WHUFC.com
The pre-season friendlies start this week and there is no reason why the Hammers cannot aim high
12.07.2010
Avram Grant has spoken of his determination to lay the foundations for future success at West Ham United and to ensure the fans are proud of the players.
Reflecting on his appointment as the Hammers manager, Grant said he would love to guide the club into Europe - but in good time. He said such rewards would come naturally by aiming to improve year on year. "Our target will be to progress so it will always be better and you can do that for a long time. I don't believe in success for one year. We need to build something. "Even the facilities will help us to do better. We have a good Academy base. If we build a squad like I think we can, every year will be better. We won't say our target is seventh place or eighth place, if you do things right, of course you will progress."I am sure that West Ham will be a good club first to play for and second to watch. Of course there will be good days and not good days but I am sure that if we do things right, and we are starting to do it now, we can speak about very good things. "First we need to do it and then we can speak about it."
The managed confirmed that the club were busy with trying to strengthen the first-team squad but was naturally keeping his cards close to his chest. "We are in the middle of negotiations. We are looking to improve the areas we need to improve." Forward positions are perhaps a priority with Carlton Cole and Benni McCarthy supported by three young forwards in Zavon Hines, Freddie Sears and Frank Nouble - who will miss the tour of Germany next Friday because of England Under-19 duty. McCarthy, though, is getting closer to fitness after last season's injury problems. "We have Benni McCarthy in our squad. He is a good player. We are helping him but he needs to help himself to be better. So far from what I have seen in training, he is doing well. "
Grant was also confident the supporters can play their part in a big season. "The fans here are great. I was here before for games and the thing I liked was the supporters. They are very passionate about the club and they deserve to see a good team. We will do everything to give them that. "I was a supporter so I know what it is to be a supporter. What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way that the players show to the fans that they gave everything. I am sure if they see that the players give everything, then they will show a good spirit. They will support them even if we lose games."
He also paid tribute to the support he has had from the owners. "They are very passionate about the football. I only see positive things. They are ready to do everything for the club. The club is not in a good situation because they took a club with a lot of debt."
Returning to the issue of expectations for the season ahead, the manager reiterated the goal was to ensure the team had a solid campaign first and foremost before moving to other ambitions. "The owners said to me the first year target is not to fight against relegation and from this we can build for the future. It is also my target."
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Nouble's international goal
WHUFC.com
Frank Nouble has joined up with England ahead of the UEFA European U19 Championship
13.07.2010
Frank Nouble is planning to do his country proud when he represents England at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in France. The West Ham United forward will hope to lead the line when the Young Lions tackle Austria, Netherlands and the host nation in Group A, starting this weekend. Should Nouble help England to lift the trophy for a record-breaking tenth time, the powerful 18-year-old will emulate the achievement of first-year scholar Rob Hall, who was part of the UEFA European U17 Championship-winning squad in May. The Lewisham-born player is confident of success, with England to face one of Croatia, Spain, Italy or Portugal in the semi-finals providing they can negotiate the group stage. "I don't know much about Austria but we've got some videos of them to watch when we join up with the group," Nouble told WHUTV. "We've played France the last two years in age-group with England. We've always beaten them but they've always been a good team, so we can't take them lightly. We played Holland [in a friendly in Waalwijk] earlier this year and drew with them 1-1. "Every team which is going is a strong team so we've got to focus and hopefully go through the group stage and get to the semi-final. "The 17s did well and Rob did well too, so if we can emulate what they did that would be good."
England begin their challenge by facing Austria at the Stade du Haze in Flers on Sunday 18 July, before tacking Netherlands in Bayeux on Wednesday 21 July and completing their Group A commitments by meeting France in Saint-Lo on Saturday 24 July. The tournament will be screened live by British Eurosport.
Prior to joining up with England, Nouble enjoyed a week of pre-season training at Chadwell Heath. The double sessions allowed the teenager to join his West Ham squad-mates on the training pitch for the first time since he left for a loan spell at League One play-off runners-up Swindon Town in mid-March. "We have had a few double sessions. The body is feeling all right, it's just been a case of dealing with the [hot] weather really. Everyone has been enjoying training and hopefully pre-season will keep going that way. "I think everyone should have an open mind. The manager has already said in his press conference that everyone should be eager to go and I think everyone is showing that at the moment. Everyone is training with a smile on their face and is trying to make a point. "The loan experience last year was good. I went to West Brom first, which was good, and then at Swindon we lost in the play-off final, which was a bitter blow, but I think I'm better for those experiences now. I've come back a bit stronger and am raring to go."
While Nouble will miss the Hammers' pre-season tour to Germany, the striker is eager to catch the eye of new manager Avram Grant on his return. "As long as I'm in and around it like I did last year, then hopefully I'll get a few more starts and have an impact for the team, things will go all right. This year could be a good year for me. I'm just going to knuckle down and keep working with the staff that are in place now and hopefully I'll get an opportunity."
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Junior up for Posh date
WHUFC.com
After the hard work of the first days of pre-season, things move forward with Wednesday's friendly
12.07.2010
Junior Stanislas is raring to go for the trip to Peterborough United this Wednesday night after an intense few days of pre-season training. The 20-year-old winger has played for the Hammers at London Road before, getting eight minutes off the bench two summers ago in the 2-0 friendly win against the Posh on 29 July 2008. This time around, Stanislas is an established member of the first-team squad but also knows he has to prove himself to new manager Avram Grant.
"It is nice to look forward to a game and match situations. It will be good to play again," he told WHUTV. "Training has been difficult but they are easing us into it gradually. It has not been too bad. We were off for a while, six or seven weeks I think it was, so it is good to be back on the pitch and start training again.
"I just want to play and get as much experience as I can under my belt. I'd like to score a few more goals, set up a few more goals and do my bit for the team. The new manager has been watching us a lot in training and getting a feel for what we like."
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Hitz keen on new kit
WHUFC.com
There are just ten days to go until fans can get the away kit but you can pre-order now
12.07.2010
Thomas Hitzlsperger may be familiar with claret and blue already, but that did not stop him relishing the chance to try on his new West Ham United kit. The summer signing, who spent five years at Aston Villa earlier in his career, donned the club's new 2010/11 Macron away kit this week for a special launch photo-shoot and was full of praise. "It is exciting when you get to see the new kit although for me it is nothing new. It is claret and blue. I am used to it! "It is good for the fans to get to see it. We are only five weeks away from the start of the season. We are all excited and it is the next step towards the new season with the presentation of the new kit."
Der Hammer, as the Germany midfielder has been dubbed because of his powerful left foot, spent four-and-a-half seasons with VfB Stuttgart in his homeland ahead of a six-month stay with S.S. Lazio in Italy. He is delighted to be back in England and relishing the start of the new season. "I am just excited to be back. My time here in the Premier League was great for me. I have been abroad for five years now and coming back it is just wonderful. I have so many good memories. "Playing for a big club like West Ham is great for me and I just want to be successful. I have come here, the club had a difficult last season last year and we want to finish higher up the table. I am looking forward to it so much and I am just glad to be here."
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U18s off to the seaside
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s will take part in the two-day Southend United Youth Tournament
12.07.2010
West Ham United Under-18s will kick-off their pre-season schedule by making the short trip down the A127 for the Southend United Youth Tournament this weekend. The four-team competition, which will take place at Roots Hall on Saturday 24 July and Sunday 25 July 2010, will also feature hosts Southend, Arsenal and Dutch champions FC Twente. Tony Carr's Hammers will contest the tournament's first match by taking on Arsenal at 11.30am on Saturday 24 July, with Southend taking on FC Twente at 3pm. The third-place play-off will kick-off at 11.30am on Sunday 25 July, with the final scheduled to get under way at 3.30pm.
The tournament will give West Ham supporters their first opportunity to watch the club's new intake of first-year scholars in action for the U18s. England U17 forward Robert Hall, who helped his country to UEFA European U17 Championship glory earlier this summer, could be one of the star attractions, while former England U16 midfielders Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo will also be out to impress. Arsenal's U18 side have a fantastic recent record, winning the FA Premier Academy League Group A championship last season before defeating Nottingham Forest 5-3 to retain the overall Premier Academy League title. Southend, who also have a good pedigree for producing young players, ended the 2009/10 campaign by finishing fifth in the Youth Alliance South East Division table.
Twente, meanwhile, finished seventh in the Dutch youth league last season. Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £8 for concessions for both days and £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for children for a single day. Tickets for are on sale now from the Blues Box Office by calling 08444 77 00 77.
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Man jailed for stabbing footballer Calum Davenport
Page last updated at 16:01 GMT, Monday, 12 July 2010 17:01 UK
BBC.co.uk
Worrell Whitehurst threatened to end Calum Davenport's career A man has been jailed for six years for a knife attack on a Premier League footballer at his mother's home in Bedfordshire. Worrell Whitehurst, from Derby, stabbed former West Ham player Calum Davenport repeatedly in the legs in Bedford last August, Luton Crown Court heard. The 27-year-old had admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Whitehurst also admitted a charge of unlawfully wounding Mr Davenport's mother, Kim Stupple. The court heard Whitehurst attacked the 27-year-old player on 22 August after Mr Davenport insulted him during an argument with his sister Cara Davenport, Whitehurst's girlfriend. Earlier this month Mr Davenport was cleared of head-butting his sister during the argument in which he allegedly called her a "form of cancer". It was claimed he had attacked his 28-year-old sister, who was pregnant at the time, after hearing that she was carrying her second child. Mr Davenport was acquitted of one charge of actual bodily harm at Luton Crown Court. On Monday Judge Michael Kay said the behaviour of both Mr Davenport and his father Curtis Davenport, who was also involved in the argument, was "deplorable".
Calum Davenport was stabbed about eight times in the legs He said: "Yet again, sadly, a footballer is involved in activity which shows that he does not begin to understand that his privileged life ought to be accompanied by some appreciation of the fact that he is a role model for young people and ought to behave appropriately."
When Whitehurst returned home and saw a mark on his girlfriend's face, he armed himself with a kitchen knife, saying: "I'm going to make sure he (Mr Davenport) doesn't play football again." Prosecutor Natalie Carter said Whitehurst attacked the footballer, injuring his mother in the process. She told the court Mr Davenport was stabbed about eight times in the legs. He lost half of the blood in his body and spent two days in intensive care, followed by a further month in hospital. The court heard he had recovered now and was back in training. Mr Davenport's contract with West Ham was terminated in March.
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Remy dreaming of England
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th July 2010
By: Staff Writer
French striker Loic Remy has admitted that the lure of playing in the Premier League would be too big to refuse. KUMB.com revealed yesterday how West Ham and Remy's current club, Nice, were close to agreeing a package that would take the once-capped international to east London. The 23-year-old striker is the subject of a €13.5million (approximately £11.5million) bid from West Ham, with only payment terms holding back a successful conclusion to negotiations. Speaking about the talks this morning, Remy told French daily L'Equipe: "I've always dreamed of playing in England. When a club like West Ham is in the running, it is always interesting. But nothing is done. "The clubs must reach an agreement and Nice [will receive] a lot of money. Without giving an ultimatum, I hope it will be resolved quickly."
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Remy keen on Hammers move
Nice ready to sell striker for the right price
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 12th July 2010
SSN
Loic Remy has confirmed he would be interested in joining West Ham United with Nice prepared to sell for the right price. Skysports.com revealed earlier this month that the Hammers had increased their bid for Remy to €13.5million (£11.1million) as new manager Avram Grant seeks to improve his squad. The France international striker has also been linked with Bordeaux and Lyon, although his asking price could prevent a move within Ligue 1. Remy is keen to have a swift resolution to his future and is excited by the prospect of moving to the Premier League with West Ham. "I like Bordeaux, there are perfect facilities to work there," Remy told L'Equipe. "Lyon? It is always attractive to go back to the club where you have been educated, but it is not my first objective. "West Ham will not play in any European competition this term, but Nice and Bordeaux won't play in any either. "I have always liked the Premier League and I have always dreamed of playing in England. "When a club like West Ham is tempted, it is always exciting. But nothing is done, the clubs have to find an agreement and Nice asks for a lot of money. "Without setting any ultimatums, I would like to know my future quite soon."
Nice coach Eric Roy has accepted Remy's likely departure over the summer providing the club's valuation is met. Roy said: "I absolutely rely on him, but we have resigned ourselves. "We had a verbal agreement, which was that he would spend two seasons at Nice having four years on his contract. "So now if an offer comes and matches what the club expects, indeed he will leave."
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Grant - Passion is key
Hammers boss wants players to show determination
By Razwan Mirza Last updated: 12th July 2010
SSN
West Ham manager Avram Grant has called on his squad to show the Upton Park faithful how much it means to wear the club shirt. The former Portsmouth boss wants the Hammers to follow the example of his previous club by showing the same 'passion as the fans'. Grant is preparing the squad ahead of the new Premier League season and is hoping to improve on last term's displays under Gianfranco Zola, who was dismissed by incoming co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold. The East London side recruited Grant in the summer and gave the former Chelsea boss their full backing after the Israeli guided Pompey to the FA Cup final despite their well reported off-field problems. Now, the new Hammers manager wants his players to show the same determination as relegated Pompey did. He said: "The fans here are great. "I was here before for games and the thing I liked was the supporters. "They are very passionate about the club and they deserve to see a good team. We will do everything to give them that. "What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way that the players show to the fans that they gave everything. "I am sure if they see that the players give everything, then they will show a good spirit, the fans will support them even if we lose games."
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Avram calls for passion
Published: 12 Jul 2010
The Sun
AVRAM GRANT wants his West Ham players to follow the example set by Portsmouth and show the Hammers faithful just how much it means to pull on the shirt. The former Pompey boss has been handed the task of resurrecting the fortunes of the east London club, who last season flirted with relegation and financial meltdown before the successful takeover by David Sullivan and David Gold. Now, the new Hammers manager wants his players to show the same determination his old side produced when they took to the pitch. Grant said: "The fans here are great. I was here before for games and the thing I liked was the supporters. "They are very passionate about the club and they deserve to see a good team. We will do everything to give them that. "What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way the players show to the fans that they gave everything. "I am sure if they see tthe players give everything, then they will show a good spirit, the fans will support them even if we lose games."
Grant has brought in former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer and is said to be keen on bringing ex-Pompey striker Frederic Piquionne to Upton Park. West Brom have dismissed 'unwelcome' bids for Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans and reports suggest veteran Sol Campbell could be offered a short-term deal at Upton Park.
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Hammers make £12m Remy bid
By MARK IRWIN
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM have made a club record £12million bid for Nice striker Loic Remy. Remy, who bagged 14 league goals last term, is keen to move to Upton Park and has snubbed Lyon and Bordeaux. He said: "I have always loved the Premier League and always dreamed of playing in England." Nice want £13m - with £8m of it up front. The Hammers are hoping to pay the fee over four years for the 23-year-old. West Brom are trying to hijack West Ham's move for Lyon hitman Frederic Piquionne.
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Grant calls for passion
Published 15:41 12/07/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror
Avram Grant wants his West Ham players to follow the example set by Portsmouth last season and show the Upton Park faithful just how much it means to pull on the shirt. The Israeli has been handed the task of resurrecting the fortunes of the east London club, who last season flirted with relegation and financial meltdown before the successful takeover by David Sullivan and David Gold. "The fans here are great," declared Grant. "I was here before for games and the thing I liked was the supporters. They are very passionate about the club and they deserve to see a good team. We will do everything to give them that."
Grant - dismissed by Chelsea after leading them to within a penalty kick of winning the Champions League - saw his stock rise when guiding Pompey to the FA Cup final despite all the off-field problems of administration, a nine-point penalty and relegation from the Barclays Premier League. The Irons owners have given Grant their full backing, having not seen eye to eye with predecessor Gianfranco Zola. Now, the new Hammers boss wants his players to show the same determination Pompey produced when they took to the pitch. He added: "What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way that the players show to the fans that they gave everything. "I am sure if they see that the players give everything, then they will show a good spirit, the fans will support them even if we lose games."
Grant, 55, has brought in former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer, with a £10million deal for Nice striker Loic Remy reported to be close to completion. Remy told L'Equipe. "I have always dreamed of playing in England. When a club like West Ham is on the cards, it is always interesting, but nothing has been done. The clubs need to find an agreement and Nice are asking for a lot of money."
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Remy: I want West Ham move
Published 23:00 12/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Avram Grant is closing in on a £12million swoop got Nice striker Loic Remy after the marksman admitted he is up for the move. Mirror Sport revealed yesterday that the Hammers had gone in for the 23-year-old front man with French clubs Nice and Bordeaux also keen. But highly-rated Remy said last night: "West Ham will not play in any European competition this term, but Nice and Bordeaux won't play in any either. "I have always liked the Premier League and I have always dreamed of playing in England. "When a club like West Ham is tempted, it is always exciting. But nothing is done, the clubs have to find an agreement and Nice asks for a lot of money. "Without setting any ultimatums, I would like to know my future quite soon. Nice coach Eric Roy has also admitted his star striker will be off if the club get an offer they can't refuse. Roy said: "I absolutely rely on him, but we have resigned ourselves. "We had a verbal agreement, which was that he would spend two seasons at Nice having four years on his contract. "So now if an offer comes and matches what the club expects, indeed he will leave."
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World Cup star jets in to sign for West Ham
Published 23:00 12/07/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
Mexican winger Pablo Barrera arrives in London today to complete a £4million switch from Pumas. Barrera, 23, is expected to sign a two-year contract at Upton Park, with the option of a third, subject to gaining a work permit. Barrera, who can play on either flank, said: "I'm starting to get very anxious about travelling to England so I can join my new team, know my team-mates, the stadium, the city - everything."
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Grant asks Hammers to be just like Fratton
13 July 2010
By Steve Wilson
Portsmouth.co.uk
Avram Grant has called on West Ham fans to recreate the passion of Pompey. The new Hammers boss, who quit the Fratton Park hot seat in May after the FA Cup final defeat, insists his new club's supporters should follow the lead of the Pompey fans. Grant built up an excellent rapport with Blues supporters after sticking by the club throughout the financial meltdown. He consistently called the Fratton faithful the finest fans in football. And the Israeli believes it is down to the players to show their spirit to the supporters, to build a similar bond at Upton Park. Grant said: 'What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way that the players show to the fans that they gave everything. 'I am sure if they see that the players give everything, then they will show a good spirit, the fans will support them even if we lose games.' Grant faces a difficult challenge to improve West Ham this season after they flirted with relegation under Gianfranco Zola last term. But, he believes he has the right backing to turn things around. He said: 'The fans here are great. I was here before for games and the thing I liked was the supporters. 'They are very passionate about the club and they deserve to see a good team. 'We will do everything to give them that.'
Grant has been linked with several Pompey players since taking charge at West Ham, including Prince Boateng, Marc Wilson and David James, but was tight-lipped on whether he would be making a raid on his former club. Grant said: 'We are in the middle of negotiations. We are looking to improve the areas we need to improve.
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Hope for West Ham as Santos deny giving Barcelona priority on Neymar
July 13, 2010
IMScouting.com
Brazilian club Santos has denied granting priority to Barcelona to sign West Ham target Neymar . There had been reports that there was an agreement between the two clubs stipulating that Barcelona would be given first option on the 18-year-old sensation - an IMScouting Player-to-Watch last year – as well as for midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso , when the Catalan giants loaned 21-year-old forward Keirrison de Souza Carneiro to Santos for next season. However, Santos denied that any such agreement was made, giving hope to West Ham. Santos director of football Paulo Jamelli said in a statement that the "deal does not include the granting of priority in the purchase any current Santos player."
Santos have turned down a £12million offer from West Ham for Neymar , saying they would not even consider selling the forward for less that his £28.4m buy-out clause. But the wonder-kid's father has urged Santos to stop playing hard-ball and allow his son to move to West Ham, and the player himself is said to be keen on a transfer to the Hammers. Neymar, the new star of Brazilian football, scored 10 goals in 33 games for Santos last season, and has bagged three in five matches in the current campaign. Back in July 2009, IMScouting's network of scouts in Brazil highlighted Neymar 's ability with both feet, dribbling, first touch and finishing.
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West Ham United co-owner David Gold admits Scott Parker could be sold
Every player has his price...
By Adithya Ananth
12 Jul 2010 13:00:00
Goal.com
West Ham United co-owner David Gold has finally admitted that the club could consider selling midfielder Scott Parker. His partner, David Sullivan, has so far maintained that every player at the east London club except the former Newcastle United midfielder could be sold, reiterating that stance only recently. However, Gold has admitted that the club could consider selling their star if an irresistible offer were to be forthcoming. Aston Villa have been heavily linked with a move for the Hammers midfielder, as a potential replacement if James Milner should make a move to Manchester City. "f Manchester City pay £50 million for James Milner, Aston Villa then have that £50 million and as a commercial entity they are going to want to replace Milner," Gold said, according to The Birmingham Mail. "Scott Parker is probably one of the best players who was not at the World Cup and the price gets accelerated because Aston Villa have that money from Manchester City. "Scott Parker is not for sale, but what happens if someone offers £200m? It's a laughable scenario, but who would have thought after all those 'over my dead bodies' that [Cristiano] Ronaldo would leave Manchester United? "I believe Scott Parker is our talisman, I have got a picture of him in my office doing something similar to what John Terry did at the World Cup - diving at someone's feet to head the ball away. "Scott is Mr West Ham – we will see where that takes us."
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Remy eyeing West Ham move
ESPNsoccernet staff
July 12, 2010
ESPM
Nice striker Loic Remy is hopeful of completing a move to West Ham United in the coming weeks and claims he has always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. Remy, who has been hailed as the new Thierry Henry, has been linked with a host of clubs around Europe. However, West Ham now look likely to have won out, with co-owner David Sullivan reportedly in France thrashing out the final details. "I would like it to be sorted quickly," Remy told L'Equipe. "I've always loved the English league. I've always dreamed of playing in England. "When a club like West Ham is on the cards, it's always interesting. But nothing has been done, the clubs need to find an agreement and Nice are asking for a lot of money."
Reports suggest West Ham have agreed to pay the €13.5 million Nice are demanding for Remy but want to pay the sum in four annual instalments, whereas the Ligue 1 club are asking them to pay €9 million upfront and the rest next year. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan confirmed to Soccernet that he had met with the president of Nice but refused to comment on the transfer negotiations. However, a well placed source said: "There is still a lot of talking to do, this deal is a long, long way off."
Remy is one of France's hottest talents and the 23-year-old scored 15 goals in 33 appearances last season. The France international has also been linked with a move back to Lyon, where he spent seven years in their youth team and three in the senior side, but Remy now admits "that is no longer my main aim".
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Loic Remy eager to secure West Ham move to realise dream of playing in the Premier League
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:37 PM on 12th July 2010
Daily Mail
Nice striker Loic Remy is hopeful of completing a move to West Ham sooner rather than later, claiming he has always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. Remy has been linked with a host of clubs around France and abroad, with Arsenal at one point believed to be interested in the young striker. However, West Ham now look likely to have won out, with co-owner David Sullivan reportedly in France thrashing out the final details. 'I would like it to be sorted quickly,' Remy told L'Equipe. 'I've always loved the English league. I've always dreamed of playing in England. 'When a club like West Ham is on the cards, it's always interesting. But nothing has been done, the clubs need to find an agreement and Nice are asking for a lot of money.'Reports suggest West Ham have agreed to pay the £11.5million Nice are demanding for Remy but want to pay the sum in four annual instalments, whereas the Ligue 1 club are asking them to pay £7.5m upfront and the rest next year.
Remy is one of France's hottest talents and the 23-year-old scored 15 goals in 33 appearances last season. The France international has also been linked with a move back to Lyon, where he spent seven years in their youth team and three in the senior side, but Remy now admits 'that is no longer my main aim'.
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