Daily WHUFC News - 10th July 2010

'We want to improve'
WHUFC.com
The message is simple but Avram Grant is determined to play good football in the West Ham way
09.07.2010

Avram Grant completes his first week at Chadwell Heath today with his new squad in full swing as they prepare for the start of the pre-season friendlies.
With the manager still assessing his squad and looking forward to the first summer fixture at Peterborough United on Wednesday night, he has outlined his hopes for the season - and seasons - ahead. "The target is very simple and I can sum it up in one word. Improve. We want to be better than we were last year. I can't say we want to be in Europe or in the Champions League. "The ambition of every club should be to play good football. I'm very happy for this because this is my vision for football. There's always more than one way to win a football match. But we want to do it by playing good football but need to have players that can do it. "We have good players here and we want to look for young players from the youth academy. We want players here who are experienced enough to play in the Premier League and players who know how to play football. That will be my target. "I am looking in any area, of course, to improve the team, to make the team stronger. But we have just started training so I want to see by myself the players. I like to speak with the players but for the moment I am watching and I want to see them and then we will speak."
Grant got his first real taste of the Boleyn Ground as manager with his official unveiling on Thursday. He took a good look around the stadium and made personally sure he was able to meet as many of the staff as possible. Pitch-side, he paid close attention to the huge billboards that feature Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking before revealing his affinity with the Hammers goes back to the golden days of the club's history. He remembered travelling to London to visit the Hammers of the early 1970s under Ron Greenwood. "It was exciting for me to be here as this club had a tradition of football and it was a few years after the [1966] World Cup and West Ham were the key players in the tournament. It was just exciting to be here and see the training ground."
Such nods to the club's greats reminds that the burden of history will perhaps weigh on Grant's shoulders when he builds his own West Ham side. He is enthused, not fazed, by such a responsibility as West Ham United's 13th manager. "I hope that there is a pressure. Pressure in football is good. "People speak about pressure like it is a negative word. But pressure pushes you to achieve something. So we will put the pressure on me and the players to achieve our targets. "In football, I have said to the players, every year we need to improve and the target is to improve yourself from the beginning and prove that you can do things. This is what I like about [Manchester United manager] Alex Ferguson, their fourth goal against Wigan [last season], he is jumping up like a little child. But he always wants to improve himself. "The minute you come to football and think you have proved yourself enough, it is the first step down."

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Barrera set for medical
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th July 2010
By: Staff Writer

Pablo Barrera has provisionally agreed a four-year contract with West Ham, according to his current club. The Pumas club website reports tonight that the Mexican international has agreed to join West Ham in a deal thought to be worth £3.5million subject to a medical and the completion of relevant documentation, including a work permit. News of the 23-year-old's imminent move to England was reported by Pumas President Victor Mahbub at a press conference this afternoon; the news has since been reported by Fox Sports in Mexico. Barrera, a pacy winger who is also known to favour the odd shot from distance - often with devastating effect - proved to be a hit for his country in their short-lived World Cup campaign, which saw them exit in the first knockout phase at the hands of rivals Argentina. Should the aforementioned formalities be concluded without a hitch, expect confirmation of the deal from West Ham within the next few days.

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Di Matteo backs Dorrans stay
Baggies boss thinks midfielder should remain at club
Last updated: 9th July 2010
SSN

West Brom boss Robert Di Matteo insists the best thing for Graham Dorrans is for him to stay at The Hawthorns. The Baggies turned down a third bid of £5million for the Scotland international from West Ham on Thursday, causing chairman Jeremy Peace to release a strong statement reiterating the midfielder is not for sale. Manager Di Matteo has underlined the club's position by emphasising that 23-year-old Dorrans will remain at Albion, and insisting there is no concern over the player's loyalty. "We have said it many times, put statements out, and we'll put another one out now. He's not for sale," Di Matteo told the Birmingham Mail. "I'm not concerned about him though."We've made our position clear but you can't force other clubs to not make these offers."Graham is a cool boy and he should be content in a club where he's loved and settled. "He has his first big year in the Premier League coming up. "It would be so much better for him to stay here and continue his education. That reflects the view of everyone here. "He's an outstanding young player and there will always be talk about him. "It makes sense for him to stay here. "He's got the respect of his team-mates and he has a management team which has belief in him - it's important for any player to have that. "There is nothing absolutely in his manner or mood which worries us. He is totally focused. He's working hard and been very professional."

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Grant issues Upson ultimatum
Hammers boss wants players who are 100 per cent committed
Last updated: 9th July 2010
SSN

New West Ham manager Avram Grant has indicated that Matthew Upson should leave the club if he is not fully committed. The England defender has one year left on his contract at Upton Park, but is understood to be a £7million target of Sunderland. West Ham narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season and Upson is thought to be frustrated by the club's struggles. But Grant, who has signed a four-year deal as successor to Gianfranco Zola, has previously said that he wants to keep the 31-year-old. However, the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss does not want players who are not 100 per cent dedicated, saying in the Daily Mirror: "We'll do everything to keep Upson, but West Ham fans deserve players who want to play for the club. "I want players like that because I think we'll have a great future. It will be good for us and good for the players. Of course Matthew is one of them."

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Hughes advisor denies money suggestions
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
July 9, 2010

Mark Hughes is chasing the big challenge, not the big money, according to his confidante and advisor Kia Joorabchian. Hughes was on Liverpool's shortlist before they appointed Roy Hodgson and the former Manchester City manager has the CV credentials for a top job. But a reputation has been festering within the football industry regarding Hughes' financial demands and according to sources he asked West Ham for £7 million per year for himself and his entourage. This is totally unfounded though, Joorabchian has told Soccernet. "If Mark was working toward trying to get a big contract he could have taken a job in Dubai, but he wants the right job," Joorabchian said. "That's why I need to clarify the situation with West Ham, when it has been suggested that Mark wanted a lot of money, but he turned down West Ham because they already had a manager in Franco Zola and being an honourable man he had no intention of even talking about a job when another manager was already there. "What happened to Mark when he left Manchester City left a bitter taste, and he would never do to another manager what happened to him. Mark never spoke to West Ham about figures at all. Mark's next job is not about money, his next job will be purely based on a career decision. "As for Fulham, he is not in discussions with Fulham, so I cannot comment. All I can say is that he has already turned down two Premier League jobs because he is waiting for the right one, he wants the right job, not any job."

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West Ham manager Avram Grant refuses to tolerate owners meddling in football matters
New West Ham manager Avram Grant on Thursday night insisted that he would have final say on player movement in and out of the club.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 7:30AM BST 09 Jul 2010

Avram Grant may have only been West Ham manager for three days but he is determined he will have final say on all football matters at Upton Park. Grant will not tolerate interference from owners David Gold and David Sullivan on the playing front, a problem that contributed to the demise of former manager Gianfranco Zola. And he has warned Matthew Upson, who has shown no inclination to sign a new deal at Upton Park, that he demands players show they want to play for the club. The West Ham co-owners upset Zola by talking publicly about the players, while Zola is also believed to have been unaware of moves to make the entire first-team squad, apart from Scott Parker, available for transfer and kept in the dark over a bid for West Bromwich Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans. Sport on television Just three days into the job Grant, 55, said: "I cannot work in a team in which someone else will decide about the players and where it would not be my responsibility. "I like the pressure. All the football issues are my responsibility and I have the final word. I'm not involved in money, this is the decision of the owners, how to spend, how much to spend, so I don't want to be involved in the money situation – and they don't want to be involved in the football issues. "I didn't need to seek assurances because they said to me from the beginning: 'We are bringing you as a coach for the next years' – I signed for four years. "I have always said to my chairmen: 'You hired me to do a football job. If you don't like it you can say to me to stop. As long as I'm the manager, I'm taking the decision and I'm responsible for this.' What's happened in the past happened in the past, I will judge everything from now."
Upson, who returns to training on July 19, has one year left of his contract, but Grant warned him he only wants players who are committed to the club. Grant said: "I think any club, especially a club like West Ham, needs to do everything to keep a player like Upson. He is a good player and person. "But also the West Ham fans deserve players who want to play for the club and I only want players who want to play because I think we will have a great future."
Grant insisted that goalkeeper Robert Green, whose error at the World Cup cost England a win against the United States, would remain at West Ham. Tottenham on Thursday completed the first part of a proposed double sponsorship deal that could ultimately be worth £50 million. Spurs confirmed that they had signed a two-year deal with software infrastructure company Autonomy to carry their name on their shirts in the Premier League. The deal is worth £20 million with the potential for a further £5 million, depending on the club's success in the League. Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, is now looking to another deal for the shirts Spurs will wear in the FA Cup, Carling Cup and Europe. Meanwhile, Spurs target Luis Suarez has admitted he could leave Ajax. The Uruguay World Cup striker has admitted an ambition of joining Manchester United, while Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest.

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West Ham United want to keep defender Matthew Upson - Avram Grant
Israeli demands commitment from the defender...
By Adithya Ananth
9 Jul 2010 11:16:00
Goal.com

West Ham United manager Avram Grant has revealed that he would like defender Matthew Upson to prolong his stay at the club. The former Arsenal centre-back has been linked with moves away from east London, with Sunderland reported to have lodged a £7 million bid to acquire his services. And with only a year left on his contract with the Hammers, owners David Sullivan and David Gold may consider letting go of the player now for a fee, in preference to losing him on a Bosman transfer next summer. Now the former Portsmouth boss has dropped a hint that Upson could be sold if he does not show the commitment that is expected of him. "We'll do everything to keep Upson, but West Ham fans deserve players who want to play for the club," Grant said in The Mirror.
"I want players like that because I think we'll have a great future. It will be good for us and good for the players. Of course Matthew is one of them."

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Bordeaux - Price must be right
Chairman plays down Remy and Gignac transfer talk
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 9th July 2010
SSN

Bordeaux chairman Jean-Louis Triaud has played down speculation linking the club with strikers Loic Remy and Andre-Pierre Gignac. The French outfit are thought to be keen on 23-year-old Nice striker Remy and Toulouse hot-shot Gignac, 24. They are thought to have offered €9million (£7.5m) for Remy, but that falls way short of Nice's asking price, with West Ham recently having a bid of €13.5million (£11.3million) rejected for the striker. Meanwhile, Gignac is tied to Toulouse until 2013 and a similar large fee would be needed to prise him away from the Municipal Stadium, but Triaud insists the club will not be held to ransom on either player. He told L'Equipe: "I have heard rumours that we are supposed to be interested in Loic Remy and Andre-Pierre Gignac. "But if the fee is €15m (£12.5m), I believe we can't match the market's reality." As regards current Bordeaux players, Arsenal and Lyon are thought to be interested in midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, while skipper and fellow midfielder Alou Diarra is also thought to be attracting interest. While Triaud says the pair would be allowed to leave the club, he insists this will only be if the price was right. He added: "If they want to leave and a club would pay the fee stated in the clauses, I would say congratulations and good luck."

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Pompey offer to James, Hammers in for Ben Haim and West Brom join Lonergan race
Last updated at 8:38 PM on 9th July 2010
Daily Mail

Portsmouth have offered a player-coaching role to England goalkeeper David James. West Ham, meanwhile, hope to pip Panathinaikos to Tal Ben Haim after reviving their interest in the Israeli. The Hammers are also interested in Real Madrid's Israeli defender Nir Mansour on a free transfer. West Bromwich Albion have joined Blackpool and Burnley in the battle to sign the Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan - but they will have to pay close to £3.

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West Ham ponder move for Real Madrid defender Nir Mansour
10.07.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are weighing up a move for Real Madrid youngster Nir Mansour. The 19 year-old Israel U21 international defender has been released by Real this week. West Ham are active in the Spanish transfer market and after being knocked back by Barcelona for Andreu Fontas, have now made enquiries after free agent Mansour.

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West Ham drop Piquionne pursuit after Lyon hike-up price
10.07.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United's bid for French striker Frederic Piquionne is on the rocks - after Lyon hiked up the price at the last minute. Hammers chief Grant hoped to land his former Portsmouth attacker in a deal worth around £1.2 million, with the hit man due to fly in for talks but unable to come, says the Mirror. Lyon have now decided they want more cash, pushing his value up to over £2million, and have delayed the move to the anger of the player and West Ham.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 9th July 2010

Grant relishing challenge
WHUFC.com
New manager Avram Grant wants to bring the good times back to West Ham
United
08.07.2010

Avram Grant is relishing the challenge of improving the fortunes of West Ham
United. Speaking at a packed Boleyn Ground press conference to announce his
official unveiling, the new Hammers manager spoke excitedly about his
long-term plans for the coming seasons. Grant, who has signed a four-year
contract, is looking forward to working closely with the club's passionate
owners, supporters, staff and players. "I'm very happy to be here. It's a
good club," the 55-year-old confirmed. "It's my first few days here and so
far it's good - they have good people here, it's a good squad and I like it.
"It's a big challenge but it's a good challenge because it is a club that
wants to progress. It is very different to my last two clubs but I like it
that we have a target not just for one season but for more than one season.
I think it is good. "I think we can progress in one season. We can build a
platform so we can progress every season. I think at the end of the year, if
the players can look at themselves and you can look at them and most of them
are better than now in July, we will know it is a giant step forward."
The new manager has arrived in east London following successful spells in
charge of the Israeli national team, Chelsea and Portsmouth. With nearly 25
years of coaching experience behind him, Grant is the perfect man to
evaluate what needs to be done to help West Ham enjoy a successful future.
That future, the new manager hopes, will see talented players arrive at the
club from two sources - the unrivalled Academy and by shrewd dealing in the
transfer market.
"The economic situation is not too easy not just for West Ham but for other
clubs. We have a vision in our club and targets at other clubs and I can
tell you that our target is not only for next season, but for the following
seasons, is progression. "We want to progress. We want our own Academy to
progress, attracting good players. We are moving to a new facility, which
will be good for the club. We also want the team to make good progress and
we want to do it with good players. "We want to build a platform so that,
each season, we will progress. I think we will do it because we have good
players in this club, but of course we want to make the squad stronger."
While Grant is planning to bring in further recruits to join new signing
Thomas Hitzlsperger, the Germany midfielder, the manager knows there are
already plenty of talented players at the club. "Our target is to progress
with good players, so we continue to use the players from the Academy,
because we think they are doing a good job. We will try to find good talent
and to give them a chance to play the football we want to play, but we also
need some good experienced players with talent and Thomas is one of them.
"He is a good player and a very good professional. He is positive about
everything he is doing. He knows how to defend and he knows how to attack
and we are very happy that he is here. "I think it's a good squad but any
squad needs to be fresh and have players that can make it better. I am
looking forward. I looked at the DVDs but for me and the players, it is a
new beginning. They have something to prove and the club has something to
do. For me, they are starting from the beginning and we will see how they
will be. If most of the squad makes progress, we will not need many
players."
Grant refused to be drawn when asked about individual transfer targets, but
was positive about maintaining the services of England internationals Robert
Green, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker. "With the targets of the club, it is
very important that we have good experienced players and there is no doubt
that Scott Parker is one of them. I watched him last year and DVDs of all
the games last year and even though I don't want to look back, I only want
to look forward, I can tell you that Scott Parker is very important for us.
He is a good football player and has quality. "Robert Green is on vacation.
I spoke with him. He's a great goalkeeper and he proved himself in the past.
He's a positive person, so we are happy that he is here. For me, as it is
with all the other players, it is a new beginning. I am waiting for his
first training session to see him and I'm sure he'll be OK. "We will see
[Matthew] when he comes back. Of course, we want Matty Upson to stay with
the club."
While Hitzlsperger, Green, Upson and Parker are all important players, Grant
closed by insisting that every member of his squad has a role to play in the
club's future if it is to be successful. "I think team spirit is very
important because we can improve the quality of the players here but we
cannot improve it by 100 per cent. We can improve it by 30 or 40 per cent,
but with team spirit you can always reach a high level. With my national
team, Chelsea and Portsmouth, nobody can complain that for one minute that a
player didn't give everything. I expect this will be the same here in West
Ham."
Should Grant foster the same spirit that took Chelsea to the UEFA Champions
League final and Portsmouth to last season's FA Cup final, then every West
Ham supporter will have great cause for optimism. "It was good for me to be
in Chelsea and it was also good for me to be in Portsmouth because the
players and supporters were great and it was a great club in a difficult
time. These belong to the past but what I learned I will take with me
because all my life I like to learn. It's a new challenge and a good
challenge because this club can be a very, very good club."

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New away kit revealed
WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Carlton Cole and Mark Noble have
launched the new shirt
08.07.2010

West Ham United have unveiled the club's new Macron away kit for the 2010/11
season - fittingly described as being made from the fabric of legends. The
kit - combining cutting edge continental ideas with the club's homegrown
history - is the first produced since Macron became the club's new technical
partners. It features a white shirt with claret and sky blue hoops around
the middle. The shorts and socks are both in matching sky blue, with the
round neck enhancing the retro feel.
Macron are leading the way for kit innovation, providing bespoke shirts that
allowed the club to respond to fan feedback as well as provide stylish
training gear to complement. There has been strong attention to detail,
particularly on the shirt with the design of the cut, the inserts and the
combination of fabrics allowing better movement for optimum performance.
The shirt is a throwback to a kit first worn by the successful side of the
late 1950s, when a young Bobby Moore made his breakthrough into the strong
Hammers side that had emerged around the greats like Malcolm Allison and
Noel Cantwell. Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Carlton
Cole were all chosen to launch the new kit with a special Boleyn Ground
photo-shoot this week. The players posed for a number of shots, including a
cafe scene that evoked thoughts of the West Ham way first being forged
midway through the last century. Then, 50 odd years ago, the players would
follow daily training sessions by getting together again in the afternoons
at Cassettari's Cafe, just a short walk from the ground in Barking Road.
There, the players would exchange views and hone tactics, laying the
foundations for the golden generation of the 1960s. The Hammers memorably
wore a white shirt when they last reached the FA Cup final in 2006. Going
further back, the team had a white away shirt in 1985/86 when they finished
third and, of course, won the 1980 FA Cup while wearing an all-white strip.
Leading Italian kitwear manufacturers Macron will be the club's official
technical partner for three years from the new season. Having recently
joined forces with SSC Napoli, AS Monaco FC and SC Braga, Macron were keen
to make West Ham United a major part of their growing portfolio of
top-flight elite European clubs. Founded in 1971, Macron is based in
Crespellano, near the Italian city of Bologna. In recent years, the company
has rapidly expanded its portfolio of clients, and as well as Napoli also
kits out Serie A clubs Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio 1920. Macron also
manufactures high-quality playing and training wear for basketball,
handball, volleyball and rugby. It has links throughout Europe and operates
under the message - work hard, play harder.

* Please note all 2010/11 West Ham United squad numbers will not be
finalised until confirmed with the Premier League in August.

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Facebook page launched
WHUFC.com
A special behind the scenes video is playing today exclusively on the club's
new Facebook page
08.07.2010

Like the new Macron kit? Want to see more? Then check out the new Official
Facebook West Ham United page. Launched today, the club's official facebook
site gives fans another way to keep in touch with the club they love. And,
playing now, is an exclusive kit launch video showing behind the scenes
footage of Thomas Hitzlsperger, Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas and Carlton
Cole. Be sure to make sure you show your support if you 'Like' the page.
Also tell your mates and spread the word to make the club's official
Facebook page the place to be. Keep an eye on the Official West Ham United
facebook page over the summer months to hear all the latest Hammers news and
plenty of exclusive content.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Ham-United-FC-Official/129911763708715?v=
wall

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West Ham fail with third bid for Graham Dorrans
BBC.co.uk

West Bromwich Albion have rejected a third offer from West Ham for highly
rated midfielder Graham Dorrans. Albion, who have already turned down two
West Ham offers of about £4m for the 23-year-old, have now rejected a £5m
bid "out of hand". "I have personally told West Ham they are wasting their
time," said West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace. Dorrans scored 17 goals for the
Baggies last term as they were promoted back to the Premier League. The
Scotland international signed a new four-and-a-half year contract in
January, with the option of a 12-month extension. His performances last
season were recognised by the Professional Footballers' Association when he
was named in their Championship team of the year. Peace added: "Details of
a third bid from West Ham for Graham Dorrans have been leaked to the media.
"This offer is completely unwelcome and, like West Ham's previous two bids,
it has been rejected out of hand. "Graham is not for sale - to West Ham or
any other club. I cannot make myself any clearer on this subject. "As far as
we are concerned, that is the end of the matter."
The chairman added that Dorrans was getting on with pre-season training and
the club were expecting him to be an integral part of their upcoming Premier
League season.

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Grant: here to stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th July 2010
By: Staff Writer

Avram Grant staged his first press conference as manager of West Ham United
today - and insisted that he'll be here for years to come. 55-year-old
Grant, who was confirmed as the successor to Gianfranco Zola in June spoke
to the assembled media pack this afternoon for the first time in the week
his players returned to Chadwell Heath following the summer break. Featuring
just one new signing so far - despite being linked to a succession of
players - Grant's squad remains acutely short on quality - an issue he,
along with the co-owners, intends to resolve within the next few weeks. "The
players at the club are good players but of course we are looking to make
the club stronger," he said. "But we need good experienced players with
talent; Thomas [Hitzlsperger] is one of them. We have some targets but if
you want to follow up all the rumours we will need about two days! "Of
course we are following a few players - but only players that can improve
the team. But I can only talk about the players we have already signed
already. "Through negotiations some of the players cannot come, some
players - if they're in the papers - other clubs can attract them; that's
happened to us with three players that nobody knew about before. So we only
want to speak about players that we have signed already."
With regard to the long-term, Grant - who insists that he hopes to settle at
the club following several turbulent years - confirmed that the club's
Academy remains as vital as ever to the club's success. "We have a vision
for the club," he said. "I can tell you that our vision is not only for next
season but for the next seasons [too]. We want to progess, we want to have a
good Academy and attract good players. "We want to build a platform that
with each year we progress. I'm sure that we can do it."

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Barrera in the bag?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th July 2010
By: Staff Writer

A number of Mexican media outlets are claiming that West Ham have won the
race to sign winger Pablo Barrera. The 23-year-old, who greatly impressed
during the World Cup Finals had also been courted by Espanyol and Everton,
amongst others, but it is believed that West Ham have won the race to sign
the Pumas player. 'Pablo Barrera's future is in England' states one website,
vefutbol.com.mx - whilst TV sports show Lo Mejor Fox Sports claimed tonight
that Barrera is set to complete a four year deal with the Hammers. The fee
for the exciting youngster is likely to be in the region of £5million, with
sources suggesting that the deal will be confirmed within the next 48 hours.

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'Fans happy with new kit' shocker
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th July 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have revealed the club's first kit produced by new manafacturers
Macron - and it's a stunner. The club's new first-choice change strip is a
direct replica of the away kit last worn in the late 1950s - a white shirt
with two hoops, one claret and one blue. The forthcoming season will be the
first time United have worn a white away shirt since the 2006 FA Cup final.
The Hammers have previously worn white as a second strip in the ealy
noughties (Fila) and in the mid-90s, when the 'Argentina' kit - white with
light blue stripes - was a popular choice. Prior to that, the 'Boys Of '86'
wore a (claret) pin-striped version whilst the 1980 FA Cup Final was also
memorable for United wearing white. That followed an announcement at the
beginning of the 1974/75 that the club would be wearing all all-white kit as
their regular change strip. The replica kits - adults featuring the SBOBet
logo, children the Bobby Moore Fund logo - are available to pre-order now
from the club's online store. An adult size replica shirt will set you back
£40, the children's version just a fiver less. The new home shirt - which
will also feature a welcome return to a more traditional design - is to be
revealed later this month.

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Hammers up Dorrans bid
Baggies receive new offer for star midfielder
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands West Ham have tabled an improved bid for West Brom
midfielder Graham Dorrans. The Hammers have been chasing the Scotland
international all summer and have already seen two offers rejected for the
23-year-old. The Upton Park club saw their first £4million bid rejected back
in April and then saw an improved £4.5million offer turned down last week.
However, the Hammers are refusing to give up on the gifted midfielder and
are thought to have increased their offer again to a fee in the region of
£5.5million. West Brom are loath to lose the skilful playmaker with Dorrans
playing a key role in helping them win promotion to the Premier League last
season. West Ham are hoping their latest offer will be good enough for West
Brom to cash-in on Dorrans as Avram Grant looks to bring the Scot to Upton
Park.

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Grant in charge of Hammers
Sullivan and Gold know that manager selects the team
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN

New West Ham manager Avram Grant is adamant that he is the man who will make
the decisions regarding football at Upton Park. The former Chelsea and
Portsmouth boss has signed a four-year deal with the Hammers and he is
making plans for the start of the new Premier League season. Grant is the
successor to Gianfranco Zola, who left after the conclusion of the last
campaign amid reports of a fractious relationship with the club's
co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. Rumours suggested that Sullivan
and Gold were forcing decisions upon the Italian, but his replacement
insists that, while he enjoys a good relationship with his bosses, there is
no doubt about who is in charge of West Ham's playing staff. "I'm very
happy to be here," said Grant. "It's a good club.
"It's only been my first days and what I've seen so far is good. Good
people, good squad. I like it. "They (Sullivan and Gold) are so passionate
about the club. Our relationship is good. I'm the manager, I pick the
players and they know that."
Grant was keen to emphasise that he will be looking to build a squad for the
future, with a mix of youth-team players and experience. "What happened in
the past happened in the past. I'm looking for a new beginning," he
continued. "The economic situation is not so easy, but not just here. "Our
target is not only for next season but for the next seasons. We want to
progress. We want our Academy to progress. "We want the team to progress. We
want to build a platform that will progress each year and I'm sure we will
do it. "We want to progress with good players. The players from the Academy
are doing a good job, but we need good experienced players with talent too."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant - Green can bounce back
Hammers boss backs Green to put mistake behind him
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN

New West Ham manager Avram Grant is confident Robert Green can recover from
his World Cup howler. After looking set to be Fabio Capello's first choice
in South Africa, Green lost his place in the England team after costing the
side an opening win against the United States when he let in a meek effort
by Clint Dempsey. But Grant is adamant 30-year-old Green can bounce back,
insisting even the best keepers in the world make mistakes. "I spoke with
Robert Green on the phone and I was very happy with what I heard," said
Grant. "I spoke only about the future and what will happen. He looks very
strong and very intelligent. "I don't think it will have an effect on him. I
can give examples, I was at the World Cup in 2002 and I saw the goalkeeper
(Oliver Kahn) who didn't stop a ball that my daughter could stop. "They lost
the World Cup and after this he was still the best goalkeeper in Germany. "I
saw on the television this year Iker Casillas, the best goalkeeper in the
world in my opinion, concede a goal and everyone said it was his fault or
the fault of his girlfriend or mother or whatever. He was the best player in
his last three games. "This is the life of a goalkeeper. "For me Robert
Green is a great goalkeeper, I watched him in the last year and I'm looking
forward to seeing him in the first training."
Grant also confirmed that he is set on keeping Matthew Upson at the club,
despite the defender failing to pledge his future to the Hammers with his
contract expiring in a year's time. "I think any club, especially a club
like West Ham, needs to do everything to keep a player like Upson," said the
former Chelsea boss.
"He is a good player and person and we will do everything to keep him."
Grant also shrugged off rumours that captain Scott Parker, who is a reported
target of Aston Villa, could depart the club. "With the targets of the
club, it is very important that we have good experienced players and there
is no doubt that Scott Parker is one of them," he remarked. "I watched him
last year and DVDs of all the games last year and even though I don't want
to look back, I only want to look forward, I can tell you that Scott Parker
is very important for us. He is a good football player and has quality."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Baggies reject Dorrans bid
Hammers fail in third offer for midfielder
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN

West Brom have rejected a third bid from West Ham for star midfielder Graham
Dorrans. As revealed by skysports.com earlier on Thursday, West Ham launched
an improved bid for Dorrans after seeing two previous offers rejected by
West Brom. Premier League new boys West Brom have rejected the latest offer,
thought to be in the region of £5million, and Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace
insists Dorrans is not for sale. Peace has told West Ham they are wasting
their time in their pursuit of the Scot as they have no plans to sell
Dorrans. "Details of a third bid from West Ham for Graham Dorrans have been
leaked to the media," Peace told the club's official website. "This offer is
completely unwelcome and, like West Ham's previous two bids, it has been
rejected out of hand.
"I have personally told West Ham they are wasting their time. "Graham is not
for sale - to West Ham or any other club. "I cannot make myself any clearer
on this subject. "As far as we are concerned, that is the end of the
matter." Peace added: "As ever, Graham is being a consummate professional
and getting on with his pre-season training. "We are now looking forward to
seeing him play an integral part for the club in the Barclays Premier League
next season."

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Prem duo target Bikey
Hammers & Latics chasing Cameroon ace
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands Wigan and West Ham are interested in signing
Burnley star Andre Bikey. Burnley are facing a fight to keep hold of
versatile performer Bikey following their relegation from the Premier League
last season. Bikey, who joined the Clarets last summer from Reading, was one
of Burnley's shining lights last term despite their relegation to the
Championship. Wigan and West Ham have been keeping tabs on Bikey and they
are now weighing up a move for the Cameroon international. Both clubs are
keen to bolster their squads and the fact Bikey is equally adept in defence
as well as midfield makes him an attractive proposition to Avram Grant and
Roberto Martinez. Burnley are loath to lose Bikey, but they could be tempted
to sell him if they receive a sizeable offer.

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English dream for Gyan
Ghana striker happy to be linked with Sunderland and West Ham
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN

World Cup star Asamoah Gyan has admitted he finds the prospect of a move to
the Premier League very appealing, amid speculation that West Ham and
Sunderland are battling it out for his signature. The striker has risen to
prominence over the past few weeks thanks to a string of fine performances
for Ghana.
Reports have suggested that he could now leave Rennes before the end of the
summer, with a switch to England his preferred option. Gyan concedes that he
is flattered to be linked with West Ham, while he has also heard good
reviews about Sunderland from Ghana team-mate John Mensah. However, he
insists he does not have a problem with Rennes and is prepared to let them
have the final decision. "I always dream about playing in the Premier
League. The sooner the better," the 24-year-old said. "I want to test myself
against all the biggest and best defenders in the English league.
"Sunderland? Mensah said they are a good team. "West Ham is attractive
because they are in London and that is a great city that I love. "But Rennes
will have their say, I still have a contract with them and they are great
people there. So let's wait and see."
Gyan's World Cup ended in heartbreak as Ghana bowed out to Uruguay on
penalties at the quarter-final stage. Gyan scored in the shoot-out but
missed a spot-kick in the closing seconds of extra-time that would have sent
Ghana through to the last four. He has now come to terms with the
disappointment, saying: "I am very well. I sometimes think about the penalty
miss but that is normal, there was a chance to make history. "But it is
God's plan and I am a great believer so it is fine for me."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers lead Barrera chase
West Ham look to grab Mexico international winger
By Patricio Figueroa Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN

West Ham have emerged as favourites to land Mexico winger Pablo Barrera,
with Everton also in for the Pumas ace. Spanish side Espanyol had been
leading the chase for Barrera, who impressed at this summer's World Cup
finals, and opened talks with his club UNAM Pumas last month. But there is
now strong interest emanating from Britain with West Ham, Everton and Celtic
all reported to be keen, along with Italian side Lazio. Pumas have now
confirmed that they are considering three offers - from West Ham, Everton
and Espanyol - with one bid standing out. Reports in Mexico claim that the
best offer is from the Upton Park club and they are now in pole position to
claim his signature. "We don't want to be making announcements when it's not
the correct moment. When everything is OK we will make an announcement,"
said Pumas director of sport Mario Trejo. "It's very possible that between
Thursday and Friday we will have something more serious to say. "If there
is an important announcement to be made, the president will be in charge of
letting everyone know. "I must admit that after analysing the offers of
Espanyol, West Ham and Everton, there is one that has convinced us more than
the rest. "We can't talk too much about it because then everything gets
complicated and as we are very near to reaching an agreement we don't want
to spoil the negotiations." West Ham have also been linked with Barrera's
team-mate Efrain Juarez, but Trejo says they are yet to receive a bid for
him. "Juarez? Nothing, nothing official or written, not yet," he added.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gyan courts Prem switch
Published: 08 Jul 2010
The Sun

ASAMOAH GYAN has targeted a move to the Premier League following his World
Cup exploits with Ghana. The striker emerged as one of the players of the
tournament as the Black Stars marched towards the quarter-finals. But his
South African adventure ended in agony when he missed a last-minute spotkick
against Uruguay in extra time which would have sealed Ghana's place in the
last four. The Ghanaians later went on to lose the resulting penalty
shootout but that has not stopped Sunderland and West Ham enquiring about
his services. And the 24-year-old hitman admits he would consider a move
away from his current club Rennes. Gyan said:"I always dream about playing
in the Premier League. The sooner the better. "I want to test myself against
all the biggest and best defenders in the English league. "Sunderland? John
Mensah said they are a good team. "West Ham is attractive because they are
in London and that is a great city that I love. "But Rennes will have their
say, I still have a contract with them and they are great people there. So
let's wait and see."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant: I'm in charge hereBy PAT SHEEHAN
The Sun
Published: 08 Jul 2010

AVRAM GRANT laid down the law after becoming West Ham boss by telling owners
David Sullivan and David Gold: I'm in charge. Grant is adamant he has the
final say on all transfers and insists England defender Matthew Upson will
be sold unless he signs a new contract. Grant, 55, pulled no punches after
being officially unveiled as successor to Gianfranco Zola. He said: "When I
spoke to the chairman he told me decisions about players would be mine. I
wasn't surprised. I could never agree any other way. "Of course I'm not
involved in the money side. This has to be the decision of the owners, how
to spend and how much."
Upson has a year to run on his current deal and has refused to commit
himself in any negotiations. Grant added: "I think any club needs to do
everything to keep a player like Upson. But also, the fans deserve players
who want to play for the club." Grant has spoken to England's blunder keeper
Robert Green. He said: "I don't think it will have an effect on him. In the
2002 World Cup Oliver Khan failed to stop a shot my daughter could have
saved. "Germany lost the World Cup after this but Kahn was still regarded as
the best keeper in Germany."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant tells Upson: Sign a new deal or go
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Avram Grant stepped into the West Ham hotseat and warned contract rebel
Matthew Upson: 'Sign a new deal or go'. England defender Upson, 31, has just
a year left on the Upton Park deal he signed in January 2007. But the
centre-back, who scored against Germany in the World Cup, has persistently
indicated he wants to play for a club either in the Champions League or the
Europa League. Grant, who has signed a four-year deal to succeed Gianfranco
Zola, said: "I think any club, especially a club like West Ham, needs to do
everything to keep a player like Upson. "He is a good player and person, and
we will do everything to keep him. "But also, the West Ham fans deserve
players who want to play for the club. "I only want players who want to play
because I think we will have a great future. "It will be good for us and
good for the players. Of course, Matthew is one of them."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant warns Gold and Sullivan: Let me do it my way
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Avram Grant has warned his outspoken bosses to leave him alone to work his
magic at West Ham. The 55-year-old Israeli maintains he will bring the good
times back to Upton Park as long he is able to do things his way. Co-owner
David Gold's Rolls Royce was a near-permanent fixture in the players' car
park at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground last season. Gold is
also alleged to have been a regular visitor to the Hammers' dressing room
before matches.
And co-owner David Sullivan saw his relationship with Grant's predecessor
Gianfranco Zola go into meltdown after publicly undermining the Italian in
TV interviews and repeatedly criticising the players. Zola was finally,
brutally, sacked at the end of the season and remains locked in a bitter
battle with the club over compensation. Grant, meanwhile, has earned his
spurs after taking Chelsea to within a penalty kick of the Champions League
Final and a struggling Portsmouth to the FA Cup Final. He is aiming to lift
West Ham from their finishing position of 17th last season to a place where
they can mix it with the big boys.
But he insists he will not tolerate any interference from Gold and Sullivan.
He said yesterday: "Our relationship is good and, of course, I am the
manager and I pick the players and the squad and they know that - like it
was all my life. "I cannot agree for something else, I cannot work in a team
that someone else will decide about the players and where it would not be my
responsibility. "I like the pressure and I like the responsibility. All the
football issues are my responsibility and I have the final word. "I'm not
involved in money. This is the decision of the owners, how to spend, how
much to spend, so I don't want to be involved in the money situation - and
they don't want to be involved in the football issues. "I worked with
Abramovich and it was good, but nobody is perfect. I worked with no owners
in Portsmouth and it was not exciting. Now I'm working with David Gold and
David Sullivan. "There are so many things that happened in the past, even
when I went to Portsmouth and Chelsea. "I'm trying to ignore the past and
look for a new beginning. Everything I've seen until now is OK and it will
not be a problem."
West Ham have so far linked with ambitious moves for the 18-year-old
Brazilian striker Neymar, Everton's out-of-contract 20-year-old midfielder
Dan Gosling and the 32-year-old World Cup striker Miroslav Klose. Grant,
however, was remaining tight lipped on all three. Indeed he would only
insist that co-owner David Sullivan's claim that every player except skipper
Scott Parker is for sale at the right price was no longer the case. He went
on: "Everyone has a chance, of course. You know sometimes, even chairmen are
disappointed, and they say something. "But you see, at the end of the day,
that all the players are here and they have a chance. I think they could do
a good job for West Ham, and we'll improve the team."
There were even positive words for tubby South Africa striker Benni
McCarthy, axed from his country's World Cup squad for being too fat. Grant
said: "You see that I lost a lot of kilos. It's a good example for Benni. "I
did it for him. For me, it's a beginning and what happened in the past
happened is in the past. "I'm looking to see Benni. Of course he needs to
lose one or two kilos but we will help him with this and what I see in
training is good and I'm sure he will be okay."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Green is a great keeper who will recover from England gaffe, says
Grant
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

New West Ham boss Avram Grant has also revealed that he has already spoken
to keeper Robert Green, whose gaffe cost England all three points in their
opening World Cup group game against the USA. Grant said: "I liked it when I
spoke to him. I spoke only about the future and what will happen. He looks
very strong and very intelligent. "Of course I spoke with him on the phone,
it was between me and him, but I was very happy with what I heard. "I don't
think it will have an effect on him. I can give examples. I was at the World
Cup in 2002 and I saw [Germany keeper Oliver Khan] who didn't stop a ball
that my daughter could stop. They lost the World Cup and after this he was
still the best goalkeeper in Germany. "I saw on the television this year
Casillas, the best goalkeeper in the world in my opinion, concede a goal
[against Switzerland] and everyone said it was his fault or the fault of his
girlfriend or mother or whatever. "He was the best player in his last three
games. This is the life of a goalkeeper. Even with a striker, you need to
have a short memory. For me RG is a great goalkeeper. I watched him in the
last year and I'm looking forward to seeing him in the first training."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham face work permit battle for £3.5m Mexico World Cup star - Exclusive
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

West Ham boss Avram Grant faces an anxious wait to sign Mexico World Cup
wing king Pablo Barrera - with a battle to land a work permit for him.
Barrera has agreed to join Hammers from Pumas in a £3.5 million deal and
will pick up a £50,000-a-week contract, the best package on offer to him
despite interest from Celtic, Espanyol and Everton. However the Hammers now
face a worrying delay as Barrera applies for a permit. He will not gain one
automatically as his appearance record over the past two years is below the
necessary level. Barrera missed months with a major cruciate ligament
injury, a problem which he proved is behind him with his dazzling displays
in South Africa where he was often used as a sub. The flying winger will
argue that he missed many internationals because of his injury trouble but
that will still leave him on the borderline. Hammers also hope that the size
of the contract they have offered him shows that he meets some of the other
criteria before he is allowed into the country. Meanwhile West Ham's bid for
French striker Frederic Piquionne is on the rocks - after Lyon hiked up the
price at the last minute. Hammers chief Grant hoped to land his former
Portsmouth attacker in a deal worth around £1.2 million, with the hit man
due to fly in for talks but unable to come. Lyon have now decided they want
more cash, pushing his value up to over £2million, and have delayed the move
to the anger of the player and West Ham. Piquionne had been cleared to speak
to West Brom after a low fee was agreed, but failed to sort out personal
terms. However a change of direction at Lyon stunned the Upton Park outfit's
plans.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New West Ham boss Grant insists: I'm in charge
Published 15:42 08/07/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

New West Ham manager Avram Grant claims his relationship with the club's
owners is good but remains firm that he will be the one in charge of
first-team matters. Gianfranco Zola reportedly had a fractious relationship
with the club's co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and was sacked
following a troubled campaign. Grant, who has signed a four-year deal, is
delighted to be at Upton Park. "I'm very happy to be here," said the former
Chelsea and Portsmouth boss. "It's a good club. "It's only been my first
days and what I've seen so far is good. Good people, good squad. I like it.
"They (Sullivan and Gold) are so passionate about the club. Our relationship
is good. I'm the manager, I pick the players and they know that." Grant was
keen to emphasis that he will be looking to build a squad for the future,
with a mix of youth-team players and experience. "What happened in the past
happened in the past. I'm looking for a new beginning, " he continued. "The
economic situation not so easy, but not just here. "Our target is not only
for next season but for the next seasons. We want to progress. We want our
academy to progress. "We want the team to progress. We want to build a
platform that will progress each year and I'm sure we will do it. "We want
to progress with good players. The players from the academy are doing a good
job, but we need good experienced players with talent too."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Avram Grant insists keeping Matthew Upson at West Ham is a priority
By Laura Williamson
Last updated at 12:31 AM on 9th July 2010
Daily Mail

Avram Grant has vowed to do everything in his power to keep England defender
Matthew Upson at West Ham. Upson, 31, has 12 months left on his
£50,000-a-week deal and West Ham could lose him on a free transfer next
summer. Grant, who called on Upson to prove his commitment to the club,
said: 'The fans deserve players who want to play for the club. I only want
players who want to play because I think we will have a great future. 'But I
think any club, especially a club like West Ham, needs to do everything to
keep a player like Upson. He's a good player and person and we will do
everything to keep him.'
Speaking at his first press conference since signing a four-year deal, Grant
said he would not tolerate interference on transfer policy from joint owners
David Sullivan and David Gold, who were outspoken in their criticism of
Gianfranco Zola last season.
Grant said: 'As long as I'm the manager, I'm taking the decision and I'm
responsible for this. I cannot work in a team where someone else decides
about the players and where it would not be my responsibility.' The
55-year-old also issued a challenge to his squad to prove themselves in
training. With the manager looking to strengthen his squad, some players
will need to be sold if West Ham are to comply with the Premier League's
limit of 25 senior players per club. He said: 'I am looking in all areas to
improve the team.' Grant admitted Benni McCarthy had 'one or two kilos' to
lose but said he would support the forward. 'We'll help him with this and
what I see in training is good — I'm sure he'll be OK.' Grant added that he
had spoken to Robert Green, who will report for pre-season training on July
19 after his World Cup gaffe against the USA. He said: 'I don't think it'll
have an effect on him. Goalkeepers need to have a short memory. For me,
Robert Green is a great goalkeeper.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Avram Grant's First Day
West Ham Till I Die

Today was Avram Grant's first day at work and he held a press conference
this afternoon. According to reports I have seen he…

* expressed confidence in Robert Green
* said he would be his own man and run the club in his own way
* did not rule out moves for Klose or Danny Gosling
* made clear he wants to buy Piquonne

It seems to me his main task has to be to sign a proven goalscorer. Piquonne
may be many things, but he's about as prolific as Carlton Cole. We need a
striker who will score 15-20 goals a season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Avram Grant insists Robert Green is staying at West Ham despite World Cup
howler
Avram Grant insisted on Thursday that Robert Green will remain at Upton
Park.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 4:30PM BST 08 Jul 2010

Avram Grant was officially unveiled as West Ham's new manager today . The
new West Ham manager, who began life at the club on Monday, has spoken to
the England goalkeeper and insisted his error at the World Cup finals will
not affect his future. Grant also hinted that the club will pursue their
interest in Miroslav Klose, the German striker, and Portsmouth forward
Frederic Piquionne. Steve Clarke leaves West Ham "I want to look forward,"
said the Israeli. "I have spoken with Robert and I think he is a great
goalkeeper. "He has proved himself in the past and he is a positive person.
"We are happy he is here. What happened to him has happened to other
goalkeepers before. It's part of the game." On new players, Grant added: "We
have some targets and I am sure we will get our targets." On the subject of
Klose, who co-chairman David Sullivan had previously claimed the club were
after, he said: "I can't speak about anyone not here but we will see what
happens." West Ham only just avoided relegation last season and that
disappointment saw Gianfranco Zola leave. "It's a new beginning and the club
has something to prove. "We need to progress and we want to build a
platform. We have good players here but we want to make it stronger."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Baggies blast West Ham over Dorrans
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:08 July 2010 - 04:30 PM

West Bromwich Albion have hit out at West Ham after rejecting a third bid
for midfielder Graham Dorrans. The Hammers returned with a fresh £5million
bid for the Scotland international which frustrated Baggies chairman Jeremy
Peace has rejected out of hand. "Details of a third bid from West Ham for
Graham Dorrans have been leaked to the media," he told the club's official
website. "This offer is completely unwelcome and, like West Ham's previous
two bids, it has been rejected out of hand. "I have personally told West Ham
they are wasting their time. Graham is not for sale - to West Ham or any
other club. I cannot make myself any clearer on this subject. "As far as we
are concerned, that is the end of the matter. "We are now looking forward to
seeing him play an integral part for the club in the Barclays Premier League
next season."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 8th July 2010

Hitz exclusive on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
The man known as 'Der Hammer' as given his first interview to the club's
online TV service
07.07.2010

Thomas Hitzlsperger has spoken to WHUTV about settling into life at West Ham
United after his summer move to the Boleyn Ground. The Germany midfielder -
nicknamed 'Der Hammer' because of his powerful left foot - joined up with
his new team-mates for the first time this week and has wasted no time in
becoming one of the group. Although he only knew Carlton Cole from his time
at Aston Villa, Hitzlsperger said he had received a warm welcome from
everyone.

"It has been fantastic," he said during a break from double training at
Chadwell Heath. "I have had a good long summer and since I signed I have
been looking forward to the first day and being here training with the lads.
There is a good atmosphere at the training ground and I am just looking
forward to the new season.

"It is exciting to meet my new team-mates. I knew Carlton Cole when we
played together at Aston Villa and I knew a few of the other guys that I
have played against. It is always interesting. You get to know the players,
they are all very nice kindly guys and hopefully we are going to have good
success."

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Poles call for Modelski
WHUFC.com
Filip Modelski has been included in the Poland U18 squad for two friendly
meetings with Sweden
07.07.2010

West Ham United Academy defender Filip Modelski has been included in the
Poland Under-18 squad for a home friendly double-header with Sweden next
month. Modelski will join up with his international team-mates for a
training camp on 8 August ahead of meetings with the Swedes in Koszalin on
10 August and Szczecinek on 12 August. The right-back, 17, has been a
regular for his country at age-group level, featuring in U18 friendly
fixtures against Bulgaria and Belgium last season. Modelski joined West Ham
from Polish club Arka Gdynia in the summer of 2009 following a successful
trial. The defender's Academy team-mate, Deniz Mehmet, is preparing for
Turkey's U18 friendly double-header with Estonia next week. Mehmet will join
up with his international team-mates in Istanbul ahead of the fixtures,
which will take place at the Ozel 2 Mac stadium on Tuesday 13 July and
Thursday 15 July. The 17-year-old's call-up is the latest step in what has
already been a successful international career for the London-based stopper.
Mehmet, who has a Turkish father, was part of his nation's squad at the 2009
UEFA European U17 Championship finals, keeping a clean sheet as Turkey
defeated England 1-0 in the group stage. Later last year, the goalkeeper
played four times as Turkey reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U17 World
Cup in Nigeria before losing to Colombia in a penalty shoot-out.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gosling to leave Toffees
Trio line up star after Premier League ruling
Last updated: 7th July 2010
SSN

Everton midfielder Dan Gosling has left the club and is available on a free
transfer after a contract error. The Premier League were asked to make a
ruling after the England Under 21 prospect was not given a new contract
offer in writing. Everton claimed they offered Gosling a new deal verbally,
but nothing was sent to him in writing by the due date. The Premier League
have now ruled Gosling is free to move on as Everton did not make a written
contract offer. As revealed by skysports.com last week Newcastle are leading
the chase for the versatile star, with Sunderland and West Ham also in the
hunt for Gosling's signature. Gosling will miss the start of the new season
as he is currently recovering from a serious knee injury, but it seems he
will be at a new club next term

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan admits Klose woe
Hammers likely to miss out on Germany international
Last updated: 7th July 2010
SSN

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has revealed the club had a deal in place
to sign Miroslav Klose before his excellent World Cup campaign. The
32-year-old Bayern Munich striker has been in top form for Germany this
summer, and is only one goal away from equalling Ronaldo's record of 15 in
World Cup tournaments. Klose hardly played for Bayern last season and
Sullivan says he was ready to make the switch to Upton Park before the start
of the next campaign. But following his goalscoring exploits in South
Africa, a number of Europe's top clubs are now thought to be sniffing around
him. Sullivan believes a deal is unlikely. He told Soccernet: "We had a deal
in place before the World Cup, after he had a bad season in Germany.
"However, as a result of what he has done at the World Cup, it's unlikely to
happen." Klose scored just six goals in 38 appearances for Bayern Munich
last term, but it remains to be seen if the Bundesliga outfit will now be
willing to sell. His contract at the Allianz Arena is due to expire next
summer, having signed for the club in 2007 from Werder Bremen.

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Hammers want Green stay
Co-owner insists keeper is part of their plans
Last updated: 7th July 2010
SSN

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists that Robert Green is very much part
of their plans. A number of the current Hammers squad have been linking with
moves away from the club, and Sullivan himself previously said that Scott
Parker was the only West Ham player who was not for sale. But Sullivan now
insists that they have no plans to sell the England international. "I hope
[Robert] does have a long-term future at West Ham," Sullivan told The
Guardian. "We've got a fantastic new goalkeeping coach [David Coles, who has
joined from Portsmouth] who I think will improve him dramatically. "You're
never too old to learn and I think he'll learn a lot."
Green had a horrendous World Cup, and was dropped after England's opening
game with USA - after he gifted them the equaliser in the 1-1 draw. But
Sullivan is backing the keeper not to let that affect him, saying: "You
judge any player over a season, not one incident in one match. "I'm sure
he's got the character [to bounce back from the World Cup] and absolutely
he'll get the support from West Ham. "I still can't quite work out what
happened. The ball probably swerved off the bounce, because that ball did
bounce about very strangely, and that's why his body wasn't behind it. It
came off at an angle. "But that said and done, the whole England team
didn't play well. I'm sure you wouldn't buy a single England player on the
basis of what went on out there."
Green has two-years left on his contract and Sullivan says they will look to
hold talks with him and others later in the season. "All the players with
two years to go - we will look at them in January, when there is 18 months
to go," said Sullivan. "We will see how they're playing and how the club is
doing and we'll see what offers we can put to them."

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Hammers close on Velthuizen
West Ham reported to be close to signing promising Dutch keeper
By Gerrit van Leeuwen Last updated: 7th July 2010
SSN

West Ham United are close to signing goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen, according
to Dutch football magazine Voetbal International. The 23-year-old Dutch
international is currently at Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem, who are
thought to be willing to sell as they offload players to decrease costs.
Velthuizen, who earned his only cap in a friendly against Japan in 2009, was
a surprise omission from coach Bert van Marwijk's World Cup squad. The young
Vitesse Arnhem goalkeeper was overlooked in favour of more experienced FC
Twente shot-stopper Sander Boschker.

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Hammers not Klose to deal
Published: 07 Jul 2010
The Sun

WEST HAM'S ambitious attempt to sign Germany's World Cup star Miroslav Klose
looks unlikely. Hammers' co-owner David Sullivan admits a deal to land the
striker is unlikely to go through following his performances in South
Africa. Klose, 32, has scored four goals for Germany as they reached the
semi-finals of the competition. His club Bayern Munich were all set to let
the ace quit on a free transfer after he scored just six goals in 38
appearances for the Bundesliga side last term. But Klose's form in South
Africa has left him just one goal short of Brazilian Ronaldo's tally of 15
in the all-time World Cup scoring charts and as a result, he may now look to
move elsewhere in Europe. Sullivan said: "We had a deal in place before the
World Cup, after he had a bad season in Germany. However, as a result of
what he has done at the World Cup, it's unlikely to happen,'' The Hammers
have also played down suggestions that former Birmingham and Liverpool
winger Jermaine Pennant, now with Real Zaragoza in Spain, might be bound for
Upton Park.

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Hammers set to miss out on TWO strikers
Published 14:38 07/07/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

West Ham's attempts to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new
Barclays Premier League season appear to have stumbled on at least two
fronts.
The Hammers, who will officially unveil new manager Avram Grant before the
world's media at Upton Park tomorrow, have admitted defeat in their attempts
to sign Germany's World Cup striking star Miroslav Klose. In the meantime,
their hopes of landing for Portsmouth loanee Frederic Piquionne from French
club Lyon also hang in the balance. Piquionne enjoyed a successful loan
period with Portsmouth under Grant last season.

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Hammers keen to keep Green
Published 08:51 07/07/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists that he wants to retain the
services of Robert Green despite the keeper's World Cup howler. The
30-year-old, whose horrendous error gifted the United States an equaliser as
England drew the opening game of their woeful campaign in South Africa, has
been linked with a move away from Upton Park after becoming frustrated at
not being offered a new contract. But Sullivan insists he is keen for Green
to stay, and told The Guardian: "I hope Robert does have a long-term future
at West Ham. You judge any player over a season, not one incident in one
match. I'm sure he's got the character (to bounce back from the World Cup)
and absolutely he'll get the support from West Ham."

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Dan Gosling takes flight! Everton in shock as starlet eyes move to West Ham
By John Edwards
Last updated at 11:31 PM on 7th July 2010
Daily Mail

Dan Gosling is hunting around for the biggest pay day possible having held
talks with Newcastle after stunning his Everton bosses by taking them on at
a Premier League tribunal and securing an acrimonious release from Goodison
Park. West Ham hoped to close a quick deal to sign Gosling on a free
transfer but Newcastle are confident they will land the talented midfielder
following talks yesterday. Gosling, 20, left Everton chiefs furious and
dismayed by successfully arguing he was entitled to a free transfer after
they failed to put a contract offer in writing by a cutoff date in the
middle of May. The Goodison club last night launched an official appeal to
the Premier League although sources say it is doomed to failure. Everton
chairman Bill Kenwright and manager David Moyes both had to submit
statements to the Premier League panel and have been left fuming — not only
at the out come but at Gosling's conduct. Moyes (right) signed him from
Plymouth two-and-ahalf years ago and is aghast that he has rejected a pay
deal worth around £15,000 a week over the next two years after indicating it
would be accepted.
Everton would have handed him a five-year contract on his arrival from Home
Park, but players under 20 are forbidden from signing for that long. The two
parties settled for an initial three-year deal, with an understanding it
would be extended for a further two seasons on substantially improved terms.
With bonuses, he could have taken his earnings beyond £15,000 a week next
season, yet he left Everton chiefs reeling by claiming he had been
undervalued on and off the pitch. He evidently feels he merits a regular
starting place in his favoured central midfield role and, just as
remarkably, should be on terms comparable to the £25,000 a week recently
awarded to his Everton and England Under 21 team-mate, Jack Rodwell. Everton
will now miss out on compensation that could have been as much as £4million
because they did not put their offer in writing, but deny being guilty of an
administrative blunder. They insist similar deals in the past, with the
likes of Wayne Rooney and Rodwell, have been based on mutual trust and that
a similar gentleman's agreement existed with Gosling, who faces another four
months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Gosling joined Everton from Plymouth in January, 2008 on an £8,000-a-week,
three-year deal. There was a verbal understanding it would be followed by an
improved, two-year contract. Everton believed an offer of around £15,000 a
week had been accepted but Gosling rejected it and went to a Premier League
tribunal to win his release. The tribunal ruled that a failure to put the
offer in writing meant Gosling was a free agent. The feeling within Goodison
is that putting their offer in writing should not have been necessary, given
the favourable feedback from Gosling. They feel they would have been
powerless to prevent him quitting once he changed his mind, anyway. The club
would have been due compensation but could not have forced him to stay. It
is a bitter blow for Moyes, who also faces unwanted disruption over the
future of key midfielders Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar. Mindful that
Manchester City's drawn-out pursuit of Joleon Lescott proved a costly
distraction last summer, Moyes was desperate to avoid any off-field
wrangling as he launched his preparations for the season with a trip to
Australia. His hopes have been dashed by continuing uncertainty over two of
his most creative players. Pienaar is yet to commit to a new contract that
would give him parity with Everton's highest earners and Goodison's
hierarchy are bracing themselves for an approach by Manchester City for
Arteta.
Pienaar stalled on Everton's £55,000-a-week offer at the end of last season
and headed home to South Africa in the belief that a high-profile World Cup
campaign might persuade Manchester United or Tottenham to sign him. Everton
have yet to receive an offer and fear the 28-year-old may see out the final
season of his contract and then leave.

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Hammers hope to snap up Gosling
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
July 7, 2010

West Ham have confirmed to Soccernet they are interested in signing free
agent Dan Gosling. The Premier League ruled Gosling, 21, was free to walk
away from Everton because the club failed to put an offer of a new deal in
writing before his contract expired. Everton would have been entitled to
around £4 million in compensation. Gosling told the Premier League tribunal
that he has not spoken to any other team, but now he will be heading for a
round of talks. Sunderland and Newcastle United are heading the chase for
the 21-year-old, who can play in midfield or as a full back, but West Ham
are also in the hunt. The England Under-21 international is currently
recovering from knee ligament surgery and unable to play for three months.

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West Ham reveal agreement was in place for Klose
Harry Harris
July 7, 2010
ESPN

Miroslav Klose is one strike away from Ronaldo's World Cup goalscoring
record © Getty ImagesRelated LinksNews:Hammers hope to snap up Gosling
West Ham have revealed a deal was in place to sign Germany star Miroslav
Klose from Bayern Munich before his World Cup performances put the transfer
in jeopardy. Bayern were ready to allow Klose, 32, to leave the club on a
free transfer after a poor season at club level that saw him net just six
goals in 38 appearances in all competitions. However, Klose has scored four
goals in four games so far for his country in South Africa and is now just
one behind Brazil legend Ronaldo in the all-time World Cup scorer charts,
and that has led Bayern to reconsider their decision to release the striker.
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan told Soccernet: "We had a deal in place
before the World Cup, after he had a bad season in Germany. However, as a
result of what he has done at the World Cup, it's unlikely to happen."
Klose, reported to be on £140,000 a week, could now look to seal a transfer
to one of Europe's leading clubs if he leaves Bayern.
Meanwhile, West Ham have confirmed to Soccernet they are interested in
signing free agent Dan Gosling. The Premier League ruled Gosling, 21, was
free to walk away from Everton because the club failed to put an offer of a
new deal in writing before his contract expired.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 7th July 2010

Training steps up
WHUFC.com
The new manager put his players through their paces on the Chadwell Heath
pitches on Tuesday
06.07.2010

Avram Grant's first-team squad took to the training pitches for their first
outdoor sessions on Tuesday and were instantly hard at work. With the
players split into different groups to work with coaches Paul Groves, Kevin
Keen and Alex Dyer, the programme included a mixture of sprints, group
drills and ball work. All was carried out under the watchful eye of the
manager, while Chairman David Gold was a welcome visitor for the first time
since the return to Chadwell Heath.
With the first pre-season match away to Peterborough United on Wednesday
week drawing near, there was plenty of focus on the instructions given out
by the coaching staff. The players had been in early for gym work before the
outdoor session, with more of the same following in the afternoon.

The WHUTV cameras were also out in force. A training special is playing now
along with a Fabio Daprela exclusive while watch out for interviews to come
on Wednesday with Thomas Hitzlsperger and David Gold. The new manager's
first press conference will also be coming later this week on Thursday.
Click here to sign up for WHUTV so you don't miss out.

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Sullivan backs Green
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th July 2010
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has told Robert Green that he can play at West Ham for years
to come. The English international has been linked with a move away from
east London having thus far failed to extend his current contract, which
expires in the summer of 2012. However co-Chairman Sullivan insists that the
former Norwich 'keeper can prove to be a continued success at the club -
should he wish to. "I hope [he] does have a long-term future at West Ham,"
Sullivan told The Guardian. "We've got a fantastic new goalkeeping coach who
I think will improve him dramatically. You're never too old to learn and I
think he'll learn a lot."
Referring to Green's glaring error against the US in the World Cup Finals,
Sullivan added: "I'm sure he's got the character and absolutely he'll get
the support from West Ham. You judge any player over a season, not one
incident in one match. "I still can't quite work out what happened. The ball
probably swerved off the bounce, because that ball did bounce about very
strangely, and that's why his body wasn't behind it. It came off at an
angle. "But that said and done, the whole England team didn't play well.
I'm sure you wouldn't buy a single England player on the basis of what went
on out there."

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Live TV schedule 2010/11
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th July 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are featured three times in Sky's pre-Christmas live
schedule.

Avram Grant's side will be featured twice at the Boleyn - against
newly-promoted Newcastle and WBA - and once away - at Stoke - in the
pre-December live schedule, which was announced this morning.

The Hammers are also scheduled to feature twice on ESPN ahead of the new
year. The away trips to Manchester United (28th August) and Liverpool (20th
November) are listed in the company's schedule.

West Ham United: confirmed live games 2010/11

Saturday, 28th August: Man Utd (a) 5:30pm (ESPN)
Saturday, 18th September: Stoke (a) 12:45pm (Sky)
Saturday, 23rd October: Newcastle (h) 5:30pm (Sky)
Tuesday, 9th November: West Bromwich Albion (h) 8:00pm (Sky)
Saturday, 20th November: Liverpool (a) 5:30pm (ESPN)

Sky's remaining live schedule

August
Saturday 14th: Tottenham v Man City 12.45pm
Sunday 15th: Liverpool v Arsenal 4pm
Monday 16th: Man Utd v Newcastle 8pm
Saturday 21st: Wigan v Chelsea 5.15pm
Sunday 22nd: Fulham v Man Utd 4pm
Monday 23rd: Man City v Liverpool 8pm
Saturday 28th: Blackburn v Arsenal 12.45pm
Sunday 29th: Bolton v Birmingham
Sunday 29th: Aston Villa v Everton 1.30pm 4pm

September
Sunday 12th: Everton v Man Utd 1.30pm
Sunday 12th: Birmingham v Liverpool 4pm
Monday 13th: Stoke City v Aston Villa 8pm
Sunday 19th: Man Utd v Liverpool 1.30pm
Sunday 19th: Chelsea: v Blackpool 4pm
Saturday 25th: Man City v Chelsea 12.45pm
Sunday 26th: Wolves v Aston Villa 2pm
Sunday 26th: Newcastle: v Stoke City 4.10pm

October
Sunday 3rd: Chelsea v Arsenal 4pm
Monday 4th: Wigan v Wolves 8pm
Sunday 17th: Everton v Liverpool 1.30pm
Sunday 17th: Blackpool v Man City 4pm
Monday 18th: Blackburn v Sunderland 8pm
Saturday 23rd: Tottenham v Everton 12.45pm
Sunday 24th: Stoke City v Man Utd 1.30pm
Sunday 24th: Man City v Arsenal 4pm
Sunday 31st: Bolton v Liverpool 1.30pm
Sunday 31st: Newcastle v Sunderland 4pm

November
Monday 1st: Blackpool v West Brom 8pm
Saturday 6th: Bolton v Tottenham 12.45pm
Sunday 7th: Arsenal v Newcastle 1.30pm
Sunday 7th: Liverpool v Chelsea 4pm
Tuesday 9th: West Ham v West Brom 8pm
Wednesday 10th: Man City v Man Utd 8pm
Saturday 13th: Aston Villa v Man Utd 12.45pm
Sunday 14th: Everton v Arsenal 2pm
Sunday 14th: Chelsea v Sunderland 4.10pm
Sunday 21st: Arsenal v Tottenham 1.30pm
Sunday 21st: Fulham v Man City 4pm
Monday 22nd: Sunderland v Everton 8pm
Saturday 27th: Aston Villa v Arsenal 12.45pm
Sunday 28th: Newcastle v Chelsea 1.30pm
Sunday 28th: Tottenham v Liverpool 4pm

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Hammers take their Piq for £3m
Published: Today
The Sun

FREDERIC PIQUIONNE will complete a £3million move to West Ham today. The
Lyon striker, 31, enjoyed a successful loan spell with Portsmouth last
season and is keen to renew his partnership with new Hammers boss Avram
Grant. Grant is also hoping to raid former club Pompey for Kevin-Prince
Boateng and Nadir Belhadj.

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It's Scott Villa Parker
By GRAHAM HILL
The Sun

WEST HAM are expecting a bid from Aston Villa for Scott Parker. The Hammers
are bracing themselves for the move when Villa midfielder James Milner, 24,
makes his expected £25million move to Manchester City. Upton Park co-owner
David Sullivan has always said midfielder Parker, 29, is not for sale. But
if Villa come in with a big offer then West Ham may find it hard to resist.
Villa want £30m for Milner but City will not go above £25m.

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Klose but no cigar
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th July 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are reported to be out of the running to sign German international
Miroslav Klose. In our latest round-up of transfer rumours, the Mail report
that the Hammers' chances of signing the in-form German have virtually
disappeared following the striker's impressive performances in the World Cup
Finals. It is claimed that United were alerted to his current status ahead
of the tournament, but failed to act. That decision may or may not have
something to do with Klose's purported wages at current club Bayern Munich
of £140,000 per week.

The Neymar merry-go-round continues unabated with the news that having
persuaded the 18-year-old's advisor and father, Neymar Silva, that a move to
east London would be a good idea - "It's a very good proposal," he told
Globoesporte - West Ham are having rather more difficulty in persuading his
club Santos to part with their young superstar. Having had an initial bid of
around £12million rejected the club are said to have made an improved offer
which is also reported to have been knocked back. Neymar is understood to
have a release clause in his contract of around £27million. Talks are said
to be continuing.

Another potential target, as reported by a number of sources, is Mexican
international Pablo Barrera who is said to have been the subject of a
£4million bid from West Ham. United were reported by Soccernet to have been
close to concluding a deal with the winger's club Pumas although it is now
thought that La Liga outfit Espanyol are in pole position to land the
23-year-old (from Spanish daily Sport). Everton are also reported to be 'in
the race' to sign the South American.

One signing almost certain to be tied-up within the next day or two is that
of Lyon's Frederic Piquionne, the once-capped 6'2" French striker who
started awfully before having a decent end to the season with Portsmouth
last year. New Irons boss Avram Grant is better placed to judge than most
having worked with the 31-year-old for six months and a deal worth around
£1million is likely to be concluded shortly.

Potential deals that we have mentioned in brief before that appear to be
dead in the water include Graham Dorrans (three bids rejected), Loic Remy
(no interest in moving to West Ham), Yakubu and Kevin Prince Boateng (both
too costly).

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Robert Green has future at West Ham, insists co-owner David Sullivan
Goalkeeper to be offered contract extension in January
Sullivan sure Green will fully recover from World Cup blunder
Stuart James guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 6 July 2010 17.30 BST

The West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan believes Robert Green has a
long-term future at the club and is confident the goalkeeper has the
strength of character to recover from the calamitous mistake that gifted the
United States an equaliser against England in the World Cup last month.

Green has two years remaining on his current deal and there has been
speculation for some time that he will leave West Ham after becoming
frustrated at the club's failure to reward him with an improved contract to
bring him in line with other senior players at Upton Park. Sullivan,
however, has insisted that West Ham want to retain Green's services and,
subject to the player's form, will open talks in January with him over a new
deal.

"All the players with two years to go – we will look at them in January,
when there is 18 months to go," said Sullivan. "We will see how they're
playing and how the club is doing and we'll see what offers we can put to
them.

"I hope [Robert] does have a long-term future at West Ham. We've got a
fantastic new goalkeeping coach [David Coles, who has joined from
Portsmouth] who I think will improve him dramatically. You're never too old
to learn and I think he'll learn a lot."

Sullivan claimed that West Ham's stance would not in any way be influenced
by the events at the World Cup, when Green allowed Clint Dempsey's shot to
slip through his grasp after Steven Gerrard had given England the lead. "No,
[nothing has changed in the wake of the World Cup]," said Sullivan, who has
backed Green to recover from the setback. "You judge any player over a
season, not one incident in one match.

"I'm sure he's got the character [to bounce back from the World Cup] and
absolutely he'll get the support from West Ham. I still can't quite work out
what happened. The ball probably swerved off the bounce, because that ball
did bounce about very strangely, and that's why his body wasn't behind it.
It came off at an angle. But that said and done, the whole England team
didn't play well. I'm sure you wouldn't buy a single England player on the
basis of what went on out there."

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West Ham United's Fabio Daprela intending to bring last season's form into
the new Premier League campaign
Swiss defender looking to gain further first team experience...
By Daniel Sheppard
7 Jul 2010 00:26:00
Goal.com

West Ham United's Swiss left-back Fabio Daprela is excited by the Hammers
forthcoming Premier League campaign and the youngster intends to bring the
form he showed in the latter stages of the 2009-10 season into the new
season under the guidance of Avram Grant. Daprela is currently backup for
Congolese international Herita Ilunga, but the Swiss player is confident he
can impress West Ham's new coaching staff during their pre-season showings
and is looking forward to working with Grant. "It would be nice to start in
the team in the way I finished last season," he told West Ham's official
club website. "I hope to play more games this season but we will see.
"Everything is decided by the manager of course." "It is exciting times
with the new manager," Daprela added. "It is normal when you start
pre-season for the training to be hard. "The training camp is very
intensive. "It will be nice to be in Germany it is a nice country but it
will be hard work and everyone knows what we have to do."We hope to finish
much higher than last season and win as many matches as possible."
The 19-year-old has made seven Premier League appearances for West Ham since
his 2009 move from Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich.

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West Ham United Renew Interest In Santos Starlet Neymar Silva
Brazilian striker considering move to east London....
By Andrew McLean
Jul 6, 2010 1:23:00 PM
Goal.com

West Ham have apparently turned up the heat in their chase for young Santos
forward Neymar Silva, as his father has suggested that his son would be
interested in the move. The London club had previously been put off due to
the forward and his father believing it was too early in his career to take
the step across the Atlantic. The Hammers have already seen a bid of £12
million rejected by Santos, as the Brazilian club are waiting for a bid at
least close to the release clause in the youngster's contract; believed to
be £28.5m. The father told Globoesporte of his change of heart: "It's a very
good proposal. He would adapt there for a while and would later reach a big
team in a short space of time." "Indeed what is on offer is the dream of any
players: to play for a big club in Europe and compete for major titles." Yet
the pair have also stated that whilst Neymar is under contract with Santos,
it is necessary to respect it. In the meantime the ball is in the Hammers'
court to make their move.

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West Ham miss out on free deal to sign World Cup star Miroslav Klose from
Bayern Munich
By Simon Jones
Last updated at 7:35 AM on 7th July 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham have failed in an audacious bid to take Miroslav Klose to Upton
Park. The 32-year-old striker has taken South Africa by storm with four
goals to fire Germany into Wednesday's semi-final with Spain, needing two
more goals to break Ronaldo's World Cup goals record of 15. However, he was
on the periphery of Bayern Munich's first team last season and before the
World Cup and the Hammers were told that he could be available on a free
transfer. Although West Ham have been in contact with the German champions,
they will lose out now his World Cup displays have alerted clubs across
Europe. And Bayern are reconsidering their decision not to ask for a fee.
Klose has already turned down offers from the Middle East and rejected talk
of a move to Russian side Rubin Kazan on Tuesday, saying: 'I've no intention
of joining that club. I'm fine thanks.'
There is also the small matter of his wages. Klose is one of the best-paid
players in Europe on £140,000 a week and he would have to take a pay cut to
join a Premier League club outside the top five. But Klose has indicated
that he only wants to join an English club challenging for honours and that
alone would rule out West Ham. They have been rebuffed in bids for Lyon's
Sidney Govou, West Brom's Graham Dorrans, Everton striker Yakubu and Nice
striker Loic Remy.
They hope to sign Santos teenager Neymar but know they need more quality to
improve on last season's relegation battle.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com