Daily WHUFC News

Tuesday, June 21

Daily WHUFC News - 21st June 2016

From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

Once we sign a top striker I will feel a lot better and that is the main position we need. Our top goalscorer last season scored 12 goals and if someone had scored 20 we would have been in a different position. We all saw what Leicester did last season and we start the campaign with the aim of winning the Premier League. Anyone who says it can't be done only has to look at what Leicester achieved and it can be done. It is unlikely but that has to be our aim, along with the FA Cup and Capital One Cup. We have three trophies and we want to win all of them. We are also in Europe and we want to do well in that as well. It is a fascinating year next season because people will be wondering whether the old order be re-established or will it be broken forever? We will all find out next year. We are all excited about our big move into the new Stadium. The facilities will be so much better and I hope the atmosphere will be just as good there. With the next extended roof it brings in people closer together. Fans who attended the Rugby World Cup said it was very good so I am hoping everyone will be very pleased. The transport links for people getting there are so much better than the Boleyn Ground. Hopefully it will be a lot better for everyone. It is a modern stadium and it will be a better match-day experience in every way. The TV screens are huge and they will see the Club is moving forward. I think it is fantastic that Juventus will be our major first game at the new Stadium. We will have an opening ceremony and it will be a very exciting Sunday at the start of August. We will have a capacity crowd. Juventus are a very good side and have a formidable record in Serie A last season. They have won the title five-years in a row and it will be a tough game for our players.

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Dimi - 'I should have buried it'
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet says she 'should have buried' his sensational volley in France's goalless UEFA Euro 2016 draw with Switzerland on Sunday. The West Ham United star caught the eye yet again in Lille, where he was sent on as a second-half substitute after being rested from the starting XI by coach Didier Deschamps. Despite only being on the pitch for half-an-hour, Payet picked up where he left off in goalscoring appearances against Romania and Albania, capping his cameo by slamming Moussa Sissoko's deep cross against the underside of Yann Sommer's crossbar. While most players would have been pleased to have come so close to completing such an outrageous piece of skill, the Hammers hero was hard on himself in self-analysis, claiming he should have scored in his third consecutive Euro 2016 match.

"On my chance, Moussa Sissoko did superbly along the right wing and he put in a good ball for me," Payet recalled in speaking to L'Equipe. "I should have buried it in the back of the net."

Despite Payet's unfortunate miss, France topped Group A and now have a week to prepare for their round of 16 fixture, which will see them take on the third-place finisher in Group C, D or E – potentially Northern Ireland or Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland – in Lyon next Sunday afternoon at 2pm BST. With a week to prepare for that match, Payet says France need to continue playing the way they did in the first half against the Swiss, when central midfielder Paul Pogba took the game by the scruff of the neck and twice hit the woodwork himself with long-range efforts. "We need to keep in mind how we played during the first half," Payet confirmed. "We played freely and were getting stronger and stronger. In the first half we played well. Then, in the second half, both teams took their foot off the pedal so that they wouldn't concede. "We have now got a week to work hard ahead of our next game"

?Elsewhere at Euro 2016, James Collins will hope to make his first appearance of the finals when Wales take on Russia in Toulouse on Monday evening at 8pm BST. Victory for the Welsh would take them through to the knockout stages for the second time in their history.

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Crossbar denies Dimi three out of three
WHUFC.com

West Ham United star Dimitri Payet was just the width of the crossbar away from making it three goals in three UEFA Euro 2016 appearances on Sunday evening. The Hammer of the Year emerged from the substitutes' bench to produce an eye-catching late cameo, hitting the underside of the bar with a sumptuous side foot volley as France were held from a goalless draw by Switzerland.
The result meant the French top Group A ahead of the Swiss, but they could have made it a perfect nine points from nine had Payet's wonderful effort from Mousa Sissoko's cross dipped a little more after flying past goalkeeper Yann Sommer. The West Ham man was given a hero's welcome on his return to Lille, where he spent two successful seasons playing alongside the likes of Eden Hazard and Joe Cole between 2011 and 2013. His introduction lifted a competitive but largely uneventful game previously only lit up by two shots from Paul Pogba which also hit Sommer's woodwork – the first after a handling error from the Switzerland stopper. However, it was Payet's volley at the end of a powerful 60-yard run from Newcastle United's Sissoko which was the undoubted highlight – drawing widespread acclaim on social media.

Didier Deschamps' side will have a week to prepare for their round of 16 fixture, which will see them take on the third-place finisher in Group C, D or E – potentially Northern Ireland or Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland – in Lyon next Sunday afternoon at 2pm BST.

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The Insider
WHUFC.com

Both Slaven Bilic and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan have made it clear that the Club are looking to bring in a top quality striker who can score 20 goals a season. As a result there has been continued speculation since the season ended on which players will be brought into the squad. Michy Batshuayi, Alexandre Lacazette, Christian Benteke, Wilfried Bony are just a few of the big names that have been linked with a move to the east London Club. It is not just arrivals that have been talked about, but possible departures as well.
There have been reports over the summer linking Diafra Sakho with a move away from the Hammers with former manager Sam Allardyce reported to be interested in signing the Senegal forward. Stories emerged last week that West Ham could even entertain a swap deal involving Sakho and West Brom Saido Berahino. But my sources have told me that the Club are not interested in that move taking place.
There has also been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of James Tomkins who appeared to slip down the pecking order following the successful partnership between Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna at the heart of the Hammers defence. Reports have indicated that Sunderland, Crystal Palace, West Brom and Stoke are interested in making a move for the 27-year-old who joined West Ham as a schoolboy back in 1996 and is a graduate of the club's academy. With the Club preparing for another busy season and the potential of playing in the Europa League group stages, there will be a number of games for players to stake their claim for a first-team place. Without naming individuals it is my understanding that some of the fringe players in the squad could leave during the summer if the right offer comes in. I have been told that the manager does not want unhappy players in the dressing room and the same rule applies to any of the fringe players who could be seeking a move elsewhere during the summer.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United

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Reid - Dimitri has been brilliant
WHUFC.com

West Ham defender Winston Reid has been keeping an eye on his Hammers teammates who are in action at UEFA Euro 2016 while enjoying a holiday prior to the start of the Club's pre-season training. The 27-year-old, who bagged the famous winner against Manchester United in the Boleyn Ground's final game last season, has been particularly impressed with French star Dimitri Payet in France, who has stolen the show for the hosts so far in the tournament. After bagging the late screamer that saw his side beat Romania in the competition's opener, Payet followed the stunner up with Les Bleus' second in the 2-0 victory over Albania, before smashing against the crossbar in Didier Deschamps' side's final group match against Switzerland. And Reid, speaking to New Zealand-based station Radio Live, has not been surprised with the midfielder's terrific performances. "I saw the opening game and he was really, really good in that game and came up with a brilliant goal at the end," he said. "I didn't see the second game, but I heard he got another goal and played a part in France's other goal. "He's had an unbelievable twelve months and hopefully he can carry on with that form. "Dimi is small and quick and technical whereas I am almost the complete opposite, so there are not a lot of similarities between us!"

The Hammers travel to the USA for their pre-season tour at the beginning of July, and will take on both the Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders as well as North American Soccer League outfit Carolina RailHawks. Before the trip however, Reid has been enjoying a well-earned break abroad with his family. "I'm in Mexico with my family [at the moment]," he continued. "We start back up in a couple of weeks' time so I'm just getting away and spending some time with them. "The nicest thing I've been able to do is to travel, as I like to get around and see places with my family. Having kids, it's nice to be able to show them different places of the world and allow them to get experiences."

While many of Reid's teammates have been representing their countries this summer, the New Zealand international was not included in the All Whites' squad for their Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup campaign due to a stop-start season with injuries. However he was pleased to see his national side win the competition earlier this month after they defeated Papua New Guinea on penalties in the final to qualify for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. "You have to adapt to any sort of environment you are playing in and it's difficult playing in the Pacific islands, and you have to get the best out of the group," Reid explained. "At the end of the day, the most important thing was the qualify for the FIFA Confederations Cup. "Time flies [for a national team], as it seems like yesterday when I was scoring that goal in South Africa [against Slovakia in the 2010 FIFA World Cup]. It was a good time we had out there."

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Samuelsen's happy anniversary
WHUFC.com

Exactly a year ago, a young winger named Martin Samuelsen joined West Ham United.

At the time, West Ham fans knew little more about the Norwegian than the fact that he had spent time with Manchester City's Academy and scored hundreds of goals for hometown club Vard Haugesund as a schoolboy.

Twelve months later and every Hammer knows Samuelsen's name after the tall, skilful wideman enjoyed an eye-catching debut season for club and country.

The 19-year-old started his West Ham career by scoring on his debut in a pre-season game at Peterborough United, before marking his competitive bow with a performance full of tricks and turns against Birkirkara in the UEFA Europa League.

Next up came a productive loan spell with Peterborough, where he scored a sensational goal against Sheffield United before producing a Man of the Match display in an FA Cup fourth-round replay defeat by Premier League West Bromwich Albion.

Samuelsen's season was far from over, as he returned to east London to help the Development Squad to win the U21 Premier League Cup, before earning his first senior call-up to the Norway national team in May – making his debut against Iceland on 1 June.
I obviously hope to get a place in the Premier League squad, but know I have to train well. I have to really impress in the summer, but nothing is impossible

So, how does the talented teenager reflect on his first year as a Hammer?

"I started by scoring a goal on my debut at West Ham, and then I got to play in front of a packed Upton Park," he started. "I've been in the Europa League and it has been a great season. I did well in Peterborough and things have definitely moved forward."

What about a single highlight among so many memorable moments?

"It was playing against Premier League team West Brom in the FA Cup," he revealed. "It's the one I remember best and it was my breakthrough. It was a great experience and important for the future. I did finally show what I can do and it was the opinion in both Norway and England.

"I got just got to shown what is inside me and it was great to meet players like Darren Fletcher."
Samuelsen turned 19 as recently as April, and he is intelligent and aware enough to know that a first-team breakthrough at West Ham will come about only through more hard work and development of his game.

However, with players away on international duty, the Norwegian is set to join Slaven Bilic's first-team squad on their pre-season tour to the United States.

There, the youngster will hope to catch the manager's eye yet again and state his case for a place in the manager's squad when the UEFA Europa League campaign kicks-off in late July – and when the 2016/17 Premier League season gets under way on 13 August.

"I've talked a little with Slaven Bilic and he was impressed with what he saw," said Samuelsen. "I'll be with West Ham in pre-season, but it's impossible to know what happens.

"I obviously hope to get a place in the Premier League squad, but know I have to train well. I have to really impress in the summer, but nothing is impossible."

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Bishop - The move has got to happen
WHUFC.com

Former West Ham captain Ian Bishop will never forget his memorable spell with the Hammers after he became a fans favourite during his eight-year spell in east London.

Bishop made 304 appearances and played his part in helping the Hammers gain promotion back into the Premier League.

As the Club prepare for a historic move this summer, Bishop says he will always remember the special atmosphere that was created by the West Ham fans inside the Boleyn Ground....

I was back at the Boleyn Ground for the final ever game against Manchester United and it was a night I will always remember.

It is obviously sad that we are having to leave the famous stadium and I bumped into some fans at Liverpool Street on the way to the game who said they didn't want to leave.

But the move has got to happen for the club to progress.

The atmosphere and the people that you have at the Boleyn Ground will never be forgotten.

Nobody liked coming here to play us and there was always that pressure. If you didn't perform they would let you know about it.

But when you get the fans on your side there is no better feeling.

I will never forget the famous old Chicken Run and the supporters who used to stand there.

The bad thing for me was having long hair and I was thinking anyone could have grabbed me if I was not having a good game!

Sometimes we would get a throw-in and I would pretend to do up my laces so I wouldn't have to take it! It was ferocious but that made for the atmosphere.

I don't remember losing many games under the lights and there is nowhere like West Ham under the lights.

I will never forget the FA Cup quarter final game against Everton and I was captain at the time.

There was also the second promotion year after I arrived here. We thought we had won the league, but finished second.

We had the champagne in the dressing room ready and to then go upstairs and see all the fans all over the pitch and around the stands -it was one of those moments where we did it for all those people.

We thought we had let them down but it wasn't the same on the pitch. To have that kind of following is incredible.

We are now preparing for a new era and things have to move on. We will always take these memories with us as we prepare for the move to the new Stadium.

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West Ham's 'Insider' questioned
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

A feature on West Ham United's website purporting to offer inside information on potential transfers has been criticised by a Scottish journalist. STV writer Grant Russell openly questioned the validity of a feature on whufc.com accredited to 'The Insider', an irregular column penned for the club's website by an unnamed individual who claims to offer fresh information on both incoming and outgoing transfers. Russell went on the offensive this afternoon when he referred the existence of an 'ITK' column on a Premier League member's website as "incredible".

Grant Russell @STVGrant
This is incredible from an official club website. https://twitter.com/whufc_official/status/744881122237087744 …
2:16 PM - 20 Jun 2016
2 2 Retweets 9 9 likes

"It feels like real inside info which doesn't sit well with me," he said, speaking via social media platform Twitter. "I think it's got great value potentially - but the 'sources' thing doesn't sit well."
In his (or her) latest column, 'The Insider' talks about a number of strikers who have been linked with a move to east London before suggesting that some non-first team players are likely to leave the club this season. Crucially however little of the information provided is new and instead sticks largely to commenting on speculation and/or links that have already been provided by other sources, such as KUMB.com.

Fraser McNab @frazzy_doo
@STVGrant very strange to finish with "views of the author and not necessarily West Ham." Especially on their official website.
2:19 PM - 20 Jun 2016
Retweets likes

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JACK SULLIVAN'S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN-NORDTVEIT AND FEGHOULI REJECTED OTHER TOP CLUBS!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 19 JUNE 2016 AT 7:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Hello again, sorry I have not had a column for a while but this is due to my GCSE's, which I have now finished!!!! This is great news for you, as now I can start writing again.

As most of you know the transfer window is the time when my Twitter really comes alive! So far we have been the most active club in the league and in my opinion we have signed some real quality. Håvard Nordtveit is a great player and someone who will provide competition in the squad. He has turned down Champions League football next year to join West Ham and can play in a number of positions. However, I think he will mostly be in midfield and will replace Song! He has been fantastic in Germany this year and has a hell of a shot on him and could become a real star at West Ham!! We have also signed Feghouli on a free, once again picking us over lots of other clubs and he is looking forward to our project at West Ham. Feghouli has been incredible for Valencia in the past, his pace and skill is something that I know the fans will love and he is a really exciting, classy player. He has been linked with huge teams in the past and it has taken DS weeks to pull this deal off!

We have also signed two youth players, who I hope can break into the first team. Martinez and Quina are very well respected in the youth world and like Nordtveit and Feghouli, they are two very exciting players.

Also let's not forget that Lanzini is now our player and we all know what he can do! Our squad looks stronger and stronger and we are still far from done. I do not want to give too much away, but DS, Slav and Tony Henry are still working to pull off more signings and I'm sure by the end of the window our squad will be stronger than ever before!

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MAHINDRA(OLYMPIC)INSIDER'S EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 20 JUNE 2016 AT 8:58PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Been a while but here we go again, I have read the article titled 'If I owned West Ham United' and almost felt put off writing this, as it hinted that we would give up the pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette and focus on Vincent Janssen. I think the Dutch striker would be a good purchase for our club, but I was lead to believe differently regarding the Lyon attacker. At the end of last week Exwhuemployee hinted that today we would submit a bid of around £37m plus add ons and I had heard similar. So this website gets confusing, as there are 3 stories about Lacazette now and Ex's new article (to come at 10) may side with the mystery author and leave me on my own here. Going by Ex's previous article, the outcome is the same as my belief, that Alexandre would become a Hammer in this window even though the fee is a big one. This could impact other deals we had lined up, and Aulas (Lyon President) is a tough negotiator. However the plus for West Ham is they are watching the movements of Alvaro Morata who could move back to The Bernabeu, as clubs circle for the Juventus front man. Real Madrid have the option to buy him back, and this could allow Lyon to move for their former man, Karim Benzema, to replace Lacazette, should they decide to allow the Frenchman to move on. So for now, I still predict we will go as far as we can in pursuit of Lacazette and am quietly confident our chairman will get him – there is plenty of time left in the window and despite their deadline of the 1st of July, I just do not see us giving up just yet.

Crystal Palace have been linked with James Tomkins but I can see our Senegalese striker, Diafra Sakho, joining them. This is more from the Palace side of things and does not come direct from a source but is more Chinese whispers. They are hopeful that they will sign at least one striker for around the £10m mark this summer. It falls short of West Ham United's valuation but it is clear Bilic does not want players here that wish to leave and it looks more and more likely that Diafra falls into that category. Sunderland made an offer earlier on of £11m but with just £6m of it up front and the rest in a complicated structure so the £10m cash fee from Crystal Palace may provoke some thinking in the board room.

Lastly we look at our prodigy, Reece Oxford. It does look like Newcastle United's interest is firm as Benitez has a cleaning up job to do and has been given a tight control of transfers. This is unusual over the last few seasons but the club had to do all they could to keep him. Steven Taylor left this summer, plus Coloccini wishes to head back to Argentina so cover in central defence is required but Reece would be behind Lacselles and Mbemba in the pecking order. Reece wants more game time but personally I expect the club to wait until we know if we will be in the Europa League group stage or not. That does mean waiting until the 25th of August, hopefully we will be and Reece, and other youngsters, may have a big part to play next season if that is the case

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EXWHUEMPLOYEE'S EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 20 JUNE 2016 AT 10:00PM

So like buses, I wait for three of our sites' ITKs to submit articles and having waited a while and two come at once. Both sources that wrote today are superb. "I owned West Ham" is an extremely well placed agent/media person with strong links in the club and the Mahindra (Olympic Insider) works for the club in a certain capacity and I am still waiting for the "Informer" to update us recently. It is great to have so many well placed people write for the site. Both of today's were given opposite news on Lacazette and whether he would join which is very interesting and shows the delicate situation of the deal. This is the first rumour I will clear up.

Rumour one: Have we bid again for Lacazette? I thought another bid would go in today but it appears that it hasn't. The club had "further discussions" with Lyon and are growing increasingly frustrated with the French club. Every time it looks like we are progressing with the deal Lyon change the goal posts. There has to be a point where we draw the line and say take it or leave it and that appears to be the position at the moment. I don't think the deal is over and I agree with the "Insider" that we will try again but at this moment it appears to be grinding to a halt. We also have to convince the player to join too once we agree a price. So there are many hurdles to get over at this point still.

Rumour two: Jordan Ibe is joining the club from Liverpool as he is pictured in a West Ham shirt: This is not true. Jack Sullivan confirmed this and the club have no knowledge of a bid. Those of you who have bought The West Ham Way fanzine will find out some details of a surprise target but I can confirm it isn't Ibe. The story behind him being in a West Ham shirt looks like he lost a dare to Reece Oxford and had to wear a West Ham shirt as a consequence.

Rumour three: Are we trying to loan Tore and buy Hutchinson? "If I owned West Ham" called this in his article where he said the club are getting concerned about the value for money that they are getting for these two players. Tore is Bilic's number one target and DS will always try and honour Bilic's requests however they are concerned at the pricing of Tore and a loan offer was suggested. It was more in hope then conviction but they club are exploring options to bring down the set transfer fee of Tore. They are also concerned that they may be charged over the odds for Hutchinson and have had a bid rejected for him. Expect these deals to have some movement soon.

Rumour four: Payet wants to join Madrid: I brought the interest of Madrid in my column exclusively over two weeks ago. It has to be said that Payet idolised Zidane when he was younger and that this would obviously be a major attraction (as if you need persuading to be interested in Real Madrid). Payet has also said this week he is happy at the club and at the moment he is concentrating on the Euros. The chairman are determined to keep hold of him no matter the price.

Rumour five: Various players to depart: As I have been saying in my columns for a long while now the club will listen to offers for a number of fringe players. Tomkins is considered one of those. There is a strong chance that he will be moving on very soon and bringing to an end a great career at the club. Obiang is another who may well move. He was unhappy at his game time last season. Sakho and Valencia also have interested in them and should leave.

Rumour six: Is the Mahindra deal finalised? No it is not. It is likely to be the deal but it is not confirmed as yet.

Rumour seven: Janssen is a target? I have reported this name myself and "If I owned West Ham" is very well placed on transfers. If he says we are interested then we must be. He has been highly linked to Spurs but as yet the deal has not been finalised to them.

Rumour eight: Do we want a right back? Early on in the window I said that we have priorities in other positions that remains the case.

Our West Ham fanzine will go on sale to purchase online tomorrow. Please buy it to get even more exclusive news.

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West Ham to make top six
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th June 2016
By: Darren Chalker

It will be upon us sooner rather than later, and I for one cannot wait to see how Slaven Bilic does in his second season at West Ham United with a higher percentage of the squad being 'his' players.

We have made early moves in the transfer market and, like last year, have signed players few of us have heard of. We used to call them "Sully specials", but it seems to be different now.

Where we finish season 2016/17 will probably be dictated by how well and how quickly we settle in to our new home at the Olympic Stadium. A good early run of fixtures is handy, because it's vital we get a first win there early doors.

What I'm really looking forward to though is seeing how the rest of the division will shape up. Last season – with Leicester City beating all and sundry to claim the title - shook the foundations of the Premier League.
So what will happen this season? No one can go out there now and blow everyone else out of the water spending-wise, because now most clubs have similar financial clout.

Chelsea have to perform a complete rebuild in my opinion and it's a job they really started two years ago and are struggling with. Manchester United are in pretty much the same boat as Chelsea, although in Jose Mourinho they do have a (new) manager that has vast experience of the Premier League.

Conversely, Manchester City for me are the team to beat. Pep Guardiola has done it in more than one national league and already possesses the basis of a Champions League winning squad.

Leicester City again? Who knows. It wouldn't surprise me if they were to finish in the top four again - but it also wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if they finished bottom four. Arsenal? Same old, same old as far as I'm concerned. Unless Arsene Wenger suddenly changes his ways, which he won't, they will carry on flattering to deceive.

How about Tottenham? They had a very strong season last year aided by having very few injuries. I can't see them doing as well next season, and wouldn't be at all surprised to see their manager leave for pastures new sooner rather than later

Everton? Who knows, but surely the football will be better to watch As for West Brom, now the Aston Villa of the division - poor to watch and always down the bottom

Sunderland are now similar to the Albion of two years ago as far as I'm concerned. Sam Allardyce will continue with his 'consolidating' style and will probably leave at the end of the season with the Mackems comfortably mid-table.

Over at Selhurst Park, I suspect Alan Pardew may not be able to motivate his squad to be anything other than strugglers next season. A bad start to the campaign and he'll be gone reasonably quickly. Meanwhile at Bournemouth I can see Eddie Howe getting itchy feet very early doors and moving on to pastures new.

With regards to Liverpool, I'm far from convinced that Jurgen Klopp is as good as he is made out to be, but they will probably be there or thereabouts come next May. As for thehe other top eight side, Southampton, it's difficult to comment until they make an appointment to replace the Everton-bound Koeman.

Stoke? See Sunderland, Swansea? See West Brom, but just a little better off

So for me there's a few interesting stories awaiting us for next season - and that's even before the transfer window has opened!! I can honestly see the coming season being stranger than last season with, once again, a team doing really well that few (if any) predict to do so.

So I'm going to go for a top six featuring Manchester City, Manchester United, West Ham United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool. The bottom six, I think, will consist of West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Watford plus the newly-promoted trio of Middlesbrough, Burnley and Hull City.

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Lanzini hoping to make the cut
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Manuel Lanzini is optimistic about his chances of making the Argentina squad for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

he Rio games' football tournament takes place between 5-21 August and the young Hammer retains high hopes of being involved, despite manager Gerardo Martino confirming recently that he will reduce his preliminary squad from 35 players to just 18 later this month.

However with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Angel Correa and Cristian Pavón already ruled out or considered doubtful for the tournament the 23-year-old West Ham midfielder has an excellent chance of being involved - much to his delight.

"I am very happy at being taken into consideration," Lanzini - whose involvement would result in him potentially being unavailable for West Ham's opening two games of the 2016/17 season - told goal.com.

"I hope to be in the final squad as to play at the Olympics would make me very proud. I've spoken to Slaven Bilic and the club and they told me that there will be no problem."

West Ham open their 2016/17 Premier League campaign away to Chelsea on 13 August before hosting Bournemouth at the Olympic Stadium a week later (20 August).

The Olympic Games quarter finals also take place on 13 August with the semi finals to follow four days layer (17 August). The men's final and bronze medal matches both take place on 20 August.

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WOULD YOU SELL PAYET?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 19 JUNE 2016 AT 9:56AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Yes, I know it is a bold question, but with so much speculation it needs to be discussed! I started to write this article a week before Euro 2016 began and thought better of it, as I assumed I would get some abuse. However, after such an incredible start for Dimitri, I just had to write something.

I was almost certain that Payet would have a great Euros and that he would become hot property and he hasn't let me down. He was by far the most important player on the pitch against Romania and his last-gasp, match winning strike sealed a dream tournament opener for him. He then followed this with another superb game against Albania, scoring another last minute goal. With these two goals, one assist and 14 chances created in just two appearances, he is closing in on Zidane's record of 15 chances created back in 2004.……maybe he is better than Zidane after all………(awaiting comments). With France already qualified it means we are likely to see at least a couple more appearances by France's Number 8 and if he continues this fine form, I think there are going to be lots of top teams interested in him.

I have to be honest and admit that when speaking to family members earlier in the season about whether I would accept a 'big' offer for Payet, I had mixed feelings. I did think accepting an offer of £50m for a 29 year-old could be good business, especially when we paid so little for him in comparison. Selling him would mean we could buy a couple of young and exciting players, with bright futures ahead and still have the likes of Lanzini, Kouyate and Ogbonna to provide a solid and creative base.

There is no questioning his talent and passion, but for the second half of the season I felt that Payet would often go missing for large parts of the game and believed that the 'We've got Payet' hype was a little unjustified at times. However, just when you forgot that he was on the field, he would provide a superb assist or one of his now famous freekicks. The stats speak for themselves and it is no coincidence that our worst run of form coincided with the period that Payet was injured.

In conclusion, Payet's form so far in Euro 2016 has been incredible and I would say he has been France's most vital player for almost the whole 180 minutes he has played. I am praying West Ham do not sell him, for any amount, as I believe he is priceless! He himself will attract the high-profile players we all dream of and can you imagine another couple of top players in an already exciting squad? There is a bright future ahead if we are still singing 'We've got Payet'at the OS!
Would you sell Dimitri and how much is he worth?

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EXCLUSIVE OPINION BASED ON INSIDE KNOWLEDGE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 20 JUNE 2016 AT 12:45PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

This is our popular feature where our very well placed source writes about the club using inside knowledge on what he would do in the current situation. This source is extremely well verified so what he says is based around a lot of knowledge of current events.

Hello again. If I owned West Ham at the moment….. I would think it is important we sign a striker. In my last column we went through lots of possible options, but I personally have a feeling that this may be Vincent Janssen who I wrote about previously. He is 21 years-old and very strong on the ball. The reason I say this is because I can't see it being anyone else. I feel Lacezette is slowly becoming out of control and have a gut feeling that he does not want to join us, as I feel more would have happened if he was keen on the move. Also, Lyon do not have to sell as they are a Champions League club next season and of course have more funds. I feel this is the same with lots of other strikers, as it has all gone very quiet, which in a way I don't mind too much as lots of strikers we were linked with were far from value for money and I was not convinced that they would come and do the job of a 20 goal a season striker. However, two players I would welcome with open arms alongside Janssen, would be Bacca and Giroud. Of course we cannot afford all three, but I think any of these would come and do a great job and all have a proven record of scoring. I'm going to let the board work their magic and of course I have full faith in them to get it right.

I'm sure West Ham are looking for more than just a striker this summer. Tore has dropped a massive hint and I think he would bring good competition to the squad. I hope we don't pay over the odds, but it is clear to see that Bilic really rates him. If we did get him, the squad would have some real class on the wing. Bilic had also dropped hints about Hutchinson, who if I'm totally honest with you I would be disappointed to see, as he is 33 years-old and I feel we can get better. If he does come in I believe this may be the end of Obiang at West Ham, which I would hate to see as I think he is something special and a great passer of the ball, he has just struggled to get a chance. One other reason for us being linked with Hutchinson may be if Obiang wants to leave due to the lack of game time. I would prefer to see someone like Cook from Leeds, a young talent who is English and could be worth big money one day, unlike Hutchinson, on whom we would write our money off as no one is going to buy a 34 year old from us!

I do think it was the right decision to let our loan players go and I think most people would agree with me. Song was way past his sell-by date and I also hear stories about how he may have caused trouble in the team, which is something that has no place. I thought Moses was too in and out and I can't see him ever getting into that Chelsea team. Emenike showed some touches of class, but feel we can get much better. Other players that have left are Joey O'Brien and Lee, again two players who I felt should have been let go. Lee had more than a chance and struggled on loan, but I am gutted he couldn't follow in his dad's footsteps. Joey is someone that two years ago would have been a good if not great back-up, but now we are a better team than that. However I wish them both well!! Anyway, I'd better stop or I am going to have nothing to write about in my next column, in which I will talk about whom I believe should leave the club and my views on any other news. If I did own West Ham, nothing would be different as I don't think the board have done anything wrong so far this summer and have signed real quality, which Jack spoke about in his column yesterday.

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Hendrie linked with Championship move
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 19th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's out-of-favour full back Stephen Hendrie has been linked with a season-long loan move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers. Hendrie, who failed to make a single first team appearance for the Hammers last season is being targeted by Rovers, who are keen to boost their squad ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. And the 21-year-old Scottish full back, whose only first team appearances last term came during a brief loan spell at Roots Hall with Southend United is being chased by Blackburn who most recently finished 15th in the Championship. West Ham signed the Scottish defender on a pre-contract agreement from Hamilton Academicals in January 2015, with Hendrie completing his move to London at the end of that season.

* In other transfer news, relegated Newcastle United are said to remain keen on signing West Ham's teenage star Reece Oxford on loan. The Magpies are understood to have contacted West Ham last week with view to signing the England under 19 international on loan for the duration of season, according to various reports.

* West Ham United are reported to be preparing one final bid to lure Alexandre Lacazette to England. Despite earlier reports suggesting that the Lyon striker harbours reservations regarding a move to London, the Hammers are said to be considering one final record-breaking bid, in the region of £37million, to persuade Lyon to part with their highly-rated goalscorer.

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Feghouli motivated by team spirit
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

Sofiane Feghouli believes his new team have the ability to challenge the Premier League's finest next season. Feghouli, who has agreed to join West Ham on a free transfer says he was hugely impressed by the team's fighting spirit and determination under Slaven Bilic last term, when they finished a respectable seventh. And he believes that West Ham can achieve even more in the 2016/17 campaign, which kicks off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 13 August. "This season, with three games to go, West Ham were close to fourth place," Feghouli told L'Equipe. "There was nothing in it. It's a balanced league. And if the club continues like that, with humility and a lot of ambition, it could lead to something really good. "There's a spectacular enthusiasm around this club at the moment and to be supported like that can only motivate you."
The 26-year-old, who will officially join the Hammers on 1 July recently explained why he opted to move to England when he had also received several offers from around Europe.
"After considering the options with my family, I think it became an option that instantly stood out from the others," he added. "The direction of the club, the new stadium, the squad, the manager and the opportunity to play in the Premier League made it an easy decision for me to join."

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West Ham linked with second Nigerian youngster
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th June 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are once again being linked with a move for a young Nigerian star, according to reports emanating form Africa. All Nigeria Soccer claimed last month that the Hammers were hot on the heels of midfielder Agor Chukwudi, suggesting that United had tabled a bid in the region of £200,000 for the rising star. And now the same source has claimed that West Ham have made an enquiry for youth international Isaac Success, a 20-year-old striker who has also been linked with fellow Premier League side Watford. Success moved to Europe in 2014 - without a work permit - when Udinese signed him for €400,000. Upon being granted a permit the Nigerian under 20 international immediately joined Grenada in Spain, where he featured for their reserve team. Since then Success has gone on to represent Granada's first team on several occasions with his form being noted by clubs such as Atletico Madrid and Valencia. However his his agent, Dominic Egbukwu, believes that the Hornets are in pole position to land the goalscorer. "We are negotiating his wages and hopefully an agreement will be reached soon," he told 90 Minutes.

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2015/16 in review: February & March
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett

Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign.

Today we look back at February and March in part seven of our review...

22 February

West Ham were simply too good for Championship side Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Sunday afternoon as they eased their way through to the quarter finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 2011.

A brace apiece from Dimitri Payet and new signing Emmanuel Emenike - combined with a Vic Moses strike that cancelled out Ben Marshall's early opener (NB. another slow start from the Hammers) - sent West Ham through to a potential last eight encounter with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

League One Shrewsbury, who face Man U in the last of the eight fifth round fixtures tonight (Monday) will no doubt have something to say about that - and who's to say the League One side won't be able to overcome a distinctly lacklustre Mancunian outfit?

But even if they fail, West Ham should have little to fear about facing Louis Van Gaal's expensively-assembled, ragtag gang of misfits who have flattered to deceive for much of the campaign and have been unable to beat United in either of their last two meetings.

Indeed, should they continue to play as they did on Sunday, the Hammers should fear nobody. The gulf in class between Bilic's side and Paul Lambert's Championship strugglers was vast and clearly evident and, bar Marshall's early effort, which caught Darren Randolph unsighted, this really was a case of men against boys.

Spurred on by more than 7,000 travelling supporters, who had made the 250-mile trip from London to the North West, West Ham scored five, had two efforts disallowed for offside and hit the post. Had they scored ten, Rovers fans would have had little cause for complaint.

At the heart of almost everything good that came from West Ham was Dimitri Payet, who is clearly revelling in his role as the club's poster boy.

Happy with his new contract and adored by the fans, the 28-year-old midfielder scored another wonderful first half free kick before wrapping up the game with a virtuoso effort that involved a fifty-yard run and the beating of several opponents, whom he left trailing in his wake.

It would have been a perfect day for West Ham had Cheik Kouyate not been sent off midway through the second half after he was deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity by referee Jon Moss, thus earning a one-match suspension.

However West Ham believe they have a good chance of overturning the decision upon appeal because Kouyate's (minimal) contact with Adam Henley was clearly accidental and the striker had already lost control of the ball, which was racing away towards 'keeper Darren Randolph, before contact was made.

28 February

The press room at the Boleyn Ground was unusually busy on Saturday afternoon as the media assembled to witness former manager Sam Allardyce's return to the East End.

However those journalists who were present expecting to report on 'Big Sam's savaging by ungrateful West Ham supporters' were to be left disappointed. Not a single boo or jeer - nor any kind of negative chant, for that matter - was aimed at Slaven Bilic's predecessor as the Hammers secured three more vital Premier League points against Allardyce's new club, Sunderland.

Instead, supporters used the occasion to mark their appreciation of Bilic's regime by chanting HIS name on numerous occasions times during the match - a gesture that was rarely if ever offered to the abrasive Allardyce. (Excepting perhaps the 2012 play-off final when fans adapted ad hoc the chorus of Coldplay's 'Paradise' to 'Alla, Alla, Alladyce'!)

West Ham - who with Bilic's guidance have been transformed into genuine contenders for a European spot - struggled to get out of second gear against their relegation-threatened opponents but still managed to grab a win thanks to Michail Antonio's excellent first half strike, his fifth since joining West Ham back in September.

And although they were on the backfoot for much of the second period, Bilic's side did just about enough to keep the Black Cats at bay - although it should be noted that West Ham also hit the woodwork twice (via Mark Noble and Andy Carroll efforts) and had a very decent penalty appeal ignored by referee Mike Dean.

Still, there was something quite ironic about winning this particular fixture by one goal to nil, with a backs-to-the-wall ending; it could be said that Bilic simply out-Allardyce'd Sam Allardyce!

The win takes West Ham back above Southampton and Manchester United into fifth spot in the Premier League. And it's to the latter that the Hammers will return for a second time this season for the quarter finals of the FA Cup, the draw for which was made last Sunday following West Ham's 5-1 fifth round demolition of Blackburn.

Allocated just shy of 10,000 tickets, West Ham sold their entire quota for next month's tie at Old Trafford within 24 hours. Fans, thousands of whom were left ticketless and disappointed genuinely believe that Bilic's team have a genuine chance of reaching the semi finals this year - despite being granted what would traditionally be perceived as one of the toughest away draws.

Additionally, West Ham's FA Cup pedigree against the Red Devils is impressive having beaten them at the fifth round (1986) and semi final (1964) stages previously. And who can forget Paolo Di Canio scoring a 76th-minute, fourth round winner at Old Trafford in January 2001 as goalkeeper Fabien Barthez hailed an imaginary taxi?

6 March

Last November a dreadful challenge by Everton's James McCarthy sidelined West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the remainder of 2015.

So it was poetic justice when the brilliant Frenchman popped up inside the Toffees' six-yard box during Saturday's return meeting between the two clubs to score the winning goal, as West Ham recorded their first win on the Blue side of Stanley Park since December 2005.

And what an incredible win it was for Slaven Bilic's side, who were two goals behind with less than fifteen minutes of normal time remaining before staging a remarkable comeback to steal all three points, courtesy of Payet's last-minute winner.

Having fallen behind to strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Aaron Lennon, Adrian made a brilliant save from a (Lukaku) penalty to prevent West Ham from going 3-0 down - at which point the travelling fans must have been wondering whether the early start had been worth it!

However their patience and endeavour was ultimately rewarded as West Ham staged an epic comeback. Michail Antonio, prolific of late scored United's first on 78 minutes, the returning Diafra Sakho levelled the game three minutes later - and Payet – who else? - grabbed the winner, just as added-on time commenced.

The victory - West Ham's third in a week, following the wins against Sunderland and Tottenham - lifted Bilic's side back above Manchester United into fourth place in the Premier League, thus keeping alive the Irons' hopes of ending what is already a memorable campaign in a European position.

But which competition that will be in remains to be seen, with the Hammers now presenting a very real threat to those clubs hoping to finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League.

Just three points separate West Ham and second-placed Arsenal, who drew at Spurs on Saturday and whilst Bilic won't dare speak of it, a spot in Europe's premier competition is certainly within reach. Unlikely still - but who thought Leicester City would be title favourites in March!?

However all thoughts of Premier League success will be set aside for the next week or so as attention returns to the FA Cup, where a tantalising quarter final tie at Old Trafford awaits.

West Ham have enjoyed mixed FA Cup fortunes against Manchester United in recent seasons. Few present on the day will forget Paolo Di Canio's winning goal in a 2001, fourth round meeting; few who witnessed the Gary Breen-inspired 6-0 defeat two years later will wish to remember it!

More recently, in a 2013 third round tie, the Hammers were seconds away from securing a 2-1 win at the Boleyn Ground when Robin Van Persie grabbed a last-minute equaliser, taking the tie back to Old Trafford for a replay - which the hosts won 1-0.

But this is a very different West Ham team right now - and one that has every chance of turning the tables and securing a place in this year's FA Cup semi finals.

20 March

By rights, West Ham United should be looking forward to an FA Cup semi final whilst peering down at the rest of the Premier League from a lofty fourth place.

And that would indeed have been the case had referees Martin Atkinson and Bobby Madley made the correct calls at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge respectively, in the Irons' two most recent outings.

The weekend before last, West Ham were denied an FA Cup semi final spot - for now - when Atkinson deemed a Man Utd equaliser to be within the laws of the game, despite Bastian Schweinsteiger clearly bundling 'keeper Darren Randolph into the net as Anthony Martial prepared to shoot.

And having allowed Man United's dodgy 84th-minute equaliser to stand - a goal that forced a replay at the Boleyn Ground - Atkinson infuriated West Ham further by ruling out what appeared to be a perfectly legitimate, last=gasp strike by Michail Antonio for offside.

Fast forward seven days and West Ham, leading Chelsea 1-0 in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge concede a free kick on the edge of the penalty area in the closing stages of the first half.

United defenders remonstrate with official Madley as behind him and unseen, Cesc Fabregas moves the ball a yard or two further away from goal in order to gain a better angle for a shot meaning West Ham's 'wall' is now 12-13 yards from where the kick will be taken.

But their protests are ignored as the Spanish midfielder drops the ball over the wall and into Adrian's top right corner to level the scores.

Fast forward another 45 minutes or so and West Ham, having restored their lead through substitute Andy Carroll and therefore set to rise above Man City into fourth place in the Premier League are punished yet again by a terrible call from Madley.

The Wakefield-born referee decides to award Chelsea a 90th-minute penalty despite the offending tackle by Antonio on Ruben Loftus-Cheek - if it was even a foul at all (video evidence suggests otherwise) - having occurred outside the penalty box. All of which took place just yards from where the official was placed. Fabregas steps up again to score from the spot and West Ham lose two vital Premier League points.

Last season a long-running thread on the KUMB Forum put to bed the common misconception that "these things even themselves out over the course of the season".

The evidence collected during the course of the 2015/16 campaign suggested this simply wasn't true, and once again West Ham - who have now gone some four seasons without being awarded a penalty away from home - have been left feeling wronged after facing one of the nation's elite clubs.

So instrumental have those decisions been in the last two games that even Slaven Bilic, one of the managers least likely to resort to blaming officials for his team's misfortunes decreed recent examples such as those above as "unacceptable".

The irony of all that is that Bilic may well get fined by the Premier League for telling it how it is - whereas the substandard Atkinson and Madley are unlikely to face any action from the PGMOL, the unaccountable and untouchable quango who control the appointment of match day referees.

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Is Chris Smalling on his way to West Ham? Slaven Bilic lavishes praise on England and Man United centre-back
20:48, 20 JUN 2016 UPDATED 20:48, 20 JUN 2016
BY THOMAS BRISTOW
The Hammers boss may have said one compliment too many
The Mirror

We've already been made aware of how brilliant Slaven Bilic is as a pundit for ITV, but has the West Ham boss just given away his summer transfer plans? In the video above the Croatian is asked for his opinion on England and Manchester United centre-back, Chris Smalling.
How does he respond? With a flow of compliments so strong it would make even the most modest man blush. He said Smalling's great on the ball, can pass well, is very vocal, a leader, great in the air, very quick - blimey anything else? - oh, and he's England's best. His comments were so grand it got Lee Dixon suggesting that Bilic wants to sign Smalling. Everyone of course laughs, except for the West Ham boss, who looks as though his secret transfer plans have been discovered.

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Sullivan admits how life will get better for him
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 20, 2016 in News
C and H

David Sullivan has admitted life will improve for him once he has signed a top class striker. The co chairman – despite having a lot of cash to spend – and has regularly admitted it but as yet has failed to get his man. Speaking to the official site the boss said: "Once we sign a top striker I will feel a lot better and that is the main position we need.
Our top goalscorer last season scored 12 goals and if someone had scored 20 we would have been in a different position. We all saw what Leicester did last season and we start the campaign with the aim of winning the Premier League. Anyone who says it can't be done only has to look at what Leicester achieved and it can be done. It is unlikely but that has to be our aim, along with the FA Cup and Capital One Cup. We have three trophies and we want to win all of them. We are also in Europe and we want to do well in that as well."

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Gold's calm response to ticket price fury
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 20, 2016 in News
C and H

Quite why Twitter brings out the worst in people with language to match is one of the most disturbing mysteries of the 21st century. Disagreeing – it seems – is not sufficient for many. There simply have to be obscenities accompanied by accusation and sometimes near hatred. One person who appears to have learned how to handle it is David Gold – the focus for much of that stuff down the years and who has the ability to come back with a calm one liner. Such is the case this morning after a furious outburst by one of his followers on the aforementioned social network operation.
He tweeted to Gold: "I've seen the last tickets for west ham juve game are priced at £166 quid f…..g ludicrous @davidgold
The co chairman calmly responded: The first tickets were available at £20."
It is actually quite simple to ask a question – as of course many do – without the fury that too often goes with it and it's a muh better way of leading life!

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Tore deal hits snag
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Besiktas Chairman, Fikret Orman is said to be furious that West Ham has asked for a season loan deal for Gökhan Töre with an option to buy. A source close to Besiktas told Claret and Hugh "Bilic (has) made a mistake. Our president (has) gone crazy. Bilic wanted to loan Töre" It is claimed that David Sullivan isn't entirely convinced that Tore is worth the £13m Besiktas want for him and as a compromise West Ham would prefer to loan Tore for a season in a try before you buy agreement similar to the Lanzini deal last season. Tore admits he wants to play for West Ham and reunite with his former manager, last week he said "I have a contract until 2019 with Besiktas. But I completed my mission here. If you get my fee, I want to play at West Ham" We understand that a £2.3m bid for Atiba Hutchinson was also rejected by the Besiktas chairman for being far too low.

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Ibe images in West Ham top discredited
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham IbeChairman's son, Jack Sullivan has discredited rumours about Liverpool winger joining West Ham saying on twitter "The ibe rumours are not true! We are not signing him."
Ibe became a surprise bookies 5/2 favourite over the weekend with Bookmakers Paddy Power after images of Ibe circulated around the Internet of him in a West Ham top. It now appears these images are most likely fake. The 20-year-old was left out of the Liverpool squad towards the end of the season, which led him to subsequently removed all references to the club from his Twitter profile. His account on the social network has otherwise been dormant for just under a year. Ibe's career has stuttered under Jurgen Klopp with the talented winger completing just four Premier League fixtures since his arrival in October 2015. He came up through the Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers youth setups until he signed a pre-contract with Liverpool in 2011.

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DS and that £25 million revelation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 20, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

It's impossible to be critical of David Sullivan after last season's incredible success in the summer transfer market. By common consent across the whole of the fan base, we made a series of brilliant signings – not one of which failed to do the business whenever they were called upon. Every one of them surpassed all expecations. So far this term we have made a couple of free signings and the co chairman has made it clear on the official site he will feel better when he has the much sought after striker on board. We at Claret and Hugh have never made any secret of the fact that we are big fans of David's. He has never been anything other than courteous and helpful when we have requested interviews and it is refreshing to have such an accessible man at the helm. He is not one to have regrets or look backwards but maybe he is sufering a little in negotiations for that striker after declaring very early on the amount of money he was ready to spend on a front man. Alexandre Lacazette's price is now being quoted at £40 million and maybe clubs in the Hammers market place believe we have far more than the £25 million set aside. I am convinced will we get a top striker but I felt at the time it was untypical of DS to let the £25 million cat put of the bag. Onwards and upwards and like DS we too look forward to seeing a photo of a top striker holding a claret and blue scarf over his head on the official website!

COYI

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JUVENTUS BATTLE WEST HAM FOR BATSHUAYI, NKOUDOU
DANIEL EMERY ReadWestHam

According to Sport24, Juventus are readying moves for Michy Batshuayi and Georges-Kévin Nkoudou this summer, both thought to be targets for West Ham. The report says that Juventus are ready to spend around £45m on the Marseille pair as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Serie A season. With Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza both potentially off to pastures new, Juventus are in the market for a striker and Batshuayi fits the bill. The 26-year-old has scored 26 Ligue 1 goals in two seasons for Marseille, which has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including West Ham. Nkoudou is also thought to be a summer target for Slaven Bilic, but Juventus are very keen on him too. The 21-year-old winger played 38 games last season, scoring five and setting up ten. Both players would have been fantastic additions for West Ham, but it seems as though Juventus are a pace ahead in the race.

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LAZIO TABLE €10M BID FOR WEST HAM TARGET ÖZYAKUP
THOMAS BORE readWestHam

Lazio have stolen a march on West Ham in the race for Oguzhan Özyakup by tabling a €10million bid to Besiktas, according to Turkish source Spor Haberleri. Özyakup currently plies his trade in Turkey for Besiktas and has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the club, much to the annoyance of Besiktas' general secretary Ahmed Ürkmezgil. Ahmed, as quoted by Sondakika, recently said: "Oguzhan and (fellow West Ham target) Atiba (Hutchinson) are not considered for sale. (They) will not transfer. Besiktas president Fikret Orman has today echoed Ürkmezgil's and talked down a potential move for Özyakup to Lazio. He was quoted by Spor Haberleri saying: "(None of the) Besiktas team will not be leaving for a middle-class team like Lazio, they would go to top teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United." Judging by their comments, Lazio's €10million bid will be rejected but the transfer saga will not stop here. According to Fanatik, Özyakup is a priority target for West Ham and a move for the 23-year-old could materialise in the coming days following Lazio's offer. Slaven Bilic is believed to be a huge fan of Ozyakup, a man he said was the most talented footballer in Turkey while covering their game against Croatia for ITV, as well as branding him the 'new Mesut Ozil', according to the Express.

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LYON PREPARING FOR LACAZETTE EXIT
MICHAEL OLIVER ReadWestHam

Lyon are resigned to losing striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer as they make preparations to sign his possible replacement ahead of the news amid interest from West Ham and Paris Saint-Germain. According to French source mercato365, Lyon are closing in on a move for SC Caen striker Anthony Delort as a replacement for Lacazette. The former Wigan striker scored 12 Ligue 1 goals last season and would cost just €12m. That is just a snippet of the price-tag on Lacazette's shoulders as Lyon are looking for nearer €50m, which equates to roughly £40m. The Hammers have already seen a £32m bid turned down for the 24-year-old this month but will return with an improved offer. It's rumoured that the offer will be in the region of £37m plus bonuses which would bring the total fee nearer the £40m asking-price. Whether that would be enough to prize the French international away from Lyon remains to be seen. Lacazette netted 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season – his third-successive season scoring 20+ league goals, making him the ideal target for the Hammers who have stated themselves they're looking for a '20 goal a season striker'. Club president Michel-Jean Aulas has been firm on his stance regarding Lacazette but has admitted that he could be helpless if the striker made his intentions clear on a possible move to Paris Saint-Germain. If PSG must have Alexander (Lacazette), I do not say no. If he wishes to join them, I say 'Why not'. The Frenchman remains West Ham's number one transfer target this summer and they will continue to do all they can to convince him to make the move to East London.

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WEST HAM AND SPORTING CHASE NIGERIAN TEENAGER AGOR
THOMAS BORE DeludedMag
ReadWestHam

Sporting Lisbon will go head-to-head with West Ham for teenage sensation Chukwudi Agor, Nigerian source Owngoalnigeria has revealed. Agor is just 17-years-old and currently plies his trade for the ASJ Academy in Nigeria. Former Lisbon player and 27-time Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amunike recommended Agor to Sporting, having watched him at the academy. While West Ham had sent scouts to track Chukwudi's progress. There has been no mention of a transfer fee, though it will be minimal compared to the €40million bid West Ham tabled for French striker Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon last week. Should either club reach an agreement for Agor, the Nigeria under-20 international will be unable to officially transfer until he turns 18 in November. Lisbon fans are clearly excited by the prospect of signing Agor, with one fan stating: "It would be great to hire the young midfielder Chukwudi Agor, the future of Nigerian and world football. Come cheap and will be an ace in a short time. This kid is a young promise of Nigeria Another suggested, rather laughably, that West Ham have 'run out of money' and would, therefore, let Sporting win the race for the teenager's signature.

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EMMAUEL EMENIKE SPEAKS OUT ON TIME AT WEST HAM
MICHAEL OLIVER ReadWestHam

Former West Ham strike Emmanuel Emenike has spoken about his time at the club and what the future holds following the end of his loan spell from Fenerbahce. The Hammers signed the Nigerian international on loan in January until the end of the season, a deal which included an option to make the move permanent this summer if the club wished. Slaven Bilic ultimately declined the option to sign the striker he had watched score many goals in the Turkish Super Lig against his Besiktas side before he became West Ham manager in the summer of 2015.
It was injuries to Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia which forced the club to make a move for Emenike but the former Spartak Moscow attacker failed to impress and was relegated to the fourth-choice option and scored just two goals in 16 appearances for the club – both in a 5-1 rout over Blackburn in the FA Cup. Speaking to Haber Turk, the 29-year-old believes his time in East London was an important experience for him and makes him remember what he had at Fenerbahce.
West Ham was a very important experience for me. There are many things I have learned. I was back on my own at Fenerbahce. But sometimes we had bad periods. Now I see that I made some mistakes and can criticise myself. Now I think it's my debt payment time. When you leave the value of Fenerbahce you understand better, the ambience is great … even in European club is not possible to find such an environment. Emenike failed to show the goalscoring prowess the Hammers are looking for as they continue their upward surge in the Premier League.

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New contract will NOT stop Dimitri Payet leaving West Ham this summer, claims Ray Parlour
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, June 20, 2016

Ray Parlour has warned West Ham that Dimitri Payet's 'long-term' contract will not stop him leaving the club this summer if the right team comes along. France sensation Payet has been one of the stars of Euro 2016 so far with his match-winning performances for the unbeaten tournament hosts. But his stunning displays might have Hammers chiefs worried ahead of the summer transfer window, with top sides now fully aware of his quality and set-piece prowess. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea have already been linked with big-money moves for the 29-year-old. Payet seemed to commit his long-term future to West Ham by penning a new contract which runs until 2021 back in February. But former Arsenal and England midfielder Parlour insisted that will matter little this summer if the player is tempted by a big move. Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Parlour said: "The summer transfer window, when the Euros finishes, is going to be amazing. It's going to be really hectic. "Everyone will be targeting players and a lot of managers will be keeping a close eye on the Euros. "Dimitri Payet…what a player! He's lit up the Euros so far. He's been outstanding. "He had a great season at West Ham, and they will be delighted that he signed a new contract. "But then again we know that contracts don't really matter these days. If a player wants to leave, it's very hard to keep him. "But he might want to stay there. He might be looking forward to that new stadium and working with Slaven Bilic, who has been excellent for the club."

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ANTHONY MODESTE CLOSE TO JOINING WEST HAM UNITED
June 20, 2016 Prashanth Nair
sporquo.com

Anthony Modeste has already reached an agreement with West Ham united as per Le10Sport. The Hammers are keen to add a striker to their squad this summer and have been linked with a move for several strikers across Europe.He will be signed as a replacement for Diafra Sakho as he is reportedly going to Sunderland since he failed to nail down a starting place in Slaven Bilic led side. The Premier League club's interest in Modeste is 'serious' and they have already made contact with the player's representatives. Die Welt is just one of many sources that carry quotes from his current club FC Koln's CEO Alexander Wehrle in which he makes it clear the French striker is set to remain at the club for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign: "The clause was not validly withdrawn. We assume that Anthony Modeste plays in the upcoming season with us – and we wish him well."

Anthony Modeste had a famously poor loan spell at Blackburn Rovers earlier in his career. It was then reported by Geissblog.Koeln that Modeste wanted the move to West Ham and he may consider this as one of his last move to a big club. Anthony Modeste has come good since moving to German football, originally with Hoffenheim, but now with Koln. He scored an impressive 18 goals in 36 appearances for Koln last season and West Ham are looking for new strikers – with the futures of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia currently unclear. West Hame have already seen a big money big rejected for Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette, while Marseille hit man Michy Batshuayi is another who has been linked. And it appears another they are keen on is Cologne striker Anthony Modeste, with Le10Sport reporting that they have already made initial contact with the player's entourage about a potential move.However, they could face competition from Chinese side Beijing Guoan, who are reportedly close to making offer for the Frenchman.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Monday, June 20

Daily WHUFC News - 20th June 2016

Sunday, June 19

Daily WHUFC News - 19th June 2016

EastEnders star will never forget the Boleyn
WHUFC.com

EastEnders star Perry Fenwick will always hold special memories from his time supporting West Ham at the Boleyn Ground, but knows there are even more exciting times ahead when the Club makes a historic move into the new Stadium. Fenwick, who plays Billy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera has been a fanatic fan since he was first brought over to the east London Club by his father when he was a youngster. Slaven Bilic and his players helped to make it a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground as the team secured European football for the second consecutive season.
Fenwick was unable to attend the final ever home game – but for good reason as he was filming a famous scene in EastEnders saying an emotional goodbye at Peggy Mitchell' s (played by Barbara Windsor) funeral. But the talented actor says he will never forget the highs and lows of his time following the Hammers at the Boleyn and hopes he will experience the same emotions when we prepare for life in our new home. Fenwick said: "My dad first brought me to West Ham in 1969 and we have probably come to a couple of thousand games and it is a weird feeling that we have left the Boleyn. "I have a lot of special memories including Trevor Sinclair's pass to Paolo Di Canio with his memorable volley and there was a milli-second when I looked at my dad and said no! That was an amazing goal. "When I was a kid my dad had a season ticket and I would go whenever he couldn't. I also went to a lot of reserve games and saw players like Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst getting back to full fitness. "It is lovely that the team have enjoyed such a memorable season and I love Slaven Bilic!"

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No1 Payet set for Swiss showdown
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet goes into Sunday's UEFA Euro 2016 Group A finale against Switzerland ranked as the continent's best player. The West Ham United star has dominated the headlines with two goals and two man of the match-winning performances to fire France through to the round of 16 with a game to spare. Those outstanding displays against Romania and Albania have seen the Hammers midfielder rise to the top of UEFA.com's Player Barometer – a position he has held since 10 June!

The Player Barometer uses data considered important for each player specific to their position. For example, successful passes, key passes and crosses are core stats for an attacking midfielder like Payet. The Barometer algorithm uses Payet's stats from all matches, both for West Ham and France, and updates after each match played. During UEFA EURO 2016, the rankings have been updated during every match, with the Hammer leading the way for the past eight days.

An assessment of Payet's form reads: "Payet received his second man of the match award after another inventive display in which he doubled the hosts' lead. "Forty-one of his 54 passes found their target, 22 of them in the final third. The former Marseille playmaker troubled Albania with set pieces and conjured six chances for team-mates in Les Bleus' 2-0 win. Over the 90 minutes at Stade Vélodrome, he supplied an impressive 17 crosses."

It remains to be seen if Payet will start France's final group-stage game against the Swiss in Lyon, with Didier Deschamps' side needing to draw to guarantee a first-place finish and, in theory, an easier round of 16 fixture. The Group A winners will face the third-place finisher in either Group C, D or E – potentially Northern Ireland, Czech Republic or Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland, as things stand.

You can watch France versus Switzerland live on BBC One from 8pm BST.

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How - and why - West Ham must strengthen this summer
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 18th June 2016
By: Harry Hanlon

I doubt what I'm about to say will be popular amongst my fellow fans, but it should highlight the truth behind last season and how we must strengthen during the transfer window.

With that disclaimer out of the way, I'll just come out with it - we were not as good as you think we were.

Before you close the tab and refuse to visit KUMB.com ever again, please let me explain why. Some of you may be aware of the concept of expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA). (If you aren't, a decent introduction may be found here.) The mapping of chances and their relative potential for goals is not an exact science but may be used as an incredibly interesting tool for predicting long-term trends and recognising short-term anomalies.

Leicester undoubtedly stole the limelight over the past 12 months, and much like the champions, we also experienced an average possession of less than 50%. The exceptional counter-attacking ability demonstrated by both sides won widespread praise and resulted in a plethora of 'giant killings' (I'll let you decide whether Liverpool and Chelsea truly fall into this category).

It seems like common sense to suggest that if the season was played over again we may not be as successful as we ultimately were. Late winners and long shots are emotive, but hardly sustainable. The examination of the expected goal stats can help quantify how fortuitous we were.

Cast your mind back to August and the opening day win at the Emirates. Cheik Kouyate's header was ecstasy-inducing (despite an uncharacteristically 'flappy' Petr Cech), Reece Oxford announced himself on the biggest stage, and Dimitri Payet ruled supreme. However, the nail in Arsenal's coffin was Mauro Zarate's wonderful low strike.

The graph below shows the location of all of Mauro's shots on target throughout his unfortunate half of the season. The gold circles indicate which of these resulted in goals, and the blues in saves. The highlighted shot is the low drive past Cech.

Using @dannypage's xG model we can see that this should only ripple the net 10.6% of the time. Remember Moses' goal against Man City? Should that normally beat a 'keeper of Hart's quality?

It feels sacrilegious to attribute such hard earned victories to chance. It's true that the goals would be unlikely to reoccur time and time again, but we held on and battled hard to see out those fixtures. Many dismiss such analytics as taking the soul from the beautiful game. Yet, it can be vital for clubs in recognising the true value of their stars.

For some reason, as the season entered its final third we decided to start defending like particularly inept schoolboys. Luckily the moment that our defenders decided to collectively give up and declare "meh", Andy Carroll had become bored of being injured and fancied doing some work for his substantial wage. Compare his xG map to that of Zarate.

In many ways the grouping in and around the penalty area shows a return to the style so often associated with Allardyce. Yes, there was more flair and ingenuity in the build up play, but the end result was the same. Pump the ball into big Andy and let him leap. This won us more points than many would care to admit.

Unfortunately this leads to the most controversial question of the article – can we really rely on Payet to keep saving our bacon?

Payet was unbelievably good this season in front of goal and he must surely be rated as the best free kick taker in the world. Yet he was ultimately too good - by which I mean he was too good for his form to continue into the future.

No player in the league bettered his xG conversion rate (you can find a full breakdown here ). If you can't be bothered to follow that link and scroll all the way down to 50th(!) place, his xG efficiency was 1.64, meaning that he scored 1.6 goals for every one that could normally be expected.

On the surface it is easy to use such stats to suggest that he is among the best players in the world, but this figure should be a cause for concern. Payet has never come close to this in his career so far, and even players like Ronaldo and Messi can't compare. I hope more than anything than Dimitri can keep up his incredible form, but Bilic and the board must prepare for the eventuality that he might not.

Whilst Payet may be lucky with his shooting, he is undoubtedly world-class in regards dribbling and assists - as he has continued to show for France at Euro 16. It is this skill that should be utilised by Sullivan, et al.

There has been a lot of talk about Theo Walcott possibly joining West Ham, and this interest has been widely condemned by fans. It's true that in front of goal he'd struggle to finish one of the Rib Man's rolls, but a genuine trait of his game that's often overlooked is his creative ability.
Walcott's partnerships with Olivier Giroud and Robin van Persie had the potential to be truly exceptional. Imagine that productive capacity down the wing coupled with Payet's genius and Lanzini's trickery?

Carroll would be a brilliant addition from the bench, but a disruptive, efficient striker could be lethal in this system. Chicharito for example, a player we were linked with last year, has been utilised to a similar, devastating effect by Leverkusen and Mexico.

Despite my grumblings and vocal concerns I am cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season. The Olympic Stadium and subsequent advantages has the potential to propel us into being a regular top six team. The reputation of the club will grow and European football will attract the players that we may have to depend on…

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

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League champions to gazump Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C AND H

According to French newspaper L'Equipe Premier league champions, Leicester City are in pole position to beat West Ham to Nice midfielder, Nampalys Mendy.

The French media claim the Hammers submitted a bid of €15m (£11.8m) to sign Nice star Nampalys Mendy but he instead he looks set to join Premier League rivals Leicester City.

The French paper claims that West Ham submitted a £11.8m bid for Mendy this weekend, but the player wants to reunite with his former Monaco boss Claudio Ranieri at Leicester City – and he is expected in England on Monday to finalise his move to the King Power Stadium.

Rumour raterThe Leicester boss had an £8m bid for the holding midfielder rejected last summer — even before swooping on another French club, Caen, for Kante. Mendy has had an impressive season at Nice, helping them to a fourth place finish in Ligue 1 that means they will play Europa League football in the new campaign. The 23-year-old has just one year left on his contract, however, and is interested in a move to the Premier League.

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Take it or leave it demand for Bacca
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

AC Milan are not willing to consider any proposals for West Ham striker target, Carlos Bacca that are below 26 million Euros (£20.5m) reports in Portugal media suggest today. Previous reports suggest West Ham had a £15m bid for the AC Milan striker rejected last month.

Bacca scored 18 league goals in his first season with the Rossoneri after joining in a £21.3m deal from Sevilla last summer.

Bacca has revealed he will hold talks with the club over his future once his commitments to Colombia's Copa America campaign are over with.

Rumour raterSpeaking to Spanish football website Marca when asked if he knew about interest from Atletico Madrid or any other club, he said: "I'm sure you [the journalists] know more than me. My priority is Milan but I know there are offers and interest in me from major clubs in Spain, England, Germany and France. Some clubs have already spoken to my agent, but he hasn't told me anything. He'll tell me everything once I'm finished with the Copa America. For now I have four more years of contract with Milan and I don't know if they're willing to sell me."

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Hammers eye Italian striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have AGAIN been linked with Juventus striker Simone Zaza and apparently Southampton and Everton are also after the striker.

The new report comes from Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio and with Slaven Bilic getting a close up look at the player as an ITV pundit interest may be real.

Slav is keeping an eye on targets whilst doubling up as a pundit and Zaza has been on the club's radar for several months.

Zaza played a key role in Italy's 1-0 win over Sweden as it was his assist which resulted in the Italian winner three minutes from time.

Following his £13.5m move to Juventus from Sassuolo last summer, Zaza was become the fourth choice striker and is likely to be up for a move.

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Oxford linked with Magpie season loan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Reece Oxford is in line for a season-long loan to Newcastle United in the Championship according to the Sun newspaper. The 17-year-old has been linked with transfers to Manchester United , Manchester City and Arsenal in the past, but is now touted for a move to the relegated Magpies.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez si claimed to want the England Under-19 international to play a key role in their push for promotion next season.
Oxford may find his first-team prospects limited in the first season at the Olympic Stadium next term and this could be just the step up he needs to further his West Ham career. Newcastle reportedly believe he would be a regular starter for them. At the end of May Reece posted "Gutted to not be able to travel with the England squad due to injury but I'll be back fit and ready for the season ahead" The England U18's lost 2-0 to South Korea in Early June. He is currently on holiday in Cyprus before he returns to pre-season training.

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West Ham's presence at Euro 16
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

No West Ham players made it into the England team but that has not stopped West Ham fans going out to France to fly the flag in the Euro 2016 championships.

TV Cameras picked up a West Ham English flag in the Republic Ireland v Sweden match last Monday in which West Ham stopper Darren Randolph featured. The game finished 1-1 with Ireland. Ireland remain second in group E with one point after one game but face Belgium at 2pm with Randy very likely to start between the sticks.

TV cameras picked up the now famous 'Hawaiian Hammers'flag during the Italy match with Sweden. Angelo Ogbonna is included in the Italy squad but has yet to feature in a game.

Lee Tyers from the Hawaiian Hammers is out there and penned the following on Facebook "It will be at the paddy game tomorrow too. Thought we got a great spot today despite turning up at 3!"

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Bilic comdems Euro violence of fellow countrymen
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Croatian head coach Slaven Bilic has condemned the actions of a minority of his fellow countrymen but warned this is an ongoing problem.
Mark Clattenburg had to stop yesterday's Euro game between Croatia and Czech Republic for six minutes after flares were thrown on the pitch and fighting broke out among Croatian supporters. One flare appeared to explode in a steward's face. Bilic told BBC Sport "It's very sad that now we have to talk about things that have nothing to do with football, in Milan and before it's happened. It started maybe six, seven, eight years ago. There are many fans who are against the FA. Unfortunately they are doing this." 2We are paying fines and playing games behind closed doors. We are probably the biggest Uefa sponsors." "It's unbelievable what those people are doing themselves. There is a riot between themselves. The majority of fans are telling them don't do it but unfortunately some of them are there on a mission. It's probably not the last time they'll do this."
"Croatia very rarely plays in Split, my home town. Some fans think it's all about Zagreb – the majority of players in the youth academy and the youth teams at national level are from Dinamo Zagreb. It's about a divide between the north and the south. Between Zagreb and Split."
Czech Republic v Croatia - UEFA Euro 2016 - Group D - Stade Geoffroy Guichard"The two biggest clubs from the ex-Yugoslavia are Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split and Dinamo is now becoming the biggest club in the Balkan area while Hajduk Split is without any money."

"When there's a big derby between Dinamo and Hajduk people don't take their kids to the game because they know there'll be fighting."

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Carlton Cole released by Celtic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Hammer Carlton Cole has left Celtic after just eight months with the Scottish champions after Brendan Rogers joined the club. The 32 year old striker moved north last October on a two-year deal following his release from the Boleyn Ground after nine years with West Ham.

Cole, scored just once – against Stranraer in the Scottish Cup – in five matches for the Hoops. In a brief statement on their website, Celtic said; "Celtic Football Club today confirmed that Carlton Cole is leaving the club. Everyone at Celtic would sincerely like to wish Carlton the very best of success for the future."

Carlton Cole was released by West Ham for the second time in two years in May last year. The striker was let go by the Hammers in the summer of 2013 but rejoined the club on a short-term deal five months later before penning an 18-month contract in January 2014. Carlton made 158 League appearances for the Hammers plus a further 99 appearances as a substitute scoring 55 goals in total over his two spells as an Iron.

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Hammers back in but be wary of price tag
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham continue to be linked with a huge number of strikers and Slaven Bilic can't wait to get his chosen front man on board. The biggest rumour of the ast 24 hours – reported here and elsewhere – is that Alexandre Lacazette is at the centre of another Hammers offer. And it was confirmed to us by a top Hammers souce today that we are still chasing the France international currently playing his football at Lyon.
However, a reported figure of £37 million should not be taken overly seriously as David Sullivan is not a man to slap £5million on previous offer – at a stroke. The last offer was £32 million and we understand the negotiations will move forward at around £1 million a time given we are the only club publicly in the frame at the moment. We were told: "David is a man who simply refuses to give up once the bit is between his teeth and we are determined to get the very best we can."

Bilic meanwhile in his Daily Mail column today says: "Finally, hats off to the West Ham board for signing Sofiane Feghouli on a free transfer from Valencia! We are proud and glad that he and Havard Nordtveit, the captain of Borussia Monchengladbach, have signed for us because other big clubs were trying for them. Everyone knows we want a top-class striker. And if we can get a 20-goals-a-season man, there's no reason why we can't improve on last season and challenge the Premier League's top teams."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Saturday, June 18

Daily WHUFC News - 18th June 2016

Valencia misses out on semi-final spot
WHUFC.com

Enner Valencia's Copa America adventure came to end after his Ecuador side were beaten 2-1 by USA in Seattle on Thursday night. Valencia had played a major role in helping Ecuador reach the quarter final stage of the competition, but they were unable to find a way past the tournament hosts in front of a passionate crowd at CenturyLink Field. It was always an uphill battle for Ecuador after goals from Gyasi Zardes and Clint Dempsey had fired the USA into a two-goal lead. Both sides were reduced to ten men early in the second half after Manchester United's Antonio Valencia and USA's Jermaine Jones were sent off. Ecuador were handed a major lifeline on 74 minutes when Michael Arroyo pulled a goal back after he fired a low shot past Brad Guzan. It could have been a different story for Ecuador if Valencia had found the target two minutes later after the Hammers striker found himself completely unmarked inside the area and directed a header inches over the bar. The USA held on for victory in front of a passionate crowd in Seattle and will now face the winners of Argentina or Venezuela in Houston on Tuesday.

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Mark Noble to open Stadium Store
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's stunning new state-of-the-art Stadium Store on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be officially opened by captain Mark Noble at 9.30am on Thursday 23 June.
Noble will cut the ribbon in the company of highly-rated young professionals Josh Cullen and Sam Howes at what promises to be an exciting opening day. There are also some fantastic incentives for those who arrive early on the day. The first 16 fans to buy the Umbro 2016/17 Away shirt at the Store will meet skipper Noble, have their photo taken and have their shirt signed by the No16! The first 100 supporters through the doors to buy the new Away shirt will also receive free shirt printing.

The new Stadium Store – two-and-a-half times bigger than its predecessor at the Boleyn Ground – boasts a brand new Magic Mirror which allows you to try on the new Away Kit using virtual technology before you buy it. To commemorate the Club's illustrious history, and in agreement with the family of one of West Ham's greatest managers, a section of the iconic John Lyall Gates from the Boleyn Ground have been relocated to the Stadium Store in his honour. Further features to improve the fan-experience include the installation of 25 till points – more than twice the number at the Boleyn Ground – as well as a dedicated shirt printing area with 12 printing machines to cope with the high demand, particularly on matchdays. The new-look Store also features our brand new personalisation station, allowing you to order all of your favourite West Ham merchandise including mugs, mouse mats, key rings and even mock newspaper clippings with any name you chose – all at the touch of a screen.

A tasty addition to the new Stadium Store is a bespoke coffee shop named West Ham United Coffee Co. where you can take a break, meet and mingle during your visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Opening Times

Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
Matchday 9am-Kick-off (Re-opens after final whistle)
Map and Directions

The Stadium Store is just a short walk from Westfield Stratford City and supporters are recommended to walk via The Street and Stratford Walk. The walk route is shown on the map below. With construction works continuing around the Stadium over the Summer, access to the Stadium Store will be via the bridge nearest the Store, which is adjacent to the Orbit.

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Bilic - 'We want a top-class striker'
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic says West Ham United will step up their pursuit of a 20-goal-a-season striker after completing the free transfer signings of Havard Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli.
Norway star Nordtveit will add steel to the midfield, while Algeria winger Feghouli is a player who can change games from wide areas with his pace and ability to beat his man.
Having secured two seasoned internationals, Bilic and the Hammers' Board will now focus all of their energies on bringing a prolific top-class forward to east London – with the ultimate aim of challenging for a UEFA Champions League place next season. "Hats off to the West Ham board for signing Sofiane Feghouli on a free transfer from Valencia!" the manager wrote in his latest Euro 2016 for MailOnline. "We are proud and glad that he and Havard Nordtveit, the captain of Borussia Moenchengladbach, have signed for us because other big clubs were trying for them. "Everyone knows we want a top-class striker. And if we can get a 20-goals-a-season man, there's no reason why we can't improve on last season and challenge the Premier League's top teams."

Bilic also revealed that he is learning new things from the fellow former players and managers he is working alongside as an expert pundit for ITV in France. The one-time Croatia boss has quickly established himself as a cult figure for his passionate in-depth analysis in the studio, topped by his table-climbing celebration of Dimitri Payet's goal against Albania. "I am enjoying the experience of working on TV during the Euros, especially because my family are with me in Paris and we have some free time together in this great city," Bilic wrote. "I would of course be watching the games anyway. OK, I am not watching them with my mates back in Split, in a local bar or at home with my son – but I am watching them with football people. "During the game we talk about the action and you can always learn from people like Ian, Christian, Lee Dixon, Emmanuel Petit and Glenn Hoddle. When I see the coaches of the teams going through agonies down on the touchline, I can empathise, having been in that situation myself in 2008 and 2012."

As a current manager himself, and one who has featured at the European Championship finals as both a player and a coach, Bilic admits he is being careful not to be overly harsh in his punditry. "When I have to say something about the coaches on TV I'm trying to be sympathetic," he explained. "I want to defend them because I know how hard it is for them and how easy it is for me – and other pundits – to talk at half-time or after the game. "On TV, we talk about the coach after the game and ask: 'Why did he do this and why did he not do that?' "I can tell you that quite often the coach is asking himself exactly the same questions, but he has had to make decisions before the game."

On Friday evening, Bilic's own Croatia face the Czech Republic in their second Group D fixture, looking to build on their opening-game success against Turkey. The Hammers boss, who was capped 44 times and led his country between 2006 and 2012, is hoping current Croatia coach Ante Cacic can keep up the good work in Saint-Etienne. "It is a great job to coach your country but it is also hard because there are thousands and thousands of 'managers' who are watching your every move," "I have also talked to my friends back in Croatia. They have been very positive about our team. The people and the media were not happy during qualification and the manager, Niko Kovac, was sacked before the play-offs.
"Everything looks positive after the Turkey match, but you know it can all change after one game."

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The Insider
WHUFC.com

With the first-team squad set to return for the start of pre-season training at the start of July, speculation over which players will be arriving at West Ham United is growing stronger by the day. The Hammers have been busy in the transfer market once again and beat off interest from a number of top clubs to secure the signing of highly-rated winger Sofiane Feghouli this week. After bringing in Norway international Havard Nordtveit, the Club's Board are determined to make the squad even stronger and are ready to make more new signings over the next two months. Slaven Bilic has made it clear once again that the Club are targeting a striker who can score 20 goals-a-season and every effort is being made to bring in a top-class forward. Several big names including Alexandre Lacazette, Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke and Wilfried Bony have all been linked with the Hammers in recent weeks.

The big stories this week have surrounded a move for Lyon's Lacazette, with reports suggesting that the Hammers could even pull out of a move to ensure Dimitri Payet remains the star man at the Club. My sources have told me that meetings have taken place and he remains a major target. But my understanding is that negotiations have hit a stalemate and there is not much chance of the French forward making a move to West Ham as things stand. I have been told that the Club have a number of targets and they will continue to work hard behind the scenes as they look to bring a prolific forward into the club. It is my understanding that there have not been any developments on other forwards this week as a number of the top strikers in Europe are simply not for sale. There have also been reports in the last 24 hours suggesting that West Ham have made a second bid for Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie. My sources have told me this is not the case and the Hammers have not offered £8million for the Scotland international. The Insider will have more news over possible arrivals and departures from the Club in the next 48 hours so stay tuned to whufc.com for all the latest developments.

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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com

This has been another big week for the Club with our second major signing of the summer and I am delighted that we were able to finalise a move for highly rated Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli. We all saw what Riyad Mahrez did for Leicester last season and we hope that Sofiane can have a similar impact. Mahrez was one of the star performers in the Premier League and was rewarded when he won the PFA Player of the Year Award.
Anyone who can show that kind of form deserves to be part of a successful team and he played such a key role in helping Leicester win the title.
Both players are big names back in Algeria and I am sure Sofiane will be looking forward to facing his international team-mate next season. I want to pay tribute to our fantastic recruiting team who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure this deal got completed. David Sullivan, Slaven Bilic and Tony Henry make sure no stone is unturned as we look to bring the best players to West Ham United and have ensured we have brought another quality international into the squad. We have certainly got a good team of people on the case. The importance of making sure we make the right decisions when it comes to new players is such a key factor and we have a track record of bringing in the right players.
You only have to look at the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio, Angelo Ogbonna to see the research we do when signing a player and making sure they are the right fit for West Ham United. We have already signed Norway international Havard Nordtveit and the arrival of Feghouli shows the ambition we have got and this is a steady progress. We want to bring in players who will add to our squad and only make us stronger for next season.

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Darren tipped to stop Red Devils
WHUFC.com

Irish Independent sports news editor and Hammers fan Shane Scanlon says Darren Randolph can excel again when Republic of Ireland take on Belgium at Euro 2016...

Darren Randolph passed his first test at Euro 2016 with a solid display in Ireland's 1-1 draw with Sweden on Monday, but the West Ham United goalkeeper will know a more searching test of his talents awaits against Belgium in Bordeaux.

Without ever coming under too much pressure, Randolph did what he had to do in the Stade de France and, crucially, he did it with the confidence of a man who's keen to repay the faith that Martin O'Neill has put in him.

Going into the tournament, Randolph could not have been certain that he would be thrust into the No1 spot ahead of the experienced Shay Given or Sheffield Wednesday's in-form Keiren Westwood.

The position was up for grabs, but what O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane saw at training – and also in West Ham's closing Premier League games after he replaced the injured Adrian – was a hugely determined 29-year-old eager to hold his hands up for the job.

The Bray, County Wicklow native did everything you would hope to see from an international goalkeeper against Sweden in Paris. He showed a good command of his area, plucked a few crosses out of the sky, fed his kick-outs to green jerseys and made one good save from a misdirected Ciaran Clark clearance.

Remarkably, he didn't have a single Swedish effort to save (Zlatan Ibrahimovic and company had seven shots on goal and none on target!) and there was little he could do about the goal that Ireland did concede, with the unfortunate Clark heading an Ibrahimovic cross into his own net.
Randolph and his back-four can expect to be involved from the start, but despite the long list of attacking wizards which Marc Wilmots has at his disposal the goalkeeper should have nothing to fear
Shane Scanlon on Darren Randolph

The chances of Randolph not having a single Belgian shot to save are slim in the extreme. Europe's top-rated team possess some of the world's most talented footballers and went into the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way.

Not for the first time, however, the sum of the team's parts didn't meet their individual valuation in the opening match against Italy and a 2-0 defeat was not in the script.

As a result, Belgian backs are suddenly up against a wall and the Red Devils of international football are sure to come out with pitchforks waving.

Randolph and his back-four can expect to be involved from the start, but despite the long list of attacking wizards which Marc Wilmots has at his disposal – Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi and Christian Benteke – the goalkeeper should have nothing to fear.

Last August, Randolph was in the West Ham goal as the Irons bridged a 52-year gap at Anfield by inflicting a 3-0 drubbing on Liverpool. Among the home team that day was Benteke who failed to get the get the better of the visiting goalkeeper so that experience will have done Ireland's No 1 no harm at all. You can watch highlights of West Ham's historic 3-0 Premier League win at Anfield here.

Indeed, Randolph can take plenty of heart from another Anfield appearance last season when he was man of the match in West Ham's 0-0 draw in the FA Cup – making a superb triple save that saw him twice deny Benteke – and he was also between the posts for the replay at the Boleyn Ground where both Benteke and Origi failed to beat him, helping the Hammers to a dramatic 2-1 win in extra-time. Facing down the Belgians has not unnerved him.

So it was interesting to hear Roy Keane declare in the run-up to Saturday's match that Ireland have have no reason to be afraid of their much-vaunted opponents.

The FIFA world rankings might have Wilmots' side at No 2 and Ireland 31 places behind them, but we've already seen in France that past performance counts for little. Randolph is one Irishman who has shown that he's no hostage to reputation and expect him to re-inforce that in Bordeaux.

With Sweden losing to Italy on Friday afternoon, Ireland's chances of qualifying out of Group E have been enhanced such that, should they beat Belgium they will be almost certain of reaching the round of 16.

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Randolph - Belgium can be a match for anyone
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph is hoping the Republic of Ireland can secure their first victory of the Euro Finals when they face Belgium on Saturday, but knows they are facing one of the toughest teams in the competition. The Hammers keeper enjoyed a memorable day when he was named in the Ireland team for the opening group game and played his part in helping Ireland come away with a 1-1 draw with Sweden. Randolph is now preparing for another tough encounter in Bordeaux on Saturday and knows a great deal about the opposition, having played against a number of players in the Premier League.

The Hammers keeper will certainly be hoping he can keep his impressive record against Liverpool duo Christian Benteke and Divock Origi who failed to find any way past Randolph in the three games they played against him last season in the Premier League and FA Cup. Randolph said: "You can go through the Belgium team and most of their players are either playing in the Premier League or playing for top teams across Europe. "On their day they can be a match for anyone, not only in Europe but worldwide. "It is another tough game for us and we will see what kind of Belgium team turns up on the day."

Randolph has no doubts the Ireland fans will create another outstanding atmosphere against Belgium and says he is relishing the chance to play in front of them. Randolph added: "The Ireland fans will come over and have a party in France. I am looking forward to seeing all the fans who are there, because I used to watch them on television. "I will now experience that for myself and everyone will know we have been there. "There is a chance for us to create our own memories which will be talked about for years to come."

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic targets striker to boost Champions League push
By Matthew Treadwell
Last Updated: 17/06/16 5:25pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic believes West Ham will be genuine contenders for a Champions League spot if they can sign a top-quality striker over the summer.
The Hammers move into the Olympic Stadium next season with confidence high after a final campaign at the Boleyn Ground that saw them play some entertaining football on their way to finishing seventh in the table. Bilic's side will compete in the Europa League next season but the Croatian feels the goals boost offered by a prolific forward would help them move up to the next level, with joint-chairman David Sullivan confirming to Sky Sports News HQ in May he was confident of landing a "top striker" during the close-season.

"Everyone knows we want a top-class striker. And if we can get a 20-goals-a-season man, there's no reason why we can't improve on last season and challenge the Premier League's top teams," Bilic told the MailOnline.

Midfielder Dimitri Payet was the club's top scorer with 13 goals last season, with strikers Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia netting just 14 times between them. Bilic has already added to his squad, with Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli set to join on a free transfer on July 1, while Norway international Havard Nordtveit will also move to east London from Borussia Monchengladbach when the transfer window opens. The Hammers boss also revealed they had to ward off interest from a number of clubs who were vying for the duo's signatures. "We are proud and glad that [Feghouli] and Havard Nordtveit, the captain of Borussia Moenchengladbach, have signed for us because other big clubs were trying for them," added Bilic.

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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER RUMOUR ROUND UP
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 16 JUNE 2016 AT 10:20PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

This feature launched yesterday and is a feature I hope to continue with daily. It will be a way for me to answer the many questions I get asked during the day. I will not always know the answer 100 percent because my well placed sources are not at my beckon call at every minute of the day but I will do my best to get accurate answers based on what I have been told.

Rumour one: We will not sign Lacazette because we want to keep Payet as the main man. Not sure this really needs answering but this is certainly not the case. The club are very ambitious and want to bring the best players to the club that they possibly can and this includes Lacazette. Payet is great mates with Lacazette so I am sure he would welcome him moving to the club. Even if he did join, Payet (currently starring in the Euros) is a much bigger player than Lacazette (not selected for the Euros) anyway. Payet does not have this attitude and he is much more likely to be a positive factor in persuading Lacazette to join rather than insisting that he cant. Can you really imagine Payet saying "Please don't sign any players who may be as good as me because I want to be the biggest player here"? We increased Payet's salary recently to reflect how key he is. As I keep mentioning Madrid are interested but we will do our very best to hold onto him.

Rumour two: Is the Tore move still on? The club are confident that they will be able to land him. He is Bilic's number one target and always has been. Tore has said in the press that he wants to join us and his current club are accepting that this move is likely to happen.

Rumour three: Matt Ritchie is joining us for £8m. Richie is also a target that we have already enquired about (before the season had finished). Tore is the top target but by making an enquiry for Richie public it could encourage Tore's club to speed up his transfer. Ritchie can play on the left as well though. At this stage I would say Tore is more likely.

Rumour four: Tomkins will leave the club: I brought you the exclusive news that the club were considering selling Tomkins way back on May 22nd in my column. There is still a possibility that this could happen. As I explained in the above column because of the emergence of Oxford an Burke we may accept and offer for him. Crystal Palace and Sunderland are both very keen and a £12m-£15m offer could secure his signature. It has been reported that we have rejected £8m-£9m offers for the player. I do not know if these bids have happened but it would require around £12m to tempt us to sell.

Rumour five: When is the home kit launch? I don't know the exact date but it should be within the next week (around the 22nd June). I know that the club have prepared a big media launch for our first home shirt in the new stadium.

Rumour six: The club has been linked with a £10m move for the Wolves right back Dominic Iorfa and former PSG right back Gregory Van Der Wiel. The club did look at Van Der Wiel as we reported on the 8th of May but he is almost certain to join Roma and Bilic doesn't see right back at his priority at the moment if Van Der Wiel wont join. This is surely emphasied by the fact we have signed Feghouli, Tore should sign plus Sakho and Valencia (if they are still here) can play there too. This suggests that Antonio will be used more as a right back rather than a right winger next season. We do like Iorfa and he wants a move here but for now this is unlikely to happen.

The club have made initial contact with Anthony Modeste- This is a player that we have scouted in the past and he has been on the radar for a while. David Sullivan is currently exploring many forward options and it is fair to say that this player may be on a long list of "2nd choice" forwards that we have enquired about.

*I hope this has clarified a few transfers. I am keen to stress that my column has trusted information in it from all my sources. These daily columns are my feelings based on what I know so they are not guaranteed to be as reliable but nonetheless they should be fairly accurate.

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Robbie Savage column: Slaven Bilic won't be dancing if Dimitri Payet's Euros heroics tempt Barcelona or Real Madrid
20:00, 17 JUN 2016
OPINION BY ROBBIESAVAGE
West Ham's French star is the player of this tournament so far and despite his new contract they will be worried about interest from the continent's elite clubs
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic may have been climbing on the table when Dimitri Payet scored the other night, but he won't be dancing on the furniture if some of Europe's big guns come calling for his French ace after Euro 2016 . No question, no debate, midfielder Payet has been the star of this tournament so far. Like England's Jamie Vardy, who is also 29, his performances over the last 12 months make you wonder where he has been hiding for the past 10 years. After a brilliant debut season at West Ham , where he is already revered probably more than any player since Paolo Di Canio, Payet's star has shone brightest for France in their first two matches. You could not fail to be moved when he dissolved into tears after that fabulous late winner for the host nation against Romania on the opening night of the finals.
And he clinched Wednesday's 2-0 win over Albania in another late show where he was still full of running, full of energy, darting into pockets of space and trying to make things happen right to the end. I love watching players who can paint a picture on the football pitch and come up with a masterpiece. Some of us could only draw sketches with crayons, but West Ham's capture of Payet last summer now looks like their co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan found a rare Picasso painting in the attic. Now, of course, the big worry for Gold, Sullivan and manager Bilic is whether they can hang on to Payet when the whole of Europe has woken up to his talent. I know he signed a five-and-a-half-year deal, worth a reported £125,000-a-week , only four months ago, and I'm sure West Ham will move heaven and earth to make sure he leads them into their new home at the Olympic Stadium next season. But there is no such thing as a bullet-prof contract in football any more. A long contract only offers clubs the protection of a big transfer fee if they cannot hang on to their prize assets.
And if Real Madrid or Barcelona came calling for Payet, it would be a brave man who put his mortgage on him staying with the Hammers. Don't get me wrong: I would love to see Payet sprinkling his magic on the Premier League next season and I hope he stays in England. But the big worry now is that he could be too hot to handle. And, more than ever, the biggest question mark over Payet is this: How on earth did West Ham buy him for only £10.8million?

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Real…Zidane…and why Payet will stay at Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 17, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H

ClaretandHugh is delighted to welcome a fabulous new blogger – our pal from Anthony @WestHamSocial – the latest top name to team up with your favourite website. Our new CandH partner and blogger- will be appearing regularly as a writer for us this summer and next season – with a big new feature series of his own ahead of every game. @WestHamSocial in without question the No 1 site for brilliantly and amusingly innovative vines and videos. Ant's great graphic designs will also be appearing regularly on these pages and we encourage you to give him a follow on Twitter RIGHT NOW. Here he puts the Dimi Payet and Real Madrid story into sharp financial perspective and gives the best possiblereasons why it is seriously unlikely to happen

Another day and another lazy re-cycled transfer story in the press about Dimitri Payet's future!

Real Madrid's apparent swoop for our star can only be diminished by Sullivan's 'not for sale' stance so many times before it starts to get mundane.

Are the press actually looking at the cost of all this? ….Probably not, as that doesn't sell stories.

We would be naive in thinking Payet's match winning performances in the Premier League last season and his eye -catching showcases in the Euros thus far wouldn't attract interest.

In a team as star-studded as France, Payet has emerged as the current key player and shining light of the squad – the players are relying on his every move, every touch and every goal to keep the momentum of a nation going.

When you can keep a player of Paul Pogba's stature out of the team and overshadow him in every sense, you know you're fast approaching a 'world class' status in your own right.

This kind of spotlight on a player will always start pesky transfer rumours and the vultures will inevitable start circling.

It is rumoured fellow compatriot Zinedine Zidane is a great admirer of our Dimi and he would like nothing more than to have the classy Frenchman in his team of Galacticos next season.

This could be interesting considering Real Madrid bought Zidane for a then world record £46 million at similar age to Payet, albeit one year younger at 28. This, Real Madrid do have a history of buying an older player for a huge sum. so maybe the age factor we keep mentioning isn't a factor at all. On the other hand…..?

However, as much as us Hammers sing a fully tongue in cheek 'he's better than Zidane', at this stage in his own career, his honours surpass Payet's considerably.

The Ballon d'Or, UEFA midfielder of the year, double league winning Juventus player, Zidane was the ultimate prize when Real bought him in 2001. Is the same club going to pay a silly amount to capture the signature of Dimitri Payet who has only just come to the fore? It does seem unlikely.

Payet accepted a new 125k per week five year contract in January, without a buy out clause as well, so to buy him and offer a suitable contract, it would require an absolutely unbelievable transfer package.

Let's base it on Zidane's own transfer when 15 YEARS AGO the guy was 28 years old and cost £46 million. Times that by 15 years of inflation and current TV money, would see a price tag of £100 million.

What of the wages to lure Dimi away? A £150k as an absolute minimim and more likely £200k to really make it worthwhile means RM would have approaching £30 million.

Any deal overall, would cost Real Madrid or any other interested clubs for that matter, upwards and over £120 million to lure a 29 year old with no sell on value away from his current home. Well, they did say it would have to be ridiculous.

Anthony @westhamsocial
https://twitter.com/WestHamSocial

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Hammers reject £9 million offer for defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 16, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive

West Ham have rejected bids of £8 million and £9 million from two Premier League clubs for James Tomkins. And although there is no official confirmation from inside the club, the home grown central defender now looks to be a certain departure this summer. There was much speculation last summer that he was unlikely to be Slav's first choice and the manager settled on a first team central defensive partnership of Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid as his preferred pairing, with James Collins very much in the picture when fit. ClaretandHugh exclusively revealed several days ago the central defender will be allowed to move on and he has been linked with Palace and Sunderland in the past. We were told by a highly placed Hammers insider: "It's very much the manager's decision because James spent a lot of time on the bench last season and he's unhappy with that. "As a result the manager will allow him to move on as he doesn't want unhappy players in the squad but we have not received a suitable offer at this stage."

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Dicksie signs up for two more years
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 16, 2016 in News, Whispers
C ad H

Thrilled Julian Dicks has been rewarded with a new two year deal as Slaven Bilic's assistant. The Hammers cult hero has been a key member of the boss' staff since hs arrival last summer and he announdicksced the deal on his Instagram account. He revealed that he had agreed to carry on and even posted the front page of the contract on the social media network. He said: "Over the moon to say I've just signed a new two year contract." Dicks was the first person Slaven Bilic approached when he took over as the new Hammers boss last summer and the the two former Irons team and room-mates have been on the case together throughout. The manager has another two years to run on his three year contract and the board will be discussing a new contract with him probably at the turn of the year.

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Irons contact agents of Bundesliga 18 goal striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 17, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are in contact with Anthony Modeste's agents claim media reports in France today. According to French magazine Le 10 Sport, the club have already made contact with the player's agents. The Frenchman made a total of 36 appearances across all competitions for German team FC Koln last season and scored 18 goals in the process, a return which has caught West Ham's scouts attention. Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan are expected to submit a highly lucrative proposal to the striker very soon so the Hammers will have to act quickly to have a chance. Modeste's contract with Koln runs until the summer of 2019 and he is considered a key man at the Bundesliga club. He is seen as an ideal replacement for Diafra Sakho should he leave.

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Valencia suffers knock out
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 17, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham's Enner Valencia and Ecuador were knocked out of the Copa America quarter final last night by USA last night in Seattle. USA triumphed 2-1 despite Valencia featuring for the full ninety minutes but he could not find the net on this occasion. At one point Valencia was bought down in the penalty area but the West Ham forward got straight to his feet and the referee did not give the spot-kick. Reports say Valencia should have scored at least twice from close range headers in the second but it was it was his fellow team mate Arroyo who cut the lead after the 73rd minute. The West Ham forward scored two goals and made two assists for Ecuador in the Copa America tournament in recent weeks. Valencia has been linked with a move to the Spanish La Liga and German Bundesliga in recent days as well as supposed interest from Premier LEague rivals West Brom and Manchester City.

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Wolves issue hands off warning to Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 17, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Wolves have reportedly issued a 'hands-off' warning to any Premier League clubs considering a move for Dominic Iorfa by insisting the defender is not for sale. Both West Ham and Crystal Palace have been linked with the highly-rated England under-21 international but according to the Wolverhampton Express and Star, Wolves insist they have no intention of selling the player.

Iorfa made 46 appearances last season and is contracted until summer 2019, having signed a new deal last November. Reports have suggested Wolves will demand £7million for a player who is considered one of the best defensive prospects outside the top flight.

It's understood those clubs making tentative enquiries as to his availability have been told bids are not welcome. Southend United would be entitled to 15 per cent of any transfer fee thanks to a sell-on clause, which was inserted in the deal which saw Iorfa move from Roots Hall to Molineux five years ago.

His father, Dominic Iorfa Senior, issued a statement earlier this week denying reports suggesting he had handed in a transfer request.

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Giving up on Lacazette? Rubbish
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 17, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H

The Daily Mail is today reporting that West Ham are considering abandoning their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette. Just one problem with the story – it's not true! Simon Jones writes: "West Ham may consider shelving their expensive pursuit of Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette to ensure Dimitri Payet remains their star man. "Lyon are continuing to demand £40m for striker Lacazette as they wait for Paris St Germain to firm up their interest with a bid" This appears to be a mostly speculative piece written by Mr Jones without any real evidence or sources to rely on to make such an assumption. Anyone who knows David Sullivan will know he doesn't easily give up without a fight. He is like a dog with a bone and will only admit defeat when he is ultimately forced to. And the idea that we would not buy a player because we don't want to make one player more popular than another is – to put if bluntly – utterly ridiculous. West Ham have already put in bids of £31m and £32m and, in direct contradiction to Mr Jones' article, Claret and Hugh were told last night about unconfirmed report that a third bid was being considered for Lacazette and that West Ham were prepared to pay up to £37m for the player. As for the suggested Dimi would get upset if he was no longer the star man at West Ham, RIDICULOUS. Lacazette and Payet are good friends and the striker sent our midfield maestro a second congratulation message on twitter to Payet after Dimi scored the second late goal on Wednesday evening.

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Bidding war for Tomkins
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 17, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H

News that West Ham have rebuffed £8m and £9m bids for James Tomkins have come as little surprise. Last month, friend of this site, Darren Lewis revealed in the Mirror that Sunderland and Crystal Palace had made him a transfer target so that appears to tie in with recent bids. The two former West Ham managers Sam Allardyce and Alan Pardew know the 27 year old very well having both managed him in their time in charge of the Hammers. Tomkins was still in the Academy during Pardew's reign between 2003-2006 but well regarded, Allardyce favored Tonks in the centre of defense in his reign between 2011-2015 playing 148 games under Big Sam. Tomkins made 25 appearances lase season but many of these were as right back to deputise for the injured Carl Jenkinson. If I was a betting man I would guess that Sunderland have bid the lower amount of £8m while London rivals Palace have bettered the offer to reach the £9m mark. Tomkins agent is a certain Mark Curtis who also acts for Sam Allardyce, Adrian and Andy Carroll. That possibly gives Sunderland a small advantage although the chance of staying in London with Palace must be a factor too. Meanwhile Simon Jones in the Mail suggests Stoke City and West Brom are interested in Tomkins too.

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Payet is short odds to leave West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 17, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Bookies Ladbrokes have reduced the odds for Dimitri Payet to leave West Ham by the end of the Summer transfer window to the short odds of 5/4
Chelsea lead the way as favourites at 7/2, with Antonio Conte keen to revamp his side who struggled last season. Last season's Champions League finalists Real Madrid are (8/1) and Atletico Madrid are (12/1) while it's (9/1) that Payet stays in France beyond the Euros, by moving to Ligue 1 giants PSG.
Manchester United are also dark horses in the race for the midfielder's signature (12/1), with Arsenal rounding out the English interest at (16/1)

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: "Payet has been the star man at Euro 2016 so far and the big boys are lining up to take him from the Hammers. Don't be surprised to see him swap the East End for West London this summer."

Chelsea 7/2
Real Madrid 8/1
PSG 9/1
Manchester Utd 12/1
Atletico Madrid 12/1
Arsenal 16/1
Bayern Munich 20/1
Barcelona 20/1
Juventus 20/1
Olympique de Marseille 33/1

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