like going back is more important and touched me deeply. "I knew most of the people at the ground, as Shrewsbury is one of those towns where you're connected to everyone through one or two people. It was nice, but during the 90 minutes they wanted their team to win and I wanted my team to win!"

Tickets for the Emirates FA Cup third-round replay are on sale now to Season Ticket Holders and Bondholders, priced £10 for Adults and just £1 for Under-16s. Click here to secure your seat and for full details.

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Samuelsen's emotional tribute to lifelong friend
WHUFC.com

West Ham United U23s' third goal against Manchester United prompted a passionate fist pump from Terry Westley and cheers of celebration from the travelling supporters, but for goalscorer Martin Samuelsen the finish meant so much more The Norwegian produced a terrific piece of skill on the left-flank before cutting back inside and powering home a rocket, registering the Hammers' third goal of the match and ensuring all three points went back with West Ham. It was the moment the 20-year-old's performance deserved, with Samuelsen putting on arguably his best showing of the campaign so far against the Red Devils. The winger played down the quality of his own finish, but dedicated the goal to lifelong friends Pedro and Carlos Ballester, with Pedro battling cancer. "My goal was okay," Samuelsen told whufc.com. "In terms of technique, it was nothing special, but it means something special for me and some people close to me. "I want to take the opportunity to dedicate this goal to one of my oldest and closest friends, who lives in Manchester. I went to school with his brother and he's fighting cancer.
"I spoke to him before the game and I told him, his brother and his family that I wanted to score for them. I'm really happy I was able to keep that promise. Pedro and Carlos Ballester, that goal was for you my friends."

Samuelsen's finish came just a few minutes after Toni Martinez had doubled the Hammers' advantage, with the Spanish striker also having a role in the opening goal of the game, netted by substitute Grady Diangana on 51 minutes. In between the first and second goal Manchester United were reduced to ten men, when Luca Ercolani received a red card for a high boot on Diangana. Samuelsen admits the sending off was a pivotal factor in Monday's game, adding: "The red card certainly made a difference. They have some good players in their team and they definitely had threats to score. "Of course, we took the lead, but once they got their man sent off we completely dominated possession. When we didn't have the ball we immediately had three players closing down, so we made it difficult for them."

The dominant victory comes after a month without competitive action for the Hammers, who saw matches against Everton and Tottenham in December postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Prior to that West Ham had been without a win since the end of October, a run that Samuelsen admits was difficult. The winger is delighted that the Irons showed their real ability against Manchester United. He continued: "It's been very frustrating, not getting results, but I think in the last month we haven't deserved to get the wins with the way we've been playing. We've not been ruthless enough both with and without the ball.
"Against United though we were brave from the start. Everyone wanted to get on the ball and we tried to play out from the back, the way we know how to play. When we play the way we can, like tonight, not many teams can challenge us."

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Goalscorer Diangana delighted with quick impact in Manchester
WHUFC.com

It took Grady Diangana just six minutes to break the deadlock in West Ham United U23s' 3-0 away victory at Manchester United on Monday and the winger – who scored with virtually his first touch – was delighted to make such a fast impact. After a goalless first half at the Leigh Sports Village, the Hammers raced out the blocks in the second half – in part due to the influence substitute Diangana, who was introduced at half time, had on the match – and quickly took the lead.
The creative midfielder, who won't score too many simpler goals in his career, was presented with a simple two-yard header to make it 1-0 but showed more of his natural ability 20 minutes later, curling in a lovely cross for Toni Martinez to make it 2-0.

Soon after, Martin Samuelsen added a third with a superb individual effort that capped off a terrific performance and a second victory over Manchester United of the campaign And given Diangana's impressive display over 45 minutes for Terry Westley's men, the youngster now has his sights set on a starting spot later this week. He said: "We'll see if I'm in the team when we play Leicester on Friday but with that performance from the bench tonight hopefully I've made a good case to be. "I love it when there is another game coming quickly; it's good because you get another quick chance to show what you can do. "I was disappointed when I was told I was on the bench tonight, yeah, I was quite upset but it's football; you can't dwell on it and be upset because that's football. You have to deal with it, get on with it."

Get on with it Diangana did, bagging the opener and his third of the season, a tally he wants to improve on as the campaign goes on. "When I'm on the pitch, I'm there to try and contribute to goals and to come off the bench and do that early, of course it's always good for me," he continued. "I wanted to make an impact as quickly as I could and obviously scoring pretty soon after half time was great. "I don't score many headers either! I probably get about one a season so it's nice to score with the head as well! "Toni got the flick on and the goalie tipped it on to the bar and I was just there in the right place at the right time to nod it in. You have to get in the six-yard-box for those sort of scraps that might come your way. "Goals are my main target at the moment so however they come, I'm happy with. "To set up Toni's goal, it was more of a natural move for me, cutting onto my left and crossing for him. I saw three of them hanging at the back post so I thought if I just put it in that area, one will put it in and luckily Toni did and I'm very pleased."

As if the goal was not enough of a turning-point, the hosts' chances of getting anything from the game were significantly reduced moments after when Diangana was again involved in a crucial point in the fixture. Collecting the ball around the halfway mark, the midfielder turned but felt the full force of Man United midfielder Luka Ercolani's right boot before the Red Devil received his marching orders by the referee. "The red card was the right decision in my opinion, too," Diangana recalled of the moment. "He caught me right on the nose, so I don't think he can have too many complaints about that; you can tell by that the challenge was high. It's a bit swollen. "I think after the red, we really controlled it and when we saw the opportunities to get bodies forward, we did exactly that and that's what helped us get the three goals."

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Manning: 3-0 Man Utd win was a deserved reward for U23s
WHUFC.com

Liam Manning believes West Ham United U23s' 3-0 win over Manchester United U23s was a deserved reward for the team's hard work over the festive period.

Second half goals from Grady Diangana, Toni Martinez and Martin Samuelsen secured a dominant victory for the Hammers away at the Red Devils, returning the Irons to winning ways at the start of 2018.

It's been over a month since West Ham U23s have played a competitive game, due to postponements to matches against Everton and Tottenham, but Manning is delighted with how the team have trained during the extended period without a match.

And the Academy coach reckons that the commitment on the training field deserved a win such as the one against Manchester United, hailing both the performance as well as the result. "The last time we actually played was December 5 when we played Luton," Manning told whufc.com. "Everton and Tottenham were both called off. It's a bit bitty because you're preparing for games and then they are cancelled. It becomes slightly disjointed but it also allows us to really push them on the training pitch.

"I'll give the boys credit. They were at it all over Christmas and their work rate during that period was fantastic. They got the rewards of that tonight. "We're really pleased with the performance as much as the result. The first half, at 11 vs 11, we dominated the game. The possession statistics show we had loads of the ball and then in the second half, the red card plays a little part, but we were still on top and I think we started the second half well. "Overall, we are really delighted with the performance, and the result as well."

The U23s lined up with five players in the starting XI that were included in the first team matchday squad over the weekend in the FA Cup, while Diangana had also travelled with David Moyes's side.

Manning was happy with how these players held themselves upon their return to the U23s. He continued: "Sunday was a great experience for those boys, being around the manager and going to Shrewsbury. Then the big challenge tonight was for them to come and deliver, and that is what we expect of them. It was great for them, and then around that we had four schoolboys start tonight," Having gone four games without scoring and five games without a win, Manning sees Monday's result as a massive and timely boost for the side, heading into a match with second place Leicester City on Friday. "This game is a huge confidence boost in terms of performance and certain individuals. All of the players can take huge positives from tonight. We'll go back in and hopefully we can go and get another good result on Friday."

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TOO QUICK TO DIG PLAYERS OUT?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 9 JANUARY 2018 AT 8:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Malcolm Atkins – @malatk

I have been quiet on social media lately and not written anything for the site until today, even though I take great pleasure in seeing an article put up. Why? – I have up until recently really been brought down by the huge negativity I have been reading on twitter and Facebook lately. As a fan base we seem to delight in digging our players out. Mark Noble seems to be turning the tide but was getting slaughtered a while back despite being club captain, West Ham to the core and the result stats indicating that we do much better with him in the side. Joe Hart seems to be another favourite punch bag – I think this is because he is perceived as a "board signing" picked over fan favourite Adrian – the abuse was amazing – I remember Alan Mcknight in goal, now he was bad!

I have not agreed with many of these viewpoints but I am most certainly not above getting drawn in. During Sunday's game I was getting annoyed with Burke, but he was out of position in his first premier league game in ages, was I being fair, probably not and he is surely worth a place in the squad. I have resisted criticising Chicarito previously but was getting ready to hammer him Sunday. Seriously though, every goal he has ever scored in the premier league has been from inside the box. He is a poacher and totally ill equipped for the role he has been in. How many goals would Tony Cottee have got in that set up and the guy is a genuine West Ham legend – rightly so.

My particular concern though is Kouyate. What is going on? Video clips of him not tracking back, looks off the pace and lacking motivation, I have been ready to dig him out. "move him on", "drop him", "lazy" Two years ago the bloke looked awesome, strong full of running goal threat, versatile. What has happened? Maybe he wants out! Maybe he does not work hard enough, I do not know. Maybe though as a physical, up and down player just maybe he has been more affected and taken longer to recover from the general lack of fitness / conditioning coaching under the previous regime. Maybe not, but are we be writing off a player that was hitting such heights not long ago a bit too quickly? Should we give the lad time, get behind him and see if he can get back to the player that was pretty much being lauded by all a couple of seasons ago. We all seem to be so critical, we have several players that we have seen perform well, should we not give them the chance to turn around form and fitness?

Right now this squad is under-performing – it needs supplementing with 3-4 players but should we cut some of the existing squad a little slack – I think we should – even though I have been as guilty as many!

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Kids For A Quid returns for Cup replay
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's FA Cup third round replay will be a Kids For A Quid event, it has been confirmed.

The replay, which is scheduled to take place next Tuesday (16 January) will kick off at 7.45pm - and Bondholders and Season Ticket owners will be able to take advantage of the reduced prices.

Tickets are on sale now to the above groups, priced at £1 for under 16s and £10 for adults. All remaining tickets will go on general sale this Thursday (11 January) priced from £5-10 for under 16s and £10-£20 for adults.

* West Ham United's reward for beating Shrewsbury in their FA Cup 3rd round replay next week will be a trip to either Bournemouth or Wigan.

The Hammers were drawn away in a cup tie for the fifth time this season, following earlier trips to Chetenham, Tottenham and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and New Meadow in last weekend's goalless draw with Shrewsbury.

Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Peterborough Utd v Fleetwood Town or Leicester City
Huddersfield Town v Birmingham City
Notts County v Wolves/Swansea City
Yeovil v Manchester Utd
Carlisle or Sheffield Weds v Stevenage or Reading
Cardiff City or Mansfield Town v Manchester City
MK Dons v Coventry City
Millwall v Rochdale
Southampton v Watford
Middlesbrough v Brighton & Hove Albion or Crystal Palace
Bournemouth or Wigan Ath v Shrewsbury Town or West Ham Utd
Hull City v Nottingham Forest
Newport County v Spurs
Norwich or Chelsea v Newcastle Utd
Sheffield Utd v Preston

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'Derisory' midfielder bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have seen an opening bid of £5million for Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter rejected, according to fresh reports.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to West Ham for several weeks, yet despite being valued by his club at the £12-15million mark was the target of a £5million opening offer from the Hammers today, according to a tabloid newspaper.

Unsurprisingly the offer is said to have been instantly rejected by a furious Bournemouth, who were said to be "angered" by West Ham's risible bid - despite the player's willingness to make the move from the south coast to London.

David Moyes' attempts to bolster his midfield are yet to bear any fruit, despite interest in a string players such as Jonjo Shelvey, Francis Coquelin, Joe Allen and Leander Dendoncker, who was linked with a move to West Ham yesterday.

Meanwhile rumours suggesting that Moyes will have to sell before being able to make his move in the transfer market persist.

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No West Ham interest, says Wenger
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

Arsene Wenger says he has not spoken to West Ham with regards to a bid for midfielder Francis Coquelin.

The Arsenal manager, talking to the media this lunchtime confirmed that he had not received any indication from West Ham that they are about to make an offer for the 26-year-old Frenchman, as widely suggested earlier this week.

However Wenger did admit that the player could well leave the Emirates during the January transfer window. "It's a possibility but nothing is decided," he said during his pre-match press conference, before adding that "we have had no contact with West Ham".

And in other transfer news, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte refused to rule out a move for West Ham striker Andy Carroll. When asked about Chelsea's purported interest in the big forward, he replied: "The club knows very well which are the position we can improve. "I am very happy to work with my players and the commitment of my players. If there is a possibility to improve the squad the club knows very well."

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Martinez is seven up
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

Toni Martinez says he is delighted to have finally made his full first team debut for West Ham. The 20-year-old striker joined West Ham from Valencia in April 2016 in a £2.5million deal and finally made his first appearance for David Moyes' senior side at Shrewsbury on Sunday in the goalless draw.

And having made his bow, Martinez told West Ham's website that he is hungry for more. "I'm really happy to finally make my debut," he said. "Now I'm going to keep working and I'm sure that more chances will arrive. "I never played for the first team before, so it was great to hear the fans singing my name during the warm-up. I've been working hard for 18 months since I arrived here for that 20 minutes on the pitch. "I just tried to do my best. I didn't get any chances [to score] but I'm sure that, in the next game, we'll get chances and win the three points."

Now Martinez is hoping to make another appearance for Moyes' first team in the reply, which takes place at the Olympic Stadium next Tuesday evening - although he maintains that is will be an equally difficult test for West Ham. "I'm not surprised with the level Shrewsbury showed", he mused. "League One is a high level and this team is at the top, and we know how hard it was playing them on their pitch in front of their fans. All we can do is keep working and looking forward to the next one."
Martinez became the seventh Spanish player to represent West Ham in a competitive fixture at New Meadow on Sunday - the six compatriots to precede him were as follows:

Kepa Blanco: (2007) 8 appearances, 1 goal

Diego Tristan: (2008-09) 17 appearances, 3 goals

Manuel Almunia: (2011) 4 appearances, 0 goals

Alvaro Arbeloa: (2016) 4 appearances, 0 goals

Adrian: (2013-) 134 appearances, 0 goals

Pedro Obiang: (2015-) 82 appearances, 3 goals

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New franchise want Chica
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

The manager of new MLS franchise Los Angeles FC has admitted that he would love to pair new signing Carlos Vela up with fellow Mexican Javier Hernandez. Bob Bradley, who was sacked by Premier League strugglers Swansea City last year after just a few months in control of the Welsh club told ESPN that he would be delighted to sign Hernandez - if West Ham would be willing to let him go.

Responding to a question from anchor David Faitelson regarding LAFC's interest in the player - which was first mooted by club owner Will Farrell during Vela's unveiling ceremony - Bradley confirmed that he would be delighted to add Hernandez to his roster. "That one is left with the ownership," said Bradley. "From the standpoint of the manager Chicharito is a big player, a big personality and a great goalscorer. "So if Will Farrell and the rest of the ownership can bring that commitment, I can figure out a way to get him on the field and help him score goals."

Hernandez has struggled to settle in London since returning to the UK following spells in Spain and Germany. He has scored just five goals in the opening half of the 2017/18 campaign and has been unable to secure a first team spot since David Moyes arrived at the club.

Los Angeles FC are the newest team in the MLS pyramid, having only been formed three years ago. Their home matches are staged at the 22,000-capacity Banc of California Stadium.

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Borussia Monchengladbach still keen on West Ham defender Reece Oxford
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 09/01/18 3:47pm
SSN

West Ham defender Reece Oxford remains a top target for Borussia Monchengladbach with the German club having already made a bid at the start of January.
The 19-year-old made four appearances while on loan with Gladbach this season but returned to the London Stadium after being recalled over the festive season.
Gladbach made a bid in the region of £10m for Oxford on January 2 and the club's sports director reiterated their desire on Tuesday to secure the teenager from London.
Max Eberl told the Gladbach website: "We talked a lot with West Ham during the winter break and were surprised when they activated the clause. "The tone in the discussions before that was a different one. But I understand their reasoning. West Ham are in a relegation battle and wanted to bring back a good player.
"So far they haven't used him so the talks continue. I hope that there will be no utopian offer from another club. Then we will have a chance for Reece to come back to us. "He has developed well with us over the five months. He had to wait for his chance but he impressed us when he got it."

The centre-back signed a new West Ham contract in 2016 that tied him to the club until 2021. Hammers manager David Moyes said at the end of December: "We will take a look at him and see how he is, I hope we can help improve him. I've only just met him, but I know he is well thought of here and we will work with him."
It is understood there is also interest in Oxford from another German club RB Leipzig.

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West Ham considering Arsenal duo Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 09/01/18 9:30am
SSN

Arsenal duo Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny are among the players being considered by West Ham as manager David Moyes attempts to strengthen his midfield options this month, according to Sky sources. Moyes revealed in December that he was looking to add to his squad as he attempts to secure the Hammers' Premier League status.
He has identified a new central midfielder as a main priority and Sky sources understands Joe Allen, Steven N'Zonzi, William Carvalho and Jonjo Shelvey are also on his shortlist along with Coquelin and Elneny. Listen to the latest Transfer Talk podcast where Ross Barkley's move to Chelsea and Philippe Coutinho's Liverpool future were among the topics discussed.
The duo have been used sparingly by manager Arsene Wenger in the Premier League this season, with Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey his preferred pairing in midfield.
Wenger insisted Arsenal were yet to receive a formal bid from West Ham for Coquelin at his news conferences ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea. Coquelin, 26, joined Arsenal from French side Stade Lavallois in July 2008 and has made over 150 appearances for the club, despite spending time on loan at Lorient, Freiburg and Charlton. Elneny, 25, moved to the Gunners in January 2016 from Swiss side Basel in a deal worth around £5m and has since featured in 54 matches, scoring twice.

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AWAY DAY PAIN, LANZINI FEARS AND CHICO A LUXURY WE CAN'T AFFORD?
By Tony Hanna 9 Jan 2018 at 08:00
WTID

The rapid fire of fixtures for West Ham has been such that it has been three games since my last article. It seems an eternity! A last gasp winner against West Brom followed by an all hands to the pumps effort at Spurs and a very "toothless" display against Shrewsbury sees us unbeaten in 2018 but that stat is papering over some cracks isn't it? We are churning out some results but we are hardly a well-oiled machine.

By the time we have played Huddersfield this weekend our home and away fixtures played will have quite a lopsided view to it (10 home and 13 away) due to the unavailability of the OS at the start of the season. We have still not caught up with our home game equilibrium and won't until we play what will be the reversed fixture against Southampton in late March. Sandwiching that game we have a sequence of five matches where four of them will be at home. So far our away form has been disappointing with just the solitary victory at Stoke although we have had near misses at Palace, Bournemouth and Burnley where late goals have cost us six points and another late goal at Southampton saw us drop another point. This leads me on to a stat which I came across during the week. We have conceded 25 goals away from home in the Premier League this season. Only eight of those have been first half goals but ten, that is 40% of them, have come in the last fifteen minutes of matches. This is an area that David Moyes will be working on I am sure?

One topic I have been meaning to bring up for a while now is Javier "Chico" Hernandez. Some months ago it was pretty lonely being of the opinion when we signed him that he would not work for us whilst so many pundits were saying he would be the signing of the summer window. I did manage to have a bet with one blogger on here that he would not score fifteen PL goals for us this season and at present it looks like a pint of Stella (which will be reciprocated anyway – he is a lovely fella) is going to be ready and waiting for me on my next visit back to East London? To be honest though, these are the types of bets I don't mind losing. For me, at the highest level Hernadez has only ever been a super sub at best. That's how Fergie used him and he knew a thing or two? He is not the type of player that can be moved out wide and expected to help track back when needed. He is not the type of player that can play a lone role up front and hold the ball up effectively. And in fairness to him that is where and how he has been expected to play most times he has donned a West Ham shirt. Realistically, he needs to be playing for a team that plays someone up with him and preferably dominates possession thus creating more chances in the box than we currently do – seems a bit of a one dimensional luxury we can't afford? When we have played Chico and Andy Carroll in the same side it hasn't worked and in recent times any good chances that have come his way he has bombed. But alarmingly there are even more deficiencies. Put clear at Spurs the other night he had a three yard start on the defenders around 40 yards out but before we could even hold breath in anticipation he was rounded up in next to no time.

When Arnie plays up top under Moyes he has chased lost causes with determination – leading to his goal at Bournemouth and then more recently his closing down set up a great chance for Masuaku against West Brom. When Chico is called upon for the same effort it is just not there with any conviction and any half-hearted closing down normally ends up in shrugs and flailing arms directed at his team mates. I don't like to be negative about our players but this situation is a problem for West Ham. He is the biggest earner at the club on a permanent deal. Am I being harsh? What do you think should happen? I can only see a complete shift away from how we currently set up if we are to get the best out of him and I just don't see Moyes entertaining that scenario? Of course we have been down that path before with "building a team" around Andy Carroll. Not only did that not work out too well but I just don't think Hernandez is good enough to warrant any similar consideration. Personally, I think he is nowhere near as sharp as he used to be but at the price we paid we should still be able to recover our losses should the club or the player himself wish to pull the plug. Your thoughts?

The transfer window has been open for over a week now and things had been very quiet for us until the Coutinho transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona which has triggered a surge of money for Manuel Lanzini to be a targeted as a possible replacement? Over the past two days Lanzini has been backed from 4/1 (20%) to 11/8 ((42%) for a move to a cashed up Liverpool. This is obviously not good news and it will be interesting to see how things pan out on this one.There is still three weeks of the window to go but I am sure David Moyes would like to get any transfers done and sorted sooner rather than later. Here are some updates on other potential transfers.

Alfie Mawson Things have cooled somewhat and it appears more likely that he will either stay at Swansea or a move to Watford is on the cards. Even money (50%) to 5/1 (16%) this deal is looking less likely than last week despite the injury problems of Fonte, Collins and now possibly Winston Reid again.

Jonjo Shelvey Good backing from 5/2 (28%) to 1-2 (66%) for Shelvey to become a Hammer last week but a slight cooling over the past few days to 8/13 (62%). Apparently he is a West Ham fan but if he does become a Moyes signing which Shelvey will we get? Horribly inconsistent with discipline problems or the one that almost single handedly dismantled us not so long ago? Moyes is currently getting the best out of Arnie – perhaps he could with Shelvey?

Daniel Sturridge plagued by injuries the Liverpool striker's problem now is he can't get into the team. He has slipped down the pecking order at both club and for country in a World Cup year. A move to Southampton is a possibility while we are rated a 8/1 (12%) chance of signing him.

Danny Ings another Liverpool striker who has had injury problems but once fit also can't get into the side. Rated a 6/1 (14%) chance to join West Ham. Newcastle seem to be a more realistic proposition for him at this stage if he leaves Merseyside.

Joe Allen It will be interesting to see what transpires at Stoke after Hughes got the sack. The Hammers are 9/2 (18%) for the midfielders services though it may seem more likely a new manager will persuade Allen to stay at the Potters.

Marouane Fellaini lots of speculation about a possible deal on the forums but despite backing last week from 18/1 (5%) to 12/1 (7.6%) if this deal was likely I think the odds would be much shorter than they currently are.

Steven N'Zonzi ditto as above – currently 18/1 (5%).

Andy Carroll is 1-8 (88%) and Joe Hart is 1-6 (85%) to remain Hammers for the foreseeable future and elsewhere Manchester City are 1-4 (80%) to sign Alexis Sanchez during this window.

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Reece Oxford ready to make move permanent – providing Borussia Monchengladbach make offer of £15m
Telegraph.co.uk
Sam Wallace, chief football writer
9 JANUARY 2018 • 8:06PM

Reece Oxford, the West Ham defender, may yet get a permanent move to the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach if the club are prepared to increase their offer to around £15 million for the teenager, with RB Leipzig also interested.

Although Oxford's progress on loan this season at Monchengladbach was initially slow, he finally broke into the first team in December before the winter break in Germany, starting their last three games against Freiburg, Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen. Monchengladbach have already offered around £8m for the England Under-20 player which has been rejected by West Ham.

The 19-year-old, who made his West Ham debut aged 16, was recalled from Germany by his parent club after the New Year but has not figured under David Moyes having injured an ankle in his first training session back in England. The likelihood is that a decision will be made on his future once the FA Cup third-round replay against Shrewsbury Town has been played next Tuesday.

The loan deal with Monchengladbach could also be resurrected if the clubs are unable to make an agreement on price with Oxford himself eager not to spend the rest of the season as a squad player at West Ham.

Oxford has also attracted interest from RB Leipzig who have a good record of spotting value in young players and are currently fifth in the Bundesliga and in the Europa League knockout stages. The world-record fee for a defender of £75m paid by Liverpool for Virgil van Dijk has underlined the value of an experienced and talented centre-back and previously Moyes has said that he would prefer to keep his best young players, including Oxford.

West Ham would listen to offers for Diafra Sakho and Javier Hernandez in this window, and if they could raise money may look to make a permanent signing. There is an interest in the former Chelsea winger and forward Andre Schurrle, now at Borussia Dortmund, should they be able to make changes to the squad.

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