The Under-14s underlined the talent coming through the ranks with a strong
showing in a youth event
02.06.2008
West Ham United continue to make great strides at all academy levels with
the Under-14s recently showing their promise with a highly successful trip
to a major Italian youth competition.
Under the guidance of academy coach Nick Haycock, a youthful team took part
in the 18th international tournament of Città di Cairo Montenotte. The young
Hammers finished in a creditable fifth place, having been the only English
team taking part in the prestigious 24-club event which mostly featured
Italian sides. These included leading lights from Serie A such as
Internazionale, AC Milan, Juventus and Sampdoria.
In the group stage, West Ham United were drawn in Group E with Cairese 95,
CSKA Mosow and Chisola and promptly showed their class by scoring 23 goals
and not conceding. They opened with a 15-0 win against Cairese before
following that up later in the day with a 5-0 success against Russian giants
CSKA. The next day of action saw progress secured with a 3-0 victory against
Chisola.
That form took United through to a quarter-final against Torino and yet
again the youngsters kept a clean sheet while those further forward scored
twice to ensure an excellent 2-0 victory. That success meant West Ham United
would compete in a three-team heavyweight 'semi-final' against AC Milan and
Sampdoria for a place in the overall final. As well as Haycock, the boys
were under the guidance of assistant Mark Ellis, physio Anthony Coleman and
kit man Pete Williams.
In the first game, an older Milan side ultimately proved too strong and the
Rossoneri eventually won 2-0. Haycock's team bounced back though to secure a
1-0 victory against Sampdoria, who themselves beat Milan and ended up going
to the final where they lost out to overall champions Inter. West Ham United
signed off with a 2-0 win against CSKA in the play-off to see who would
finish fifth with Elliott Lee, the younger brother of Under-18s midfielder
Oliver and son of former Hammers favourite Robert, scoring both goals.
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Spector to miss US matches - WHUFC
Jonathan Spector has flown to the United States after learning he requires
further treatment to his hip injury
02.06.2008
Jonathan Spector has withdrawn from the United States squad to face Spain on
Wednesday night as he has headed to California for treatment on his hip
injury.
The 22-year-old defender had been named in the 24-man party travelling to
Santander for the international friendly despite missing last week's 2-0
defeat by England at Wembley. At the time, Spector was not certain whether
he would be fit to feature in the Spain game or this Sunday's friendly
against Argentina in New Jersey.
"I am not 100 per cent sure yet," he said at Wembley. "We will see how it
goes. For me it was really disappointing to miss the England match." Spector
has since been diagnosed with a tear to the labrum, the cartilage in his
hip, and will get further advice from US national team director Michael
Gerhardt in Los Angeles although it is thought he could miss the US's entire
summer programme, including World Cup qualifiers and the Olympics.
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Pantsil makes kids' day - WHUFC
John Pantsil was a hugely popular visitor when he turned up at a local
school to meet the pupils
02.06.2008
John Pantsil may be with Ghana in the middle of a hectic month of World Cup
qualifiers but before leaving he took time out to make sure of a day to
remember at a local school.
The popular West Ham United right-back was delighted to go along to St
Peters RC Primary School in Dagenham, where he spent an afternoon meeting
the children and visiting their classrooms. Upon arriving, he was given a
guided tour and also told about the school's own sporting achievements.
School spokesman David Watts said: "The first time he walked into Class 1,
he made the children comfortable and at ease with a Premiership player which
was a credit to him.
"The time he gave all the children was excellent. His visit will never be
forgotten by all - young and old - in the school. One teacher said it had
changed her perception of footballers now. That says it all." Pantsil, who
was part of the Black Stars' squad when they began their bid to reach the
2010 World Cup over the weekend, spent time signing countless autographs and
talking about West Ham United. He also talked tactics with one inquisitive
young supporter and also posed for photographs.
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Young Lions learn draw fate - WHUFC
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears have found out who England will face at the
U19 Euro later this summer
02.06.2008
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears have learned who they will face at the
European Under-19 Championship between 14-26 July after the draw was held by
UEFA.
England, who won through to the eight-team tournament on Saturday after
topping their qualifying group in Belarus, have been drawn alongside hosts
Czech Republic, Italy and Greece in Group B. The matches will all be placed
in Liberec and could potentially see Tomkins and Sears up against their
club-mate and Czech youth international goalkeeper Marek Stech.
Group A will be based in Prague and is made up of Germany, Spain, Hungary
and Bulgaria. As well as Tomkins and Sears, the Young Lions could also be
boosted by two other West Ham United players with Jordan Spence and Junior
Stanislas also having been recognised at U19 level previously. Both just
missed out on the Elite round qualifying stage but could yet be called up by
manager Brian Eastick. whufc.com will have full coverage from the finals
later this summer.
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Spector faces spell on sidelines - BBC
West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector faces up to six months on the
sidelines because of a hip injury. The American international was diagnosed
with a torn labrum while training with the US team and is likely to require
surgery. The 22-year-old is now almost certain to miss the Olympics as well
as the start of the Premier League season. Spector played 28 games for the
Hammers last season, scoring his first goal in the 5-0 rout of Derby County.
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More injury woe - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 2nd June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Jonathan Spector has been ruled out for up to six months after being
diagnosed with a torn labrum. The versatile defender, currently on
international duty with the USA was handed the bad news earlier this week.
It is thought that he will now require surgery that will effectively rule
him out for the start of the 2008/09 season after the injury failed to
respond to treatment. West Ham United appeared to be unaware of the extent
of the injury last week when the club's website, whufc.com claimed that
Spector was 'battling to overcome a hip injury in order to lineup for the
United States against England at Wembley'.
The labrum is the common name for the cartilege that lines a hip joint. The
cartilege provides cushioning for the joint which allows the ball of the
thighbone to move freely in the socket. A hip labral tear often occurs
through repetitive movement and is a common injury amongst sporting
professionals. Surgery generally requires an absolute minimum recovery
period of three months. Spector will now almost certainly miss out on the
summer Olympics, at which he was hoping to represent the United States.
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Ashton: at last! - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 2nd June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Dean Ashton has finally made his full England debut - more than two years
after receiving his first call-up. The United striker played the first half
of England's 3-0 win over minnows Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain last
night where he partnered former Hammer Jermain Defoe. Despite failing to get
on the score sheet - including missing one glorious chance from a David
Beckham cross - Ashton enjoyed a solid, if unspectacular debut before being
replaced at half-time by Liverpool's Peter Crouch. Elsewhere Craig Bellamy
continued his comeback by featuring for an experimental Welsh side against
European Championship front-runners Holland. The Dutch ran out 2-0 winners
in the De Kuip stadium through goals from Real Madrid pair Arjen Robben and
Wesley Sneijder. West Ham reserve captain Jack Collison earned his second
international cap of the week after coming on for Carl Robinson at half
time.
* A second-half cameo from Freddie Ljungberg wasn't enough to prevent Sweden
falling to a 1-0 home defeat against Ukraine in Stockholm. Ljungberg
replaced Sebastian Larsson at the break but the Swedes went down to a late
winner from Serhiy Nazarenko.
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KUMB Awards 07/08: the results - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 2nd June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green has been voted Hammer of the Year by KUMB.com readers. Our
eleventh annual poll saw the popular goalkeeper beat George McCartney into
second place in this year's main awards category. Elsewhere Mark Noble
picked up the Young Hammer of the Year award for the third time in the last
four years whilst Scott Parker was voted Best Signing. Thanks to everyone
who took the time to vote in this years KUMB.com awards.
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No break for Bellamy - SSN
Hammers ace not looking to relax this close-season
By James Pearson Last updated: 2nd June 2008
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy is happy to give up his summer holidays in
order to hit the ground running next season. The Hammers ace started just
seven Premier League games last term in what proved an injury-hit campaign
for the former Liverpool and Blackburn man. Bellamy has looked sharp in two
cameo appearances for Wales recently and the 28-year-old is just itching for
the new season to start. While his colleagues will be relaxing and putting
their feet up, Bellamy is looking to work on his fitness in order to be 100
per cent for Alan Curbishley next term. "We will need all our top players
back when the World Cup qualifying campaign starts," stated Bellamy. "From a
personal point of view I am feeling great. I will be keeping up with my
fitness and training regime during the summer and I am looking forward to a
full pre-season. "I have not got a holiday planned because I am itching to
get back already. "I will continue doing my fitness work. My wife wouldn't
want me around the house all day anyway, I will need to get out. "I need to
keep going so that I can go back to West Ham next season in good shape."
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Bob-a-job? - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 1st June 2008
By: Staff Writer
QPR are being linked with a move for West Ham United's Bobby Zamora. The
cash-rich Championship club were linked with the former Brighton and
Tottenham striker in the weekend's press - although other sources, including
the News of the World claim instead that Zamora is in talks with United with
regard to a new four-year contract. Elsewhere this weekend the Hammers have
once again been linked with a move for Wolves' Michael Kightly, who is
thought to be available for around the £4 million mark. Kightly started his
career with Southend before ending up at Molineux via Grays, having been
released by Shrimpers boss STeve Tilson on a free. The 22-year-old winger is
also said to be interesting the likes of Everton and Blackburn. Other
players linked with the Hammers in the weekend press were Torino defender
Cesare Natali and Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu.
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Going Dutch - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 2nd June 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Dutch international midfielder
Orlando Engelaar. Engelaar, 28, has spent the last two years with FC Twente
of the Dutch Eredivisie. The Dutch media reported interest from the Hammers
at the weekend after a propsed move to Germany fell through last week.
The attacking midfielder is perhaps most well known for his height, being
6'5" tall. He made his debut for Holland last year in a friendly against
South Korea. A late developer, Engelaar began his career as a striker but
has spent recent season in a central midfield spot. He began his pro career
at Feyenoord before moving on to Breda and Genk before arriving at Twente in
2006. Meanwhile, speculation concerning a move by West Ham for Marseille
striker Djibril Cisse has resurfaced. The French striker has suffered a
miserable time since breaking his leg at Liverpool four years ago and was
booed by his own fans last season despite topping the French outfit's
goalscoring charts. He has also lost his place in the French national team,
having been left out of the squad for this month's European Championships.
26-year-old Cisse is thought to be available for around £8 million.
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Newcastle or West Ham possible bid £8m for Spanish Ace Negredo - Cmon Yu
Irons
02 Jun
Written & Posted by Joe
Real Madrid chiefs have an option this week to buy back striker Alvaro
Negredo from Almeria and make a nice profit from 1 of 2 clubs in the Premier
League. The former Castilla star struck 13 goals last season and Real can
re-sign him for a set fee of £2.5 million after sending him to Almeria last
summer. Marca says Real already have two offers on the table for Negredo
from 2 English Clubs including one worth £8 million from a london club
believed to be West Ham, Newcastle have also made a possible bid for
Negredo, amount not yet known, but a bidding war is on between the 2 English
clubs.
Sounds like a great signing, but i cant help but always wonder, if he scored
13 goals and seems like a great buy, why do Almeria want to lose him?
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Ashton disappointed after debut - Setanta
by Ben Blackmore, 02 June 2008
Dean Ashton has been left crossing his fingers that he will be in Fabio
Capello's next England squad after he failed to impress against Trinidad and
Tobago.
The West Ham striker was handed his international debut in Sunday's 3-0
victory, a debut that came nearly two years after he was first called into
the England setup. Partnering Jermain Defoe, Ashton's performance summed up
his season as he looked short of match sharpness, with Defoe stealing the
headlines with two goals. Ashton will now look to get himself fully fit
during pre-season, and he hopes Capello will grant him a second chance.
"Personally I probably could have done a little bit better," Ashton said.
"It would have been nice to get a goal, but it wasn't to be. I was pleased
with how it went and happy to get 45 minutes. "It's been a long wait to get
that first cap and it feels brilliant. Nobody can take it away from me, but
hopefully I've done enough to impress for the next squad."
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West Ham, Aston Villa and Newcastle all chase £5m assist machine: Who will
win the race? - CaughtOffside.com
June 2, 2008
Reading full back seems destined to leave the Royals and whilst it seemed
that West Ham were leading the chase for the England fullback it now appears
that two other Premier League sides are in the hunt.
West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and French side Nice are all keen to bid
for Royals full-back Shorey, who is eager to leave the club to continue his
push to become an England regular. West Ham, Newcastle and Aston Villa are
all interested, too.
But Reading chief executive Nigel Howe said of the £5m rated star: "You
sometimes get clubs who will fly a kite with a stupid offer, but no one will
steal any of our players away." (Daily Mirror)
Clearly being in the top tier at this stage of Shorey's career is crucial,
he doesn't seem keen on trying to stick with his side and battle for a quick
promotion. All sides mentioned could do with extra creativity from their
full back positions and the 27 year old offers that in abundance, whether
it's from set pieces or deft touches helping put strikers in on goal. Who
will win the race?
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Clubs given season ticket warning - TeamTalk
Premier League clubs have been warned above-inflation increases in season
ticket prices could have a dire effect on attendance figures. According to
new research from Virgin Money, the cost of attending top-flight games has
risen by 12.5% since January 2006 - and the backlash has finally begun with
up to one in seven supporters refusing to renew their seats. European
champions Manchester United can expect up to 19% of their fans not to renew
for next season, and while they can expect spare seats to be snapped up, the
consequences for other clubs could be more serious. Research among 3,500
fans of Premier League and Football League teams suggests West Ham will be
hit hardest, with a quarter of their supporters failing to renew, followed
by relegated Reading (22%) and FA Cup winners Portsmouth (21%). Supporters'
groups have often protested about price hikes to little effect but for the
first time they appear to have gained solid statistics upon which they can
base their argument. Chairman of the Football Supporters Federation, Malcolm
Clarke, said: "In the difficult financial climate we all face the football
industry must wake up and smell the coffee. "The huge amount of money
pouring into the Premier League means there is absolutely no justification
for any price rises at all at the top of the game. "For too long some
Premier League clubs have believed there is no limit to the extent to which
they can exploit the brand loyalty of their supporters and they may now find
this greed will come back to bite them on the backside."
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Ashton Underwhelmed By England Debut - Goal.com
Dean Ashton had a less than convincing England debut, according to his own
admission, and is worried that he did not do enough to convince Fabio
Capello to call on him next time around. The West Ham striker was
completely overshadowed by his strike-partner Jermain Defoe, who managed two
goals during England's 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.
Nevertheless, after breaking his ankle in training on the eve of what should
have been his debut two years ago, Ashton was ultimately happy to get his
first cap under his belt. "Personally I probably could have done a little
bit better," said the 24-year-old "It would have been nice to get a goal,
but it wasn't to be. I was pleased with how it went and happy to get 45
minutes. "It's been a long wait to get that first cap and it feels
brilliant. Nobody can take it away from me, but hopefully I've done enough
to impress for the next squad." Ashton has been linked with Newcastle,
Portsmouth and even Manchester United in recent weeks, but it looks
increasingly likely that the Hammers will succeed in getting him to commit
to a new and improved deal
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Hammers heading a queue of clubs keen on signing Cisse - Guardian Series
WEST Ham are rumoured to be heading a clutch of clubs keen to bring
Marseille striker Djibril Cisse back to the Premier League. The former
Liverpool hitman - whose stint in England's top flight between 2004 and 2007
was ravaged by injury - has an agreement with his club which can see him
leave Stade Velodrome for a fee of around £8 million. That has alerted a
host of clubs, including Newcastle, Blackburn and Manchester City, to his
availability. But the Hammers see the 26-year-old Frenchman as the ideal
player to lead the line next season and are in pole position in the race for
his signature. Cisse - who has recovered from two career-threatening leg
breaks - has endured mixed fortunes since returning to France. Despite
hitting the net 16 times last season, he was still booed by his own
supporters and was cut from the France squad for Euro 2008.
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Wolves deny Kightly Hammers link - Guardian Series
WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers have rubbished comments that they have received bids
for promising midfielder Michael Kightly. The 22-year-old has impressed at
Molineux following his move from Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic
in 2006. And his former boss, Athletic owner-manager Mick Woodward, claimed
that the England U21's form and potential had attracted the attention
Everton, Blackburn and West Ham. Woodward even suggested that a £4million
offer had been tabled for the player. However, Wolves chief executive Jez
Moxey denied the claims and admitted that he was "very surprised" by
Woodward's comments. "We've received no enquiries or bids for Michael
Kightly," confirmed Moxey. "Our chairman, Steve Morgan, went on the record
at the end of April with a clear and unequivocal message - 'Our best young
players are not for sale'. "We've got an exciting young team at Molineux and
we are building something special, and Michael wants to be a part of that.
"We will not allow this kind of rumour and speculation to disrupt our
plans."
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Grays boss claims Hammers are in for Wolves winger - Guardian Series
WEST Ham are one of three Premier League clubs chasing Wolves winger Michael
Kightly, according to Grays Athletic owner-boss Mick Woodward.
The 22-year-old has made a big impression at Molineux following his move
from non-league Grays in 2006. Now his former boss Woodward has claimed that
the Premier League trio are in hot pursuit of the England U21 star. "I think
you'll see Michael Kightly move very shortly," Woodward told The Non-League
Paper. "I know Everton, West Ham and Blackburn have come in for him and a
club has put a £4million bid in already. "People will see who they can get
rid of first." And Woodward even went as far to suggest that the Irons are
in pole position to clinch the youngster's signature, adding: "West Ham are
going to have a good clear-out because they've got too many 'Big-Time
Charlie's' and they want players who are hungry. Kightly fits that bill
perfectly."
Grays would be due a hefty pay-day if Kightly were to move on thanks to a
sell-on clause inserted in the £20,000 deal that took the player to Wolves.
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QPR reported to be showing an interest in Hammers striker - Guardian Series
AMBITIOUS Queens Park Rangers are set to make a move for West Ham striker
Bobby Zamora, according to reports. The 27-year-old was restricted to just
13 starts last season after missing the first five months of the campaign
with a knee tendinitis problem. However, QPR - financed by the millions of
Formula One tycoons Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, and the family of
steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal - see the Barking-born forward as an ideal
signing as they chase promotion from the Championship. And, with Craig
Bellamy, Dean Ashton, Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears also among his
attacking options, Irons boss Alan Curbishley - who has been told by the
board to reduce the wage bill - may be tempted to cash in on Zamora if the
price is right.
Zamora, who has a contract until 2011 but is in talks with the club over a
new one, has made over 150 appearances for the Hammers and scored 40 goals
since joining the club in 2004. He will always be remembered by Hammers fans
for scoring the only goal in the Championship play-off win over Preston
which sent the club back up to the Premier League in the 2004-5 season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: full of 'big time Charlies' By Uncle Dave - FansOnline.net
Posted on Sunday 01 Jun 2008 21:32:00
Michael Kightly could be making the switch from Wolves to West Ham, as long
as they clear out all the 'big time Charlies', according to owner-manager of
Grays Athletic Mick Woodward. Anyway, Kightly has been subject of a £4
million bid from West Ham, Everton and Blackburn, according to Woodward.
"I think you'll see Michael Kightly move very shortly," said Woodward,
according to The Non-League Paper. "I know Everton, West Ham and Blackburn
have come in for him and a club has put a £4 million bid in already. "People
will see who they can get rid of first. West Ham are going to have a good
clear-out because they've got too many 'big-time Charlies' and they want
players who are hungry. "Kightly fits that bill perfectly."
Kightly joined the Molineux outfit from Grays, and the Essex outfit have a
vested interest in the player's future, as the transfer included a sell-on
clause.
Wouldn't it be better if West Ham was a place where he learned to be a
big-time Charlie? I mean, Ronaldo is one, and he's a great player…OK, maybe
not.
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QPR go for West Ham striker Zamora
tribalfooball.com - June 02, 2008
QPR are moving for West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora. Zamora is in new
contract talks with West Ham, but QPR hope to lure him to Loftus Road for
their promotion push next season.
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Nice aim to beat Newcastle, West Ham for Shorey
tribalfootball.com - June 02, 2008
Nice are aiming to trump Premiership interest for Reading fullback Nicky
Shorey. The Sunday Mirror says Nice have been planning a £2million offer for
Royals full-back Shorey, who is eager to leave the club to continue his push
to become an England regular. West Ham, Newcastle and Aston Villa are all
interested, too. But Reading chief executive Nigel Howe said: "You sometimes
get clubs who will fly a kite with a stupid offer, but no one will steal any
of our players away."
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West Ham's Ashton: I could've done better
tribalfootball.com - June 02, 2008
West Ham striker Dean Ashton admits he was disappointed with his performance
for England in Sunday's friendly victory against Trinidad & Tobago.
"Personally I probably could have done a little bit better," Ashton said.
"It would have been nice to get a goal, but it wasn't to be. I was pleased
with how it went and happy to get 45 minutes." Ashton was making his debut
nearly two years after breaking his ankle during England training. "It's
been a long wait to get that first cap and it feels brilliant," he said.
"Nobody can take it away from me, but hopefully I've done enough to impress
for the next squad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wolves dismiss West Ham, Blackburn talk for Kightly
tribalfooball.com - June 02, 2008
Wolves have dismissed talk of a move to West Ham or Blackburn Rovers for
winger Michael Kightly. Mick Woodward, Kightly's former chairman at Grays
Athletic, recently claimed that the 22-year-old will soon make a switch to
the Premier League. However, Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey insists
Kightly will remain at Molineux next season as the club look to return to
the Premier League. "I was very surprised by Mick Woodward's comments,"
Moxey told Wolves' official website. "We've received no enquiries or bids
for Michael Kightly. "Our chairman, Steve Morgan, went on record at the end
of April with a clear and unequivocal message, 'our best young players are
not for sale'. "We've got an exciting young team at Molineux and we are
building something special and Michael wants to be a part of that. "We will
not allow this kind of rumour and speculation to disrupt our plans."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle, West Ham go for Negredo
tribalfooball.com - June 02, 2008
Newcastle United and West Ham are chasing Almeria striker Alvaro Negredo.
Negredo joined Almeria last summer from Real Madrid, which has a buy-back
option on the striker and could re-sign the forward before selling him on
this summer.
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