Jose Fonte's Portugal held by Mexico in Confederations Cup opener
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte and Portugal made a drawing start to their FIFA Confederations
Cup campaign when they were twice pegged back by Mexico on Sunday afternoon.
Portugal will be disappointed to not have taken maximum points in Kazan,
after Ricardo Quaresma and Cedric Soares gave them the lead in both halves.
Southampton's Soares' goal, just four minutes from time, looked to have
secured a 2-1 victory, but Hector Moreno nodded home a leveller in stoppage
time.
Former Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez had earlier cancelled out
Quaresma's clever opener.
Fonte played the 90 minutes alongside Pepe at centre back to earn his 24th
Portugal cap.
Portugal sit level with Mexico in joint-second in Group A after their first
game, with Russia beating New Zealand 2-0 in Saturday's opening fixture.
The Portuguese are back in action on Wednesday when they take on the hosts
Russia.
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Lewin: West Ham United pre-season schedule is perfect preparation
WHUFC.com
Gary Lewin, West Ham United's new Head of Medical Services, looks ahead to
the pre-season schedule, which will take in training camps in Austria and
Germany before a trip to Iceland to face Manchester City a week before the
start of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign…
Austria is the choice for a lot of Premier League clubs now, mainly because
it's a great environment – the facilities and hotels are always very good,
the hotels and pitches are a good standard but, more importantly, you can
isolate the team, so that you can purely focus on pre-season and football.
It is a chance for the squad and the staff to enjoy some team bonding and
work together in preparation for the start of the season.
Over the last few years it has become common for teams to travel around the
world for pre-season tours and matches that have a commercial element to
them and so, from my point of view, it was fantastic to come here and see
that we are going to Austria and Germany for purely fitness and football.
It means that I will have time to really get to know the players, and we can
have that real consistency of training. We're based in one place on each
trip, there isn't much travelling, and everything is organised for the
benefit of the players.
It also means that we can take our injured players with us – we are not
isolating them from the main squad and, although they will be integrated
back into training at different times, they will essentially have been a
part of the same programme.
For the last two summers, the Club have had early competitive football in
the Europa League, and that can be tough. It's not so much the early start,
but more the unknown aspect of it when you are planning – who are we
playing, where are we travelling. That can make it difficult to plan
individual programmes for players who may be at different levels of fitness
and conditioning.
This year we can set in stone what we are doing, and have a pre-conceived
plan all the way through to August 12. We can all be on the same page, with
the same levels of fitness and, hopefully, have everyone relatively
injury-free and ready to go.
I'm really looking forward to getting started now. We are away for a period
of nearly three weeks, which will give me a great opportunity for me to get
to know everyone, and for them to get to know me.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN FOR BRACE THE HAMMER
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 18 JUNE 2017 AT 9:36PM
For those of you that missed my column yesterday for Brace the Hammer
website here is the link:
https://bracethehammer.sbnation.com/transfer-news/2017/6/17/15823844/exwhuem
ployee-transfer-update In the article I speak of all the latest transfers
news that is happening at the moment. I am really pleased to have worked
with that website following on from my appearance on The Three Hammers
website. I think it is really important for the West Ham sites to work
together to try and bring new and exciting content and hopefully there will
be future opportunities in the summer. We will continue to bring exclusive
transfer news on our radio show and through the site throughout the summer
so keep checking back!
West Ham United transfer discussion: the latest rumblings out of East London
Everyone's favorite ITK discusses transfer news, kits, and more!
by ExWHUemployee Jun 17, 2017, 10:22am EDT
So I have decided to write this column for Brace the Hammer having appeared
on the Three Hammers podcast during the week, which you can watch here. I am
very keen to collaborate with other West Ham sites and I'm delighted that
Brace The Hammer offered me the opportunity to post on their site.
So this is a follow on from our weekly radio show on Phoenix FM where I
always do a section on inside club news. This week we were lucky enough to
have up and coming Boxer and West Ham fan Sammy McNess on the show.
Since the show, where our interest was first mentioned, we've submitted a
bid for Middlesbrough and former Barcelona player Adama Traore. As is often
the case with these transfers at this stage, the two sides are said to be a
long way apart in terms of their valuation. We are believed to have offered
around £8m for the player although it is feared that 'Boro may want more
than double this for the player. Whilst the forward position has always been
the priority, it is believed that Slav does also want a tricky winger with
pace as well- Traore fits that bill perfectly. Some bookmakers have closed
the betting on him signing for us, this does seem a little premature but
certain people are convinced that we have a very strong chance of completing
this signing.
The deal could depend on the departure of one or two of our current wingers.
There is said to be a number of clubs interested in taking Robert Snodgrass
off our hands with the likes of Brighton, Huddersfield and Sheffield
Wednesday all appearing to have some interest. If we could recoup near what
we paid Hull for him in January, I think we will see his departure. If the
right offer comes in for Feghouli too we would accept that and this makes
our need for a winger much greater. We also have an interest in Tadic of
Southampton as well as a number of pacey wingers from the continent
including the famously named Cafu.
Henry Onyekuru can also play as a winger although his goals record last year
in Belgium suggests that he should be a forward. We are still very keen on
this player however complications around his work permit are causing us
issues as far as the transfer is concerned. Other clubs are interested and
it will be interesting to see how this develops. Another Nigerian who we are
after is Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City. The transfer appeared to be
getting close and then Manchester City wanted to negotiate a buy back clause
within the deal. This buy back clause is said to be the stumbling block
because Manchester City want it to be quite low meaning the player could
affectively walk out on us back to his original club for a minimal profit.
Leicester City look like they may be prepared to do this but we are still
not out of the running in this deal.
Olivier Giroud seems to be the forward we want most and the club have said
they will match any offers for him, we employed a similar tactic with
Snodgrass and Fonte in January. We will make him our highest paid player as
well and for me I think this is a great signing. He has scored at all levels
including the very top at World Cup and Euro tournaments. His goals to
minutes ratio is consistently one of the best in the league. Giroud is said
to want to stay in London and get first team football to maintain his place
in the French national squad, so hopefully this will put us in a good
position.
The Conte situation at Chelsea is a little bit unsettling for our move for
Batshuayi because it has delayed the process a little. Chelsea are still set
to spend big and Lukaku seems pretty much a done deal to return there
meaning it is likely that they will sell his compatriot. A further
complication however is that Batshuayi appears to be hoping a club who are
in a European competition move for him and a return to the French league
could also be on the cards. We hope to persuade him to stay in London and
prove our West London rivals wrong in their treatment of him.
We were also keen on Bertrand Traore (the Chelsea forward) but he appears to
have secured a move elsewhere. We had also submitted bids for Modeste, who
plays in Germany, but once more the price they have placed on the player is
way beyond our valuation.
The situation worryingly mirrors last year's summer transfer window a little
but the club is determined to not come up short again. We have a long list
of forward targets and, at this stage, we are confident of pushing through
at least two of them.
We have been linked with Chris Smalling of Manchester United and Kone of
Sunderland for the centre back position but at the moment I do not believe
either of these transfers are particularly going anywhere because our
targets and priorities remain further up the pitch, should we sign some
players then we may move back for these two although it is the one position
that we have plenty of options in.
There will be a few player departures this summer. It looks like Nordtveit
will return to the German league. I appear to have been misquoted quite a
lot on this following our radio show by the big twitter accounts. I didn't
say he was definitely leaving but I think he is likely to. With the
departures of Gokhan Tore, Alvaro Arbeloa and Jonathan Calleri, this should
allow us to bring in a few players. We have also released Stephen Hendrie, a
player who we thought would become a good player for us, and Raphael Spiegel
is likely to join Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium. This would leave us with
Nathan Trott as out third choice keeper so a move for John Ruddy, the former
Norwich keeper, could be on the cards to replace Spiegel.
Joe Hart is obviously a high profile keeper that has also been linked with
us and we do maintain an interest in him. His wages are around £175k a week.
Either he would need to reduce his wages significantly or Manchester City
would need to be prepared to pay a percentage for us to make our move. We
cannot pay him his current wages because this would smash our wage structure
with Hart earning more than double our next highest paid player.
The new home shirt is the shirt that has gone viral across the internet
following its release early in Thailand. This goes with white shorts and
white socks. The goalkeepers kit it quite nice and is a mainly all yellow
number with green under the arms. We also have a light blue third shirt that
is likely to be released in early September too. I have described these kits
in detail on the radio show and in my regular place for my articles, The
West Ham Way. Here you will find exclusive articles where most West Ham news
breaks from.
Thank you to Brace The Hammer for the chance to collaborate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ADRIAN CAN BE A WORLD CLASS KEEPER
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 18 JUNE 2017 AT 9:59PM
TheWestHamWayc.o.uk
Written by Steve Eisner @1westhamfan
A number of fans have lost faith in Adrian, and believe we can do better.
While I was upset at his rush of blood vs Stoke (1-1) last November, which
cost us a victory and the possibility to have ended 8th in the table on 48
points, I believe he finished very strongly when he returned at the close
season. It seems his time on the bench gave him an opportunity to reflect
on his shortcomings and to refocus his mentality. He is clearly a fiery
competitor and losing his place to Randolph surely provided him with extra
motivation to regain – and maintain – his place.
Adrian impresses me with his shot-stopping, his ability to command his 6
yard box, and his love for the club. I believe he is a world class
goalkeeper when his mind is right and when he has a settled defense in front
of him, which we did not have for most of this last year. Others have well
covered the reasons for our unsettled defence of 2016-17. I will not go
right back to those reasons. Yes, pun intended.
I know that good goalkeepers don't become poor goalkeepers overnight, so I
decided to look back on our outstanding 2015-16 season when Adrian was our
#1. I compared his save percentage to other PL goalkeepers who played at
least 20 games. The statistics that follow show save percentage and the
ratio of saves-to-shots:
Name (2015-16) SV% SV*/S**
Cech (ARS) .253 99/391
Gomes (WAT) .244 122/499
Butland (STK) .241 102/423
Hart (MC) .239 71/296
Guzan (AV) .239 89/372
Howard (EVE) .236 81/343
Courtois (CHE) .234 66/281
Fabianski (SWA) .226 14/503
ADRIAN (WHU) .22 101/458
Lloris (TOT) .21 87/413
Myhill (WBA) .206 66/320
DeGea (MU) .205 80/379
Mignolet (LIV) .204 70/342
Elliot (NEW) .20 58/290
Hennessey (CP) .198 79/397
Boruc (BOR) .195 73/374
Ruddy (NOR) .193 67/346
Schmeichel (LEI) .193 100/516
* – Source: Fox Sports (http://
http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/stats?competition=1&season=20150&category=GO
ALKEEPING&pos=Goalie&team=0&isOpp=0&sort=8&sortOrder=0
** – Shots not Shots on Goal
As you see, Adrian came in 9th out of 18, and above such big-name
goalkeepers like Lloris and DeGea.
In sum, I maintain my faith in Adrian, and at 30 years of age and with the
right tactics and personnel employed to provide the proper protection in
front of him, I'm confident he can remain a top PL goalkeeper. Although
some may disagree, statistics show that he was in fact a top PL goalkeeper
in 2015-16. Like tables, statistics don't' lie.
And good goalkeepers don't become poor goalkeepers overnight.
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HUDDERSFIELD PREPARING £5M BID FOR ASHLEY FLETCHER
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
readWestHam
Much was thought of Ashley Fletcher when he arrived at West Ham on a free
transfer from Manchester United last summer. Slaven Bilic decided to keep
the 21-year-old in the first-team squad as additional depth in the forward
ranks but the England U20 international featured more prominently than
expected. Fletcher made 20 appearances for the Hammers last season, scoring
once and it came at Old Trafford against his former club in the EFL Cup
quarter-final, but it remains to be seen if he has a place in the squad next
season. West Ham want to bring in at least two new strikers this summer
which could see Fletcher on the outside looking in, and the Mirror report
that Huddersfield are preparing a £5m bid for the former Barnsley loanee.
David Wagner failed with a loan bid for the striker in January and has
retained his interest in the towering centre-forward following their
promotion to the Premier League. The Hammers paid a £500,000 compensation
fee to Manchester United for Fletcher, and what Huddersfield are said to be
offering is a decent return on that investment and is an offer I would
consider accepting.
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SAMPDORIA INTERESTED IN SIGNING ANGELO OGBONNA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
Angelo Ogbonna has been a huge success for West Ham since his £8m arrival
from Juventus nearly two years ago but he's being lined up for a return to
Serie A.
According to Il Secolo XIX newspaper (h/t Football Italia), Sampdoria are
considering a move for the 29-year-old centre-back this summer.
Ogbonna came through the ranks at Torino and impressed at the club, earning
himself a move to Juventus in 2013 but never developed into anything more
than a backup player for the Serie A champions and was sold to the Hammers.
A regular in the starting line-up, Ogbonna was sorely missed by West Ham
after he underwent knee surgery in January and missed virtually the rest of
the season before returning on the final day of the campaign.
Only contracted to the club until the summer of 2019, the Italy
international will need to be tied down to a new long-term deal in order to
put an end to speculation to a move away from the club, which the Hammers
are keen on doing.
The uncertainty surrounding Ogbonna's future could be the reason why the
Hammers are weighing up bids for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling
and Sunderland centre-back Lamine Kone.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 19
Saturday, June 17
Daily WHUFC News - 18th June 2017
FIFA Confederations Cup: Everything you need to know
WHUFC.com
Portugal
What is the Confederations Cup, where is it and when is it happening?
Taking place the summer before a FIFA World Cup year, the Confederations Cup
brings together the six winners of the continental competitions across the
world, plus the tournament hosts and previous World Cup winners.
The tournament takes place at four of the venues which Russia will use for
next year's World Cup – Moscow's Spartak Stadium, Sochi, Kazan and Saint
Petersburg, with the Hammers' Jose Fonte featuring for Portugal.
The European champions will take on Russia, New Zealand and Mexico in Group
A, while Germany, Chile, Cameroon and Australia make up Group B.
Russia face New Zealand in the opening game on Saturday, with the final on 2
July.
When are Jose Fonte's games?
Portugal kick-off their campaign against Mexico at 4pm BST on Sunday 18
June. Their second match is against the hosts Russia at 4pm on Wednesday 21
June. Their final group match is against New Zealand on Saturday 24 June,
also at 4pm.
Why isn't Winston Reid playing for New Zealand?
Reid is New Zealand captain and featured for his country at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup. However, he is unable to lead the All Whites in Russia this
summer as he recovers from knee surgery which ended his season a week early.
Reid was playing through the pain towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign
and underwent his surgery in order to return for pre-season – ending his
hopes of turning out in Russia. However, the Hammers defender will hope to
be there next summer at the World Cup, with New Zealand well set to make it
to the qualifier against the South American fifth place team.
What's Jose Fonte's record for Portugal like?
The 33-year-old has enjoyed great success during his international career,
not making his debut until 2014 but hardly suffering a setback since.
At Euro 2016 last summer, he did not start until the last-16 tie against
Croatia, but retained his place in every game since, playing an integral
role as Portugal lifted the title with victory over hosts France in the
final.
He has 22 caps in total for his country and featured in comfortable
victories against Cyprus and Latvia in the last couple of weeks.
Germany are in Russia as the 2014 FIFA World Cup winners
Who are the favourites to win?
Fonte's Portugal are in a three-way tie as favourites to lift the trophy on
2 July, according to Betway. Our principal partners can't split the trio at
13/5 to take the honours.
How can I watch the FIFA Confederations Cup this month?
ITV will be covering the tournament live in the UK, across their ITV1 and
ITV4 channels.
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The Jose Fonte column: Why we're giving Ronaldo a hard time
WHUFC.com
Our Portuguese defender writes exclusively for whufc.com from Russia, where
he is currently preparing for FIFA's Confederations Cup tournament,
contested by the holders of the six regional international championships,
along with the World Cup holder and a host nation.
Portugal, as Euro 2016 winners last summer, will go up against Mexico, New
Zealand and the hosts Russia in Group A, with the top two teams qualifying
for the semi-finals, against two from Chile, Cameroon, Australia and
Germany.
Here Jose talks about the build-up to the prestigious tournament, the
challenges of international football at the end of a long season, and the
reaction of the Portugal players to a certain team-mate's new haircut…
Aiming for more silverware in Russia
After beating Latvia in our World Cup qualifier on Friday, we had a couple
of days off over the weekend before meeting up again in preparation for the
Confederation Cup tournament.
Before the first international friendly against Cyprus last week I had a
nice week with my family in the Algarve, which was really nice and restful.
We then had a week's training before beating Cyprus 4-0 and Latvia 3-0, so
the mood among the squad is positive and happy.
On Monday we gathered at our Portugal National Academy, where we train and
prepare for matches. The hotel we stay in is nearby, in a place called
Cascais, which is really nice, with lovely views out to the ocean.
We are very well looked after and enjoy the use of the best facilities, so
it is the perfect environment for us to spend time together as a squad.
On Wednesday we flew to Kazan in Russia, where our opening game against
Mexico will be played on Sunday. We were very warmly welcomed, Kazan is the
third biggest city in Russia and the people here are very nice. The
facilities are good, the food is good, it's quiet and peaceful, so we have
the perfect environment for our preparations.
It will be a tough match on Sunday, Mexico have some very good players, but
we are feeling confident and looking forward to it. Now that we are European
champions, the expectation and responsibility is even higher, everyone
expects to win and to be at our best all the time, competing for trophies.
That is the level we have always aimed for though. Since my first day with
the Portuguese national team, the message has been the same – we must
represent our country in the best possible way, and that means win every
game and give 120% effort at all times.
With the quality that we have in the team, if we can keep that effort at the
highest level and run more than our opponents, then we believe we will be
successful.
We did our job in the World Cup qualifier last week, and now we are focused
on trying to win another trophy in Russia.
The Fernando Santos approach
When you are away as a squad for long periods of time, it is important for
the players to stay happy and relaxed. The best way to achieve this is
really just to have some days off every now and then, as we did after the
game against Latvia.
Our manager, Fernando Santos, is very good in that sense, he always tries to
reward us for working hard, and that keeps everyone happy. You can go and
see your family, relax, go to the beach, do whatever you want to do, and it
keeps your mind and body relaxed and fresh.
Training has been a mix of work, but no light sessions to be honest - we
have worked hard. It has been a long season, in fact for the last three
years we have played a lot of football each summer, without much holiday,
but that is our life and we are used to it. We get our rest when we can, but
we have to be ready for the manager and we are working hard because we want
to win this tournament.
image:
http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RonaldoHair726.jpg
Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his new haircut in training for Portugal
Some cutting comments for Cristiano
We are obviously used to spending time together away at tournaments, and it
helps that we have a great bunch of lads and are all very close. Obviously
you have team-mates you spend more time with – I have a good connection with
Cedric Soares, Andre Gomes, Joao Moutinho, Bruno Alves, Pizzi and Adrien –
but the list could go on because they are all my friends and it is a very
good group.
There are a lot of jokers and it is a great atmosphere. Cristiano Ronaldo
got a little bit of stick when he arrived with his new haircut, especially
from Ricardo Queresma. But it's a nice little change for him, and we are
getting used to it now, so as long as he is happy it's all good!
Jose will be back with another exclusive column on whufc.com next week…
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Rich Energy become Official Energy Drink of West Ham United Ladies
WHUFC.com
The Hammers are delighted to announce that Rich Energy have signed as
Official Energy Drink of West Ham United Ladies.
Rich Energy come on board as the first partners of the Ladies team since
Jack Sullivan took on the role of managing director, signing a long-term
deal to link up with the Club.
Rich Energy is a premium and innovative British energy drink painstakingly
developed and optimised with leading beverage experts.
With the sole objective of creating a peerless, ultra-high quality energy
drink with none of the downsides of the competition, Rich Energy is
available in 6,000 outlets in the UK and 21 countries worldwide.
Company CEO William Storey is a Hammers fan and Jack Sullivan is delighted
to have the brand on board.
West Ham Ladies announce their partnership with Rich Energy
He said: "I'm over the moon that Rich Energy have become the first partner
to get on board of hopefully a long list. They have seen what we're trying
to do with the trajectory of West Ham Ladies and it's so great that a West
Ham fan has decided to join part of the West Ham family and back Ladies'
football.
"We share a focus on elite performance – we're going for the same goal and
being powered by Rich Energy will hopefully see us power up the leagues and
challenge at the very top."
It was a sentiment echoed by Storey, CEO of Rich Energy, who added: "Women's
Football is burgeoning around the world, growing very quickly in the UK and
America. It's fantastic, not only as a spectacle for fans, but also for
women to get involved in sport from school upwards.
"With West Ham being one of the biggest brands in world football, it's a
phenomenal privilege for us to work with such a great business and team.
"I think West Ham Ladies are going to go from strength-to-strength and as
the UK's premium energy drink we're obviously really keen to support elite
performance. There's no better fit than with West Ham Ladies."
West Ham Ladies General Manager Karen Ray said: "For me, having played for
the team and now being General Manager, to see the advancements we're making
is great. Having Jack Sullivan involved as managing director and now with
Rich Energy to back us it can only be good from here.
"We have a five-year plan to become a top-six club in the country and I
believe with the backing of companies such as Rich Energy, we could get
there quicker."
West Ham United Ladies currently have opportunities to become a partner or
patron of the Club, where you will personally make a difference to the
successful development of our ladies team.
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Giroud on his way? Maybe, says Wenger
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 17th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
Arsene Wenger has suggested that West Ham transfer target Olivier Giroud may
not be an Arsenal player for much longer. The under-fire Arsenal boss, who
was recently awarded a new two-year contract told L'Equipe that the French
international is "not really" part of his plans for the forthcoming 2017/18
season. West Ham have been linked with a move for Giroud in recent weeks and
were named as bookies favourites to sign the 30-year-old yesterday. That
followed recent meetings between the club and Giroud's representatives,
where a potential transfer was discussed. The player has spent the last five
years with the Gunners.
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Hammers launch Traore bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have launched a bid to sign Middlesbrough
midfielder Adama Traore. According to Ken Dyer, the Hammers have opened the
bidding with an £8million offer for the former Barcelona youth star, who has
been relegated with both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough since arriving in
England two years ago. 21-year-old Traore was one of 'Boro's most exciting
players last season, despite his erratic form - which has led to many
supporters questioning whether he would be a good acquisition. The 5'10"
Spaniard moved to England in 2015, spending a year at Villa for whom he made
11 appearances. Last summer he joined the North East club for an undisclosed
fee, going on to make 32 appearances.
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West Ham are in pole position to land Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.
The Mirror
Sunderland are demanding around £15million for the 28-year-old centre-back
but the Hammers believe a deal could be agreed at around £10million. Kone
wants out following the Black Cats' relegation to the Championship and the
exodus of their star names. West Brom are also interested, with boss Tony
Pulis priced out of a move for Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho. Pulis is
lining up potential replacements with Leicester trying to sign £10million
Baggies defender Jonny Evans.
Sunderland are almost certain to take a hit on Kone as Everton had been
prepared to pay them around £18million last summer. Then-boss David Moyes
persuaded him to sign a new deal and commit himself to the club's bid to
stay in the Premier League. Now that the club are down Kone wants to be
allowed to leave.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Portugal
What is the Confederations Cup, where is it and when is it happening?
Taking place the summer before a FIFA World Cup year, the Confederations Cup
brings together the six winners of the continental competitions across the
world, plus the tournament hosts and previous World Cup winners.
The tournament takes place at four of the venues which Russia will use for
next year's World Cup – Moscow's Spartak Stadium, Sochi, Kazan and Saint
Petersburg, with the Hammers' Jose Fonte featuring for Portugal.
The European champions will take on Russia, New Zealand and Mexico in Group
A, while Germany, Chile, Cameroon and Australia make up Group B.
Russia face New Zealand in the opening game on Saturday, with the final on 2
July.
When are Jose Fonte's games?
Portugal kick-off their campaign against Mexico at 4pm BST on Sunday 18
June. Their second match is against the hosts Russia at 4pm on Wednesday 21
June. Their final group match is against New Zealand on Saturday 24 June,
also at 4pm.
Why isn't Winston Reid playing for New Zealand?
Reid is New Zealand captain and featured for his country at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup. However, he is unable to lead the All Whites in Russia this
summer as he recovers from knee surgery which ended his season a week early.
Reid was playing through the pain towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign
and underwent his surgery in order to return for pre-season – ending his
hopes of turning out in Russia. However, the Hammers defender will hope to
be there next summer at the World Cup, with New Zealand well set to make it
to the qualifier against the South American fifth place team.
What's Jose Fonte's record for Portugal like?
The 33-year-old has enjoyed great success during his international career,
not making his debut until 2014 but hardly suffering a setback since.
At Euro 2016 last summer, he did not start until the last-16 tie against
Croatia, but retained his place in every game since, playing an integral
role as Portugal lifted the title with victory over hosts France in the
final.
He has 22 caps in total for his country and featured in comfortable
victories against Cyprus and Latvia in the last couple of weeks.
Germany are in Russia as the 2014 FIFA World Cup winners
Who are the favourites to win?
Fonte's Portugal are in a three-way tie as favourites to lift the trophy on
2 July, according to Betway. Our principal partners can't split the trio at
13/5 to take the honours.
How can I watch the FIFA Confederations Cup this month?
ITV will be covering the tournament live in the UK, across their ITV1 and
ITV4 channels.
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The Jose Fonte column: Why we're giving Ronaldo a hard time
WHUFC.com
Our Portuguese defender writes exclusively for whufc.com from Russia, where
he is currently preparing for FIFA's Confederations Cup tournament,
contested by the holders of the six regional international championships,
along with the World Cup holder and a host nation.
Portugal, as Euro 2016 winners last summer, will go up against Mexico, New
Zealand and the hosts Russia in Group A, with the top two teams qualifying
for the semi-finals, against two from Chile, Cameroon, Australia and
Germany.
Here Jose talks about the build-up to the prestigious tournament, the
challenges of international football at the end of a long season, and the
reaction of the Portugal players to a certain team-mate's new haircut…
Aiming for more silverware in Russia
After beating Latvia in our World Cup qualifier on Friday, we had a couple
of days off over the weekend before meeting up again in preparation for the
Confederation Cup tournament.
Before the first international friendly against Cyprus last week I had a
nice week with my family in the Algarve, which was really nice and restful.
We then had a week's training before beating Cyprus 4-0 and Latvia 3-0, so
the mood among the squad is positive and happy.
On Monday we gathered at our Portugal National Academy, where we train and
prepare for matches. The hotel we stay in is nearby, in a place called
Cascais, which is really nice, with lovely views out to the ocean.
We are very well looked after and enjoy the use of the best facilities, so
it is the perfect environment for us to spend time together as a squad.
On Wednesday we flew to Kazan in Russia, where our opening game against
Mexico will be played on Sunday. We were very warmly welcomed, Kazan is the
third biggest city in Russia and the people here are very nice. The
facilities are good, the food is good, it's quiet and peaceful, so we have
the perfect environment for our preparations.
It will be a tough match on Sunday, Mexico have some very good players, but
we are feeling confident and looking forward to it. Now that we are European
champions, the expectation and responsibility is even higher, everyone
expects to win and to be at our best all the time, competing for trophies.
That is the level we have always aimed for though. Since my first day with
the Portuguese national team, the message has been the same – we must
represent our country in the best possible way, and that means win every
game and give 120% effort at all times.
With the quality that we have in the team, if we can keep that effort at the
highest level and run more than our opponents, then we believe we will be
successful.
We did our job in the World Cup qualifier last week, and now we are focused
on trying to win another trophy in Russia.
The Fernando Santos approach
When you are away as a squad for long periods of time, it is important for
the players to stay happy and relaxed. The best way to achieve this is
really just to have some days off every now and then, as we did after the
game against Latvia.
Our manager, Fernando Santos, is very good in that sense, he always tries to
reward us for working hard, and that keeps everyone happy. You can go and
see your family, relax, go to the beach, do whatever you want to do, and it
keeps your mind and body relaxed and fresh.
Training has been a mix of work, but no light sessions to be honest - we
have worked hard. It has been a long season, in fact for the last three
years we have played a lot of football each summer, without much holiday,
but that is our life and we are used to it. We get our rest when we can, but
we have to be ready for the manager and we are working hard because we want
to win this tournament.
image:
http://www.whufc.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RonaldoHair726.jpg
Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his new haircut in training for Portugal
Some cutting comments for Cristiano
We are obviously used to spending time together away at tournaments, and it
helps that we have a great bunch of lads and are all very close. Obviously
you have team-mates you spend more time with – I have a good connection with
Cedric Soares, Andre Gomes, Joao Moutinho, Bruno Alves, Pizzi and Adrien –
but the list could go on because they are all my friends and it is a very
good group.
There are a lot of jokers and it is a great atmosphere. Cristiano Ronaldo
got a little bit of stick when he arrived with his new haircut, especially
from Ricardo Queresma. But it's a nice little change for him, and we are
getting used to it now, so as long as he is happy it's all good!
Jose will be back with another exclusive column on whufc.com next week…
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Rich Energy become Official Energy Drink of West Ham United Ladies
WHUFC.com
The Hammers are delighted to announce that Rich Energy have signed as
Official Energy Drink of West Ham United Ladies.
Rich Energy come on board as the first partners of the Ladies team since
Jack Sullivan took on the role of managing director, signing a long-term
deal to link up with the Club.
Rich Energy is a premium and innovative British energy drink painstakingly
developed and optimised with leading beverage experts.
With the sole objective of creating a peerless, ultra-high quality energy
drink with none of the downsides of the competition, Rich Energy is
available in 6,000 outlets in the UK and 21 countries worldwide.
Company CEO William Storey is a Hammers fan and Jack Sullivan is delighted
to have the brand on board.
West Ham Ladies announce their partnership with Rich Energy
He said: "I'm over the moon that Rich Energy have become the first partner
to get on board of hopefully a long list. They have seen what we're trying
to do with the trajectory of West Ham Ladies and it's so great that a West
Ham fan has decided to join part of the West Ham family and back Ladies'
football.
"We share a focus on elite performance – we're going for the same goal and
being powered by Rich Energy will hopefully see us power up the leagues and
challenge at the very top."
It was a sentiment echoed by Storey, CEO of Rich Energy, who added: "Women's
Football is burgeoning around the world, growing very quickly in the UK and
America. It's fantastic, not only as a spectacle for fans, but also for
women to get involved in sport from school upwards.
"With West Ham being one of the biggest brands in world football, it's a
phenomenal privilege for us to work with such a great business and team.
"I think West Ham Ladies are going to go from strength-to-strength and as
the UK's premium energy drink we're obviously really keen to support elite
performance. There's no better fit than with West Ham Ladies."
West Ham Ladies General Manager Karen Ray said: "For me, having played for
the team and now being General Manager, to see the advancements we're making
is great. Having Jack Sullivan involved as managing director and now with
Rich Energy to back us it can only be good from here.
"We have a five-year plan to become a top-six club in the country and I
believe with the backing of companies such as Rich Energy, we could get
there quicker."
West Ham United Ladies currently have opportunities to become a partner or
patron of the Club, where you will personally make a difference to the
successful development of our ladies team.
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Giroud on his way? Maybe, says Wenger
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 17th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
Arsene Wenger has suggested that West Ham transfer target Olivier Giroud may
not be an Arsenal player for much longer. The under-fire Arsenal boss, who
was recently awarded a new two-year contract told L'Equipe that the French
international is "not really" part of his plans for the forthcoming 2017/18
season. West Ham have been linked with a move for Giroud in recent weeks and
were named as bookies favourites to sign the 30-year-old yesterday. That
followed recent meetings between the club and Giroud's representatives,
where a potential transfer was discussed. The player has spent the last five
years with the Gunners.
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Hammers launch Traore bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have launched a bid to sign Middlesbrough
midfielder Adama Traore. According to Ken Dyer, the Hammers have opened the
bidding with an £8million offer for the former Barcelona youth star, who has
been relegated with both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough since arriving in
England two years ago. 21-year-old Traore was one of 'Boro's most exciting
players last season, despite his erratic form - which has led to many
supporters questioning whether he would be a good acquisition. The 5'10"
Spaniard moved to England in 2015, spending a year at Villa for whom he made
11 appearances. Last summer he joined the North East club for an undisclosed
fee, going on to make 32 appearances.
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West Ham are in pole position to land Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.
The Mirror
Sunderland are demanding around £15million for the 28-year-old centre-back
but the Hammers believe a deal could be agreed at around £10million. Kone
wants out following the Black Cats' relegation to the Championship and the
exodus of their star names. West Brom are also interested, with boss Tony
Pulis priced out of a move for Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho. Pulis is
lining up potential replacements with Leicester trying to sign £10million
Baggies defender Jonny Evans.
Sunderland are almost certain to take a hit on Kone as Everton had been
prepared to pay them around £18million last summer. Then-boss David Moyes
persuaded him to sign a new deal and commit himself to the club's bid to
stay in the Premier League. Now that the club are down Kone wants to be
allowed to leave.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, June 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th June 2017
Zabaleta: Facing City in Iceland will be the ideal test
WHUFC.com
New signing Pablo Zabaleta admits he can't wait to pull on the West Ham
United shirt, after it was revealed that the Hammers will face his former
club Manchester City in a glamorous friendly match in Iceland on Friday 4
August. The historic encounter, at the national stadium in Reykjavik, will
mark the first occasion that two English Premier League teams have played
against each other in Iceland, and Zabaleta believe it will provide the
perfect preparation ahead of the season opener against Manchester United at
Old Trafford a week later. "Of course it will be interesting to face my
former club, so soon after leaving," said the Argentine defender, who signed
on a free transfer this summer after nine years with City. "But more
importantly, I am looking forward to playing with my new team-mates, and it
will be a great test for us one week before the start of the season. "It
will also be a great honour for West Ham and City to be the first English
Premier League clubs to play each other in Iceland. We all saw how well
Iceland did in the European Championships last year – they made a lot of
friends and it is clear they are a nation who love football. "We will be
proud to represent the Premier League, and I hope we can give the supporters
an entertaining match."
Zabaleta will meet up with his new team-mates when Slaven Bilic's squad
return for pre-season training on July 5, ahead of a tour of Europe that
will take in training camps in Austria and Germany before the trip to
Iceland, and the 32-year-old believes the time away will be of huge benefit.
"I am already looking forward to getting started for next season, and our
pre-season schedule will give me a good opportunity to get to know
everyone," he told whufc.com. "It is about hard work and preparation, but
also building the spirit and unity for next season."
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Follow the Hammers in Europe this summer
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are heading to Europe this pre-season – and we have teamed
up with Winged Boots to offer Hammers fans some fantastic discounts on
travel packages for the tour.
Slaven Bilic's men take on Werder Bremen in a Betway Cup double header on
July 28 and 29, with the fixtures being played in the German towns of
Schneverdingen and Lohne.
Both towns are within 50 miles of Bremen, where Hammers fans are likely to
base themselves for the trip. Here's our rundown on the second biggest city
in northern Germany
A major cultural and economic hub, Bremen sits on the River Weser and is
home to dozens of historical galleries and museums.
The city's airport is located just 2.2 miles from the city, giving easy
access to Hammers fans flying to the games from London.
Bremen's Rathaus (town hall) dates from 1410 and is included on the UNESCO
World Heritage List. Other sights in the city include the Dom St Petri, the
1,200-year-old cathedral; Bottcherstrasse, an incredible Art Nouveau street
which runs from the main square to the river; and the charming Schnoor area,
a series of twisting lanes with many shops.
Schneverdingen and Lohne are both within driving distance of Bremen, meaning
fans can easily access both games in Germany.
Winged Boots logoThe Hammers then move on to Iceland, where they face
Manchester City on Friday August 4, giving supporters the chance to watch
the team with the stunning backdrop of the northern Atlantic nation.
The nation's capital, Reykjavik, will play host to the Hammers and there's
plenty to do in this historic city.
Reykjavik's city centre is compact and characterised by eclectic and
colourful houses, with good shopping and dining.
The airport is located 30 miles from the city, with easy access by bus,
while the national stadium – Laugardalsvöllur – where the game will be
played, is a short 30-minute walk from the city centre
Reykjavik is renowned for its nightlife, centred around the Laugarvegur
area, with plenty of live music in bars at weekends
We've teamed up with Winged Boots to offer fans travel options around all
three fixtures – with 20% off hotels in Bremen or Reykjavik for Hammers
supporters with these packages.
With flights from London airports to both Bremen and Reykjavik on offer,
plus hotels to suit all budgets, call 0203 3109 4400 or email
whu@wingedboots.co.uk today to discuss your requirements.
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West Ham ready to abandon interest in Manchester United ace Chris Smalling
WEST HAM are ready to abandon their interest in Manchester United defender
Chris Smalling.
Daily Star
By David Woods, Chief Football Writer / Published 15th June 2017
The Hammers looked at bringing in the £15m-rated England international this
summer. Jose Mourinho had made it clear he is prepared to let Smalling leave
- with Everton, Newcastle and West Brom all keen on the centre-half who
earns close to £100,000 per week. But West Ham have cooled on the idea after
deciding they do not need strengthening in the position. Slaven Bilic
decided they are covered with Winston Reid performing well there last
season. They also have James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Jose Fonte and rookie
Reece Oxford. The West Ham boss is looking to bolster elsewhere with Saint
Etienne full-back Kevin Malcuit a long-term admirer. French side Lille have
this week seen a £4.4m offer turned down
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West Ham face shock battle for Onyekuru as Birmingham ready record bid for
Nigerian wonderkid
The Hammers have been chasing Onyekuru since the season ended
Football London
BYKEVIN BEIRNE
07:00, 16 JUN 2017
West Ham may face a new battle for the signature of Henry Onyekuru after it
emerged that Birmingham City are ready to offer a club record fee of £7.5m
for the striker, according to the Birmingham Mail. The Hammers thought they
had a deal for the Nigerian striker all wrapped up, only to hit a speedbump
with both Onyekuru's club, Eupen, and with securing a work permit for the
20-year-old. Eupen had advised West Ham to bid £7.87m in order to get
Onyekuru a work permit, and it remains to be seen whether or not Harry
Redknapp's Birmingham can raise their bid to match that total. Onyekuru gave
West Ham fans hope when he said he wanted to move to a club where he would
actually get game time, which appeared to shut down talks of a move to
Arsenal. But now that same factor could go against them, as Birmingham could
offer the 20-year-old a guaranteed starting role in the Championship next
season.
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West Ham United should swap Enner Valencia for £26.4m star
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United had a club-record bid knocked back last September. Reports
from Portugal (A Bola) today indicated that Porto might be interested in
bringing West Ham United's Enner Valencia to the club after he was offered
to them. If their interest is genuine then West Ham should look to include
the player whom they reportedly submitted a £33.6 million bid for last year:
Yacine Brahimi. The Mirror reported last September that the Hammers saw a
big-money offer for the 27-year-old rebuffed on deadline day. Fast forward
nine months and he is, according to A Bola, valued at £26.4 million and his
club could have to sell in order to comply with Financial Fair Play
regulations. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic should offer Valencia - worth a
reported £7 million - and cash in an effort to prise the Algerian from
Portugal. Bilic lost Dimitri Payet in January and it is clear that the Irons
still need a creative spark. Brahimi scored six goals and set up three in 16
Primera Liga starts this past season. Robert Snodgrass, signed for £10
million in the wake of Payet's exit, failed to score in any of his 15
Premier League games, setting up two goals. If West Ham have the chance to
right the wrongs of last summer and get Brahimi this time then they must
take it - and Valencia could be the perfect ticket.
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West Ham release Scottish defender Stephen Hendrie by mutual consent
Stephen Hendrie made eight appearances on loan at Blackburn last season
The 22-year-old joined West Ham from Scottish side Hamilton in July 2015
West Ham are looking to offset spending on incomings by letting players go
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 13:55 EDT, 15 June 2017 | UPDATED: 13:57 EDT, 15 June 2017
West Ham have released full-back Stephen Hendrie by mutual consent. The
22-year-old, who joined from Hamilton in 2015, has had loan spells at
Southend United and Blackburn Rovers where he made eight appearances last
season. Hendrie is one of a number of players who could leave West Ham this
summer as they look to offset spending on incomings. He failed to make an
appearance for the Hammers first team during his two seasons at the club.
The Celtic supporter has four caps for Scotland U21 after progressing
through the age groups from the U17s. Hendrie has just one senior goal so
far, which came in February 2016 during his loan spell with Southend. West
Ham will begin the 2017-18 campaign with an away trip to Manchester United
before a home clash against Southampton.
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Kylian Mbappe should join West Ham instead of Arsenal - Shaka Hislop
WEST HAM legend Shaka Hislop has jokingly claimed Kylian Mbappe should join
his old side instead of Arsenal.
By LEWIS WINTER
PUBLISHED: 17:05, Thu, Jun 15, 2017 | UPDATED: 17:13, Thu, Jun 15, 2017
Mbappe, 18, is one of the most sought after strikers in Europe after
bursting onto the scene midway through last season for Monaco. The Frenchman
has been linked with mega-money moves to Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester
United among others throughout the last couple of months. It is likely to
cost a world record fee of over £100million to prise him away from the Ligue
1 champions. Hislop was asked whether he could see Mbappe completing a move
to Arsenal in the transfer window and is response was unequivocal. Instead
he advised the teenager to join the Hammers over Arsene Wenger's side. "I'm
sure they do (need a big player)," he said on ESPN FC. "If you're Kylian
Mbappe, Arsenal is not a destination. We've had this discussion before,
nothing has changed. "He can come to West Ham, we can have him at West Ham.
"West Ham, everybody wants to come to West Ham! "If you change it to West
Ham I will change my mind a little bit."
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Sofiane Feghouli not interested in quitting West Ham this summer
GEORGE ELEK
Evening Standard
Sofiane Feghouli has no intention of leaving West Ham this summer despite
enduring a difficult first season in the English top flight.
The deal to bring the right-winger in from Valencia on a three-year deal was
seen as something of a coup at the time, but he made just 11 Premier League
starts in his first campaign as a Hammer. He did manage to score three goals
and get three assists, but manager Slaven Bilic preferred Manuel Lanzini,
Andre Ayew and Michail Antonio in wide areas.
West Ham had been open to selling Feghouli before Dimitri Payet's departure
in January, but the Frenchman's exit put a stop to any further departures in
attacking areas. But even after Payet left for Marseille in January, the
Algerian found his opportunities limited.
"I have two years left at West Ham and as I said on social media, I see
myself staying at West Ham. I'll start again on the 10th of July with the
team. I mean it when I say it, but you don't control everything in football.
I'm not looking for a way out, not at all," he told RMC Sport. "I'm going to
go on holiday calmly and prepare myself for a great season. I'm open for
talks with the manager, but there aren't any planned. Maybe the owner will
tell me one day that I need to leave, but I don't think so."
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Henry Onyekuru so good, West Ham raises bid to £9m
Posted By: Osita Duruon: June 15, 2017
Breaking TimesIn
English Premier League side West Ham has intensified efforts to sign
prolific Nigerian striker, Henry Onyekuru from the Belgium League as they
raised their offer for the KAS Eupen striker to £9m. West Ham thought they
had a fee agreed after meeting his release clause of around £6.5m but the
fee only applies to clubs in Belgium, while for clubs outside Belgium a fee
over or close to £9m is what the Belgians are demanding. However they have
not given up hope of luring the forward, who is keen on moving to the
Premier League, despite offers from fellow Belgium side Anderlecht. A fresh
bid of around £9m was launched by the club yesterday after talks with Eupen
negotiator, Mogi Bayat, who is widely regarded as the biggest player
representative in Belgium, and also holds close ties with the president of
Anderlecht.
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Arsene Wenger unwilling to sign Henry Onyekuru this summer; would prefer
2018 deal
HITC
Vincent Ralph
Arsenal and West Ham United have both been linked with the young forward.
According to a report from Voetbal24.be, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger likes
what he sees of Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru but has no intention of bidding
for him this summer. The Frenchman would preferably like to wait and take
the 20-year-old in 2018, when he has seen what the young Nigerian can do
over a longer period of time. The problem for the Gunners is that according
to a recent report from Own Goal Nigeria, West Ham United are fighting hard
for the forward and have made an improved £9million bid in an attempt to
seal a deal. For that kind of money, and given that Onyekuru scored 24 goals
and provided nine assists in 41 appearances for Eupen last season, he
clearly has the talent to be a canny addition for a number of Premier League
clubs. However, it seems Arsenal are not prepared to jump in now, even if
they could blow the Hammers out of the water and secure one of the most
exciting young forwards in European football. Arsenal need to make the right
additions this summer to build on yet another FA Cup triumph and ensure
their slip out of the top four was merely a blip. As for West Ham, they are
desperate for additional fire-power and Onyekuru fits the bill as a
cut-price signing whose value is only likely to increase in the years ahead.
If West Ham seal a deal and Onyekuru hits the ground running, Arsenal fans
will have another reason to bemoan Wenger's transfer tactics.
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West Ham's Manuel Lanzini makes first start for Argentina in 6-0 thrashing
of Singapore
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Stadnard
Manuel Lanzini capped off a superb season by earning his first start for
Argentina as Jorge Sampaoli's team thrashed Singapore 6-0 on Tuesday. The
West Ham midfielder made his debut for La Albiceleste in their 1-0 friendly
win over rivals Brazil in Melbourne on Friday after being brought on for
David Banega in the 81st minute. After playing the final few minutes of the
game - which was Argentina's first victory over Brazil since 2012 - Sampaoli
decided to give the 24-year-old his first start for his nation against
Singapore on Tuesday.
Lanzini played 60 minutes of the match as Argentina ran out 6-0 winners,
with the West Ham star later expressing his happiness at being able to
represent his nation in what he described as a "beautiful" moment.
"Beautiful to be able to live this with the most beautiful shirt of all,
[and] to continue growing as well," he wrote on Instagram alongside a
picture of himself in action. Lanzini's call-up, and subsequent appearances
for Argentina, are well deserved for the midfielder, who impressed for West
Ham following the departure of Dimitri Payet in January. Such were his
performances in midfield for Slaven Bilic's side that the 24-year-old won
the Hammers' Players' Player of the Year award in May, and is likely to be a
crucial player for the West Ham manager as the club look to have a positive
second season at the London Stadium next term.
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The work permit issues which are preventing West Ham making progress on
Onyekuru deal
The Hammers need to get the striker a permit if they want any hope of
signing him
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:53, 15 JUN 2017
Henry Onyekuru wants to join West Ham but nothing will happen until he has a
work permit that will allow his to move from KAS Eupen in Belgium to east
London. The money the Hammers are currently offering - around £7m - is not
going to be enough to get him in, so the club will need to increase it. The
figure being touted is not much more, £7.87m, to ensure that it happens.
That doesn't mean that a work permit will be automatically given though,
there is a bit more to it than that. So, what is the work permit system all
about?
Previously, in order to qualify to play in the UK, footballers needed to
have played in at least 75% of their country's senior international matches
during the past two years. Onyekuru has just one cap for Nigeria. If his
country were ranked within FIFA's top ten in the world, he would only have
had to have played in 30% of the games. That will be the reason why Onyekuru
is having troubles signing for the club, so it then moves to a points system
as the player and West Ham would have to appeal the decision. You get a
certain number of points for meeting certain criteria and the target West
Ham and Onyekuru need is five points to help the deal over the line and get
the work permit. For example, West Ham would get three points if the wages
they offered Onyekuru are between the 50th and 75th percentile of earners at
the club, so the new man would be on a high wage. Another two points will
arrive if the the value of the transfer fee being paid for the player is
between the 50th and 75th percentile of all transfers to Premier League
clubs in the previous two windows, which is why the club needs to increase
its offer. And that should make up the five points the Hammers need to get
Onyekuru in. Simple, no?
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Ray Parlour calls out West Ham owners Sullivan and Gold and discusses
expectations for next season
HITC
Damien Lucas
Pundit and childhood West Ham United fan Ray Parlour has called out the
club's owners and discussed expectations for the new season.
The Hammers took a big step back last season as they endured a torrid second
year under Slaven Bilic often flirting with the relegation places before
eventually finishing 11th. The club's big move to the Olympic Stadium was
meant to push the Hammers on to the next level after they finished just four
points off the Champions League places in their farewell campaign at the
Boleyn Ground. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were full of promises
about the club's intentions to spend big on quality players ahead of the
move to Stratford.
None of that materialised, though, and instead Bilic's squad was diluted
with a glut of poor quality loan and free transfer signings.
The two Davids have since pledged to get things right this summer and Bilic
has publicly stated he is targeting quality over quantity with eyes on four
"game-changer" signings. Pablo Zabaleta has joined on a free but Parlour has
called the club's owners out on talkSPORT and insists they must start
spending money. "I think it's a big season for West Ham again," Parlour told
talkSPORT. "They under performed a little bit last year, but I'm really
pleased they stuck with Slaven. "But now they've (Sullivan and Gold) got to
invest... (the likes of) Chris Smalling and Joe Hart have been mentioned
with going there and they do need investment West Ham this year to really
push on to be in that top 10."
The club's ability to finally compete with the Premier League elite in the
transfer market was dangled as a carrot to supporters who were unsure about
leaving their beloved Upton Park. But clubs like Everton are showing what
serious investment is already this summer with some big signings and more to
follow. Finishing below clubs like Bournemouth with a fraction of West Ham's
income will not be acceptable to supporters next season. And given the club
has been named in the top 20 wealthiest in Europe, it is time they started
acting like it by spending what is required to attract top quality
additions.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
New signing Pablo Zabaleta admits he can't wait to pull on the West Ham
United shirt, after it was revealed that the Hammers will face his former
club Manchester City in a glamorous friendly match in Iceland on Friday 4
August. The historic encounter, at the national stadium in Reykjavik, will
mark the first occasion that two English Premier League teams have played
against each other in Iceland, and Zabaleta believe it will provide the
perfect preparation ahead of the season opener against Manchester United at
Old Trafford a week later. "Of course it will be interesting to face my
former club, so soon after leaving," said the Argentine defender, who signed
on a free transfer this summer after nine years with City. "But more
importantly, I am looking forward to playing with my new team-mates, and it
will be a great test for us one week before the start of the season. "It
will also be a great honour for West Ham and City to be the first English
Premier League clubs to play each other in Iceland. We all saw how well
Iceland did in the European Championships last year – they made a lot of
friends and it is clear they are a nation who love football. "We will be
proud to represent the Premier League, and I hope we can give the supporters
an entertaining match."
Zabaleta will meet up with his new team-mates when Slaven Bilic's squad
return for pre-season training on July 5, ahead of a tour of Europe that
will take in training camps in Austria and Germany before the trip to
Iceland, and the 32-year-old believes the time away will be of huge benefit.
"I am already looking forward to getting started for next season, and our
pre-season schedule will give me a good opportunity to get to know
everyone," he told whufc.com. "It is about hard work and preparation, but
also building the spirit and unity for next season."
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Follow the Hammers in Europe this summer
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are heading to Europe this pre-season – and we have teamed
up with Winged Boots to offer Hammers fans some fantastic discounts on
travel packages for the tour.
Slaven Bilic's men take on Werder Bremen in a Betway Cup double header on
July 28 and 29, with the fixtures being played in the German towns of
Schneverdingen and Lohne.
Both towns are within 50 miles of Bremen, where Hammers fans are likely to
base themselves for the trip. Here's our rundown on the second biggest city
in northern Germany
A major cultural and economic hub, Bremen sits on the River Weser and is
home to dozens of historical galleries and museums.
The city's airport is located just 2.2 miles from the city, giving easy
access to Hammers fans flying to the games from London.
Bremen's Rathaus (town hall) dates from 1410 and is included on the UNESCO
World Heritage List. Other sights in the city include the Dom St Petri, the
1,200-year-old cathedral; Bottcherstrasse, an incredible Art Nouveau street
which runs from the main square to the river; and the charming Schnoor area,
a series of twisting lanes with many shops.
Schneverdingen and Lohne are both within driving distance of Bremen, meaning
fans can easily access both games in Germany.
Winged Boots logoThe Hammers then move on to Iceland, where they face
Manchester City on Friday August 4, giving supporters the chance to watch
the team with the stunning backdrop of the northern Atlantic nation.
The nation's capital, Reykjavik, will play host to the Hammers and there's
plenty to do in this historic city.
Reykjavik's city centre is compact and characterised by eclectic and
colourful houses, with good shopping and dining.
The airport is located 30 miles from the city, with easy access by bus,
while the national stadium – Laugardalsvöllur – where the game will be
played, is a short 30-minute walk from the city centre
Reykjavik is renowned for its nightlife, centred around the Laugarvegur
area, with plenty of live music in bars at weekends
We've teamed up with Winged Boots to offer fans travel options around all
three fixtures – with 20% off hotels in Bremen or Reykjavik for Hammers
supporters with these packages.
With flights from London airports to both Bremen and Reykjavik on offer,
plus hotels to suit all budgets, call 0203 3109 4400 or email
whu@wingedboots.co.uk today to discuss your requirements.
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West Ham ready to abandon interest in Manchester United ace Chris Smalling
WEST HAM are ready to abandon their interest in Manchester United defender
Chris Smalling.
Daily Star
By David Woods, Chief Football Writer / Published 15th June 2017
The Hammers looked at bringing in the £15m-rated England international this
summer. Jose Mourinho had made it clear he is prepared to let Smalling leave
- with Everton, Newcastle and West Brom all keen on the centre-half who
earns close to £100,000 per week. But West Ham have cooled on the idea after
deciding they do not need strengthening in the position. Slaven Bilic
decided they are covered with Winston Reid performing well there last
season. They also have James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Jose Fonte and rookie
Reece Oxford. The West Ham boss is looking to bolster elsewhere with Saint
Etienne full-back Kevin Malcuit a long-term admirer. French side Lille have
this week seen a £4.4m offer turned down
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West Ham face shock battle for Onyekuru as Birmingham ready record bid for
Nigerian wonderkid
The Hammers have been chasing Onyekuru since the season ended
Football London
BYKEVIN BEIRNE
07:00, 16 JUN 2017
West Ham may face a new battle for the signature of Henry Onyekuru after it
emerged that Birmingham City are ready to offer a club record fee of £7.5m
for the striker, according to the Birmingham Mail. The Hammers thought they
had a deal for the Nigerian striker all wrapped up, only to hit a speedbump
with both Onyekuru's club, Eupen, and with securing a work permit for the
20-year-old. Eupen had advised West Ham to bid £7.87m in order to get
Onyekuru a work permit, and it remains to be seen whether or not Harry
Redknapp's Birmingham can raise their bid to match that total. Onyekuru gave
West Ham fans hope when he said he wanted to move to a club where he would
actually get game time, which appeared to shut down talks of a move to
Arsenal. But now that same factor could go against them, as Birmingham could
offer the 20-year-old a guaranteed starting role in the Championship next
season.
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West Ham United should swap Enner Valencia for £26.4m star
HITC
Shane Callaghan
West Ham United had a club-record bid knocked back last September. Reports
from Portugal (A Bola) today indicated that Porto might be interested in
bringing West Ham United's Enner Valencia to the club after he was offered
to them. If their interest is genuine then West Ham should look to include
the player whom they reportedly submitted a £33.6 million bid for last year:
Yacine Brahimi. The Mirror reported last September that the Hammers saw a
big-money offer for the 27-year-old rebuffed on deadline day. Fast forward
nine months and he is, according to A Bola, valued at £26.4 million and his
club could have to sell in order to comply with Financial Fair Play
regulations. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic should offer Valencia - worth a
reported £7 million - and cash in an effort to prise the Algerian from
Portugal. Bilic lost Dimitri Payet in January and it is clear that the Irons
still need a creative spark. Brahimi scored six goals and set up three in 16
Primera Liga starts this past season. Robert Snodgrass, signed for £10
million in the wake of Payet's exit, failed to score in any of his 15
Premier League games, setting up two goals. If West Ham have the chance to
right the wrongs of last summer and get Brahimi this time then they must
take it - and Valencia could be the perfect ticket.
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West Ham release Scottish defender Stephen Hendrie by mutual consent
Stephen Hendrie made eight appearances on loan at Blackburn last season
The 22-year-old joined West Ham from Scottish side Hamilton in July 2015
West Ham are looking to offset spending on incomings by letting players go
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 13:55 EDT, 15 June 2017 | UPDATED: 13:57 EDT, 15 June 2017
West Ham have released full-back Stephen Hendrie by mutual consent. The
22-year-old, who joined from Hamilton in 2015, has had loan spells at
Southend United and Blackburn Rovers where he made eight appearances last
season. Hendrie is one of a number of players who could leave West Ham this
summer as they look to offset spending on incomings. He failed to make an
appearance for the Hammers first team during his two seasons at the club.
The Celtic supporter has four caps for Scotland U21 after progressing
through the age groups from the U17s. Hendrie has just one senior goal so
far, which came in February 2016 during his loan spell with Southend. West
Ham will begin the 2017-18 campaign with an away trip to Manchester United
before a home clash against Southampton.
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Kylian Mbappe should join West Ham instead of Arsenal - Shaka Hislop
WEST HAM legend Shaka Hislop has jokingly claimed Kylian Mbappe should join
his old side instead of Arsenal.
By LEWIS WINTER
PUBLISHED: 17:05, Thu, Jun 15, 2017 | UPDATED: 17:13, Thu, Jun 15, 2017
Mbappe, 18, is one of the most sought after strikers in Europe after
bursting onto the scene midway through last season for Monaco. The Frenchman
has been linked with mega-money moves to Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester
United among others throughout the last couple of months. It is likely to
cost a world record fee of over £100million to prise him away from the Ligue
1 champions. Hislop was asked whether he could see Mbappe completing a move
to Arsenal in the transfer window and is response was unequivocal. Instead
he advised the teenager to join the Hammers over Arsene Wenger's side. "I'm
sure they do (need a big player)," he said on ESPN FC. "If you're Kylian
Mbappe, Arsenal is not a destination. We've had this discussion before,
nothing has changed. "He can come to West Ham, we can have him at West Ham.
"West Ham, everybody wants to come to West Ham! "If you change it to West
Ham I will change my mind a little bit."
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Sofiane Feghouli not interested in quitting West Ham this summer
GEORGE ELEK
Evening Standard
Sofiane Feghouli has no intention of leaving West Ham this summer despite
enduring a difficult first season in the English top flight.
The deal to bring the right-winger in from Valencia on a three-year deal was
seen as something of a coup at the time, but he made just 11 Premier League
starts in his first campaign as a Hammer. He did manage to score three goals
and get three assists, but manager Slaven Bilic preferred Manuel Lanzini,
Andre Ayew and Michail Antonio in wide areas.
West Ham had been open to selling Feghouli before Dimitri Payet's departure
in January, but the Frenchman's exit put a stop to any further departures in
attacking areas. But even after Payet left for Marseille in January, the
Algerian found his opportunities limited.
"I have two years left at West Ham and as I said on social media, I see
myself staying at West Ham. I'll start again on the 10th of July with the
team. I mean it when I say it, but you don't control everything in football.
I'm not looking for a way out, not at all," he told RMC Sport. "I'm going to
go on holiday calmly and prepare myself for a great season. I'm open for
talks with the manager, but there aren't any planned. Maybe the owner will
tell me one day that I need to leave, but I don't think so."
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Henry Onyekuru so good, West Ham raises bid to £9m
Posted By: Osita Duruon: June 15, 2017
Breaking TimesIn
English Premier League side West Ham has intensified efforts to sign
prolific Nigerian striker, Henry Onyekuru from the Belgium League as they
raised their offer for the KAS Eupen striker to £9m. West Ham thought they
had a fee agreed after meeting his release clause of around £6.5m but the
fee only applies to clubs in Belgium, while for clubs outside Belgium a fee
over or close to £9m is what the Belgians are demanding. However they have
not given up hope of luring the forward, who is keen on moving to the
Premier League, despite offers from fellow Belgium side Anderlecht. A fresh
bid of around £9m was launched by the club yesterday after talks with Eupen
negotiator, Mogi Bayat, who is widely regarded as the biggest player
representative in Belgium, and also holds close ties with the president of
Anderlecht.
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Arsene Wenger unwilling to sign Henry Onyekuru this summer; would prefer
2018 deal
HITC
Vincent Ralph
Arsenal and West Ham United have both been linked with the young forward.
According to a report from Voetbal24.be, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger likes
what he sees of Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru but has no intention of bidding
for him this summer. The Frenchman would preferably like to wait and take
the 20-year-old in 2018, when he has seen what the young Nigerian can do
over a longer period of time. The problem for the Gunners is that according
to a recent report from Own Goal Nigeria, West Ham United are fighting hard
for the forward and have made an improved £9million bid in an attempt to
seal a deal. For that kind of money, and given that Onyekuru scored 24 goals
and provided nine assists in 41 appearances for Eupen last season, he
clearly has the talent to be a canny addition for a number of Premier League
clubs. However, it seems Arsenal are not prepared to jump in now, even if
they could blow the Hammers out of the water and secure one of the most
exciting young forwards in European football. Arsenal need to make the right
additions this summer to build on yet another FA Cup triumph and ensure
their slip out of the top four was merely a blip. As for West Ham, they are
desperate for additional fire-power and Onyekuru fits the bill as a
cut-price signing whose value is only likely to increase in the years ahead.
If West Ham seal a deal and Onyekuru hits the ground running, Arsenal fans
will have another reason to bemoan Wenger's transfer tactics.
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West Ham's Manuel Lanzini makes first start for Argentina in 6-0 thrashing
of Singapore
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Stadnard
Manuel Lanzini capped off a superb season by earning his first start for
Argentina as Jorge Sampaoli's team thrashed Singapore 6-0 on Tuesday. The
West Ham midfielder made his debut for La Albiceleste in their 1-0 friendly
win over rivals Brazil in Melbourne on Friday after being brought on for
David Banega in the 81st minute. After playing the final few minutes of the
game - which was Argentina's first victory over Brazil since 2012 - Sampaoli
decided to give the 24-year-old his first start for his nation against
Singapore on Tuesday.
Lanzini played 60 minutes of the match as Argentina ran out 6-0 winners,
with the West Ham star later expressing his happiness at being able to
represent his nation in what he described as a "beautiful" moment.
"Beautiful to be able to live this with the most beautiful shirt of all,
[and] to continue growing as well," he wrote on Instagram alongside a
picture of himself in action. Lanzini's call-up, and subsequent appearances
for Argentina, are well deserved for the midfielder, who impressed for West
Ham following the departure of Dimitri Payet in January. Such were his
performances in midfield for Slaven Bilic's side that the 24-year-old won
the Hammers' Players' Player of the Year award in May, and is likely to be a
crucial player for the West Ham manager as the club look to have a positive
second season at the London Stadium next term.
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The work permit issues which are preventing West Ham making progress on
Onyekuru deal
The Hammers need to get the striker a permit if they want any hope of
signing him
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:53, 15 JUN 2017
Henry Onyekuru wants to join West Ham but nothing will happen until he has a
work permit that will allow his to move from KAS Eupen in Belgium to east
London. The money the Hammers are currently offering - around £7m - is not
going to be enough to get him in, so the club will need to increase it. The
figure being touted is not much more, £7.87m, to ensure that it happens.
That doesn't mean that a work permit will be automatically given though,
there is a bit more to it than that. So, what is the work permit system all
about?
Previously, in order to qualify to play in the UK, footballers needed to
have played in at least 75% of their country's senior international matches
during the past two years. Onyekuru has just one cap for Nigeria. If his
country were ranked within FIFA's top ten in the world, he would only have
had to have played in 30% of the games. That will be the reason why Onyekuru
is having troubles signing for the club, so it then moves to a points system
as the player and West Ham would have to appeal the decision. You get a
certain number of points for meeting certain criteria and the target West
Ham and Onyekuru need is five points to help the deal over the line and get
the work permit. For example, West Ham would get three points if the wages
they offered Onyekuru are between the 50th and 75th percentile of earners at
the club, so the new man would be on a high wage. Another two points will
arrive if the the value of the transfer fee being paid for the player is
between the 50th and 75th percentile of all transfers to Premier League
clubs in the previous two windows, which is why the club needs to increase
its offer. And that should make up the five points the Hammers need to get
Onyekuru in. Simple, no?
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Ray Parlour calls out West Ham owners Sullivan and Gold and discusses
expectations for next season
HITC
Damien Lucas
Pundit and childhood West Ham United fan Ray Parlour has called out the
club's owners and discussed expectations for the new season.
The Hammers took a big step back last season as they endured a torrid second
year under Slaven Bilic often flirting with the relegation places before
eventually finishing 11th. The club's big move to the Olympic Stadium was
meant to push the Hammers on to the next level after they finished just four
points off the Champions League places in their farewell campaign at the
Boleyn Ground. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were full of promises
about the club's intentions to spend big on quality players ahead of the
move to Stratford.
None of that materialised, though, and instead Bilic's squad was diluted
with a glut of poor quality loan and free transfer signings.
The two Davids have since pledged to get things right this summer and Bilic
has publicly stated he is targeting quality over quantity with eyes on four
"game-changer" signings. Pablo Zabaleta has joined on a free but Parlour has
called the club's owners out on talkSPORT and insists they must start
spending money. "I think it's a big season for West Ham again," Parlour told
talkSPORT. "They under performed a little bit last year, but I'm really
pleased they stuck with Slaven. "But now they've (Sullivan and Gold) got to
invest... (the likes of) Chris Smalling and Joe Hart have been mentioned
with going there and they do need investment West Ham this year to really
push on to be in that top 10."
The club's ability to finally compete with the Premier League elite in the
transfer market was dangled as a carrot to supporters who were unsure about
leaving their beloved Upton Park. But clubs like Everton are showing what
serious investment is already this summer with some big signings and more to
follow. Finishing below clubs like Bournemouth with a fraction of West Ham's
income will not be acceptable to supporters next season. And given the club
has been named in the top 20 wealthiest in Europe, it is time they started
acting like it by spending what is required to attract top quality
additions.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th June 2017
West Ham 17-18 fixtures: Hammers kick-off at Old Trafford
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will kick off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester United. Following the release of the provisional fixture list at 9am this morning, it was confirmed that Slaven Bilic's men will face the Red Devils at Old Trafford on the weekend of 12 August. The encounter is likely to see Hammers wear their brand new 2017/18 black away kit and a debut for new signing Pablo Zabaleta.
The 2017/18 season will conclude with a home fixture against Everton on Sunday 13 May, while other notable dates in the calendar include a home derby with Chelsea on 9 December and a trip to AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day, while West Bromwich Albion are the Hammers' home opponents on New Year's Day.
Meanwhile, the Hammers will be hoping to make it three home victories in successive seasons against Tottenham Hotspur when Mauricio Pochettino's men visit London Stadium on 23 September. The return fixture against Spurs at their temporary Wembley home is scheduled for 30 December.
As previously confirmed, our opening fixtures in August will be played away from home as London Stadium welcomes the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion.
Supporters are therefore advised that our second fixture of the campaign, against Southampton, will be rescheduled, with further details to follow.
With an international break scheduled after our away game against Newcastle United on 26 August, our first home match at London Stadium next season is set to be the visit of Huddersfield Town on the weekend of 9 September.
However, ALL fixtures are still subject to change, with the Sky TV and BT Sport live televised fixtures for the opening two months of the season yet to be confirmed, and supporters are urged to bear this in mind when making any travel arrangements for fixtures.
Any fixture changes will be announced on whufc.com as soon as they are confirmed.
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West Ham United 2017/18 Premier League fixtures in full
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will kick off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester United. Following the release of the provisional fixture list at 9am this morning, it was confirmed that Slaven Bilic's men will face the Red Devils at Old Trafford on the weekend of 12 August.
See our full fixture list below
August 2017
Saturday 12 August 15:00 Manchester United v West Ham United
Saturday 19 August 15:00 West Ham United v Southampton*
Saturday 26 August 15:00 Newcastle United v West Ham United
September 2017
Saturday 9 September 15:00 West Ham United v Huddersfield Town
Saturday 16 September 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
Saturday 23 September 15:00 West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 30 September 15:00 West Ham United v Swansea City
October 2017
Saturday 14 October 15:00 Burnley v West Ham United
Saturday 21 October 15:00 West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Saturday 28 October 15:00 Crystal Palace v West Ham United
November 2017
Saturday 4 November 15:00 West Ham United v Liverpool
Saturday 18 November 15:00 Watford v West Ham United
Saturday 25 November 15:00 West Ham United v Leicester City
Wednesday 29 November 19:45 Everton v West Ham United
December 2017
Saturday 2 December 15:00 Manchester City v West Ham United
Saturday 9 December 15:00 West Ham United v Chelsea
Tuesday 12 December 19:45 West Ham United v Arsenal
Saturday 16 December 15:00 Stoke City v West Ham United
Saturday 23 December 15:00 West Ham United v Newcastle United
Tuesday 26 December 15:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United
Saturday 30 December 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
January 2018
Monday 1 January 15:00 West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 13 January 15:00 Huddersfield Town v West Ham United
Saturday 20 January 15:00 West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth
Tuesday 30 January 19:45 West Ham United v Crystal Palace
February 2018
Saturday 3 February 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United
Saturday 10 February 15:00 West Ham United v Watford
Saturday 24 February 15:00 Liverpool v West Ham United
March 2018
Saturday 3 March 15:00 Swansea City v West Ham United
Saturday 10 March 15:00 West Ham United v Burnley
Saturday 17 March 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester United
Saturday 31 March 15:00 Southampton v West Ham United
April 2018
Saturday 7 April 15:00 Chelsea v West Ham United
Saturday 14 April 15:00 West Ham United v Stoke City
Saturday 21 April 15:00 Arsenal v West Ham United
Saturday 28 April 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester City
May 2018
Saturday 5 May 15:00 Leicester City v West Ham United
Sunday 13 May 15:00 West Ham United v Everton
*This game is to be rescheduled
Please note that all fixture dates are subject to change and TV selections for the first two months of the campaign are yet to be confirmed
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International round-up: Cresswell earns second England cap in France
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell earned his second England cap but could not prevent them from falling from a 3-2 friendly defeat to France on Tuesday.
Cresswell replaced Phil Jones with eight minutes to play of the Stade de France clash with the Three Lions a goal down, and although the Hammers full back fired over from range at the death that was the way it stayed. His eight-minute run-out was the second of his England career, following an appearance against Spain last November. England took an early lead in Paris though Harry Kane, but goals from Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe turned it around before the break. Raphael Varane was sent off and Kane levelled from the spot immediately after half-time, but a late goal from Ousmane Dembele won it for the hosts. Meanwhile, Havard Nordtveit played the first half of Norway's friendly draw with Sweden. The all-Scandinavia clash in Oslo ended 1-1 after Sweden's Samuel Armenteros cancelled out Mohamed Elyounoussi opener. Nordtveit now has 32 caps for his country.
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West Ham United to face Manchester City in Iceland
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's pre-season preparations for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign will see their tour of Europe conclude with a prestigious and historic encounter against Manchester City in Iceland. Slaven Bilic's side will face Pep Guardiola's men in Reykjavik on Friday 4 August, in what will be the first-ever match between two English Premier League teams in Iceland, eight days before our big Premier League kick-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The clash against City will also see our new signing Pablo Zabaleta face his former club, and Bilic believes it will provide the perfect occasion to round-off the pre-season build-up. The Hammers boss said: "It is fantastic that we will make history by becoming the first Premier League clubs to face each other in Iceland, and we are really looking forward to visiting Scandinavia, where there is a very big West Ham following. "Iceland captured the imagination of everyone with their fantastic performance at the European Championships last year and, although the country is small in population, they have a huge love for football. "It is also the perfect fixture for City and ourselves, because we have great respect for each other and will both be looking for the same positives from the game, in terms of fitness and preparation for the start of the Premier League season a week later."
Prior to the trip to Scandinavia, the Hammers will begin their pre-season plans with two training camps – the first an 11-day stay in Austria, followed by a trip to Germany that will see back-to-back games played against Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in a two-legged Betway Cup encounter, sponsored by our principal partner. From Germany, the squad will fly straight to Reykjavik on August 3, with the clash against City taking place the following day at Iceland's national stadium Laugardalsvöllur.
Ticket and travel information for the match in Iceland will be announced on whufc.com soon.
First Team pre-season schedule
July 10-21: Training camp in Austria
July 24-August 3: Training camp in Germany
July 28: v Werder Bremen (Schneverdingen, Germany)
July 29: v Werder Bremen (Lohne, Germany)
August 4: v Manchester City (Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavik)
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Presenter quits following 'hideous abuse' from Spurs fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
TV presenter Rachel Riley has quit her job at Sky Sports after receiving a torrent of abuse from Tottenham supporters. The Countdown presenter has announced her decision to step down from the role at Sky after being trolled by Spurs fans on social media, after she described their club as a "proper bottle job" following the 1-0 defeat by West Ham at the beginning of last month. Explaining the context of her comment at the time, she said: "For the record I didn't say Spurs are bottle jobs but tonight's game was a test of nerve. I didn't mean any offence to Spurs or their fans tonight, just a surprise to slip v WHam (sic) with their form on paper.
"Personal abuse is hideous. I love football, always have, always will, banter is fun, abuse is not whoever/whatever/wherever."
Tottenham saw their title hopes go up in smoke following the defeat by West Ham, with the only goal of the game being scored by KUMB Player of the Year Manuel Lanzini.
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WEST HAM INCREASE BID FOR ONYEKURU
ROB SILLS @sillsy9
readWestHam
West Ham have made an improved offer of £9m for Nigerian starlet Henry Onyekuru, according to a report from Own Goal Nigeria today. Premier League and London rivals Arsenal were said to have had a bid accepted for the KAS Eupen forward, but that appears to have gone quiet. Now, The Hammers are getting involved. It was reported that Slaven Bilic's side had a £7m offer rejected, but they have now come back with an improved offer of £9m. Strangely, Onyekuru does have a £6.5m release-clause in his contract, but that only is valid for Belgian sides. Belgian champions Andelrecht are sniffing around, and they have said they are willing to meet the demands of KAS Eupen and pay £6.5m to trigger the clause, however Eupen want more money, with West Ham offering just that. If the bid is accepted, The Irons will no doubt find themselves in the driving seat for the youngster's signature, even if Eupen would rather see their talisman leave for Anderlcht, feeling that West Ham aren't as prestigious.
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Aaron Cresswell faces crucial season at West Ham - so what happens next after his England snub
The left back won his second international cap against France
Football London
BYROB GUEST
19:30, 14 JUN 2017
Despite making his second appearance for England last night, Aaron Cresswell will have left the Stade de France with a tinge of disappointment. The left-back looked guaranteed to replace Ryan Bertrand at half-time but Gareth Southgate plumped for Kyle Walker to play as a makeshift wing-back. Instead, Cresswell was handed a brief eight-minute cameo. West Ham fans have long called for the full-back to receive international recognition but his two caps came in a season which has been highly forgettable. It wasn't just Cresswell that disappointed. It was the club. The 27-year-old will now go on holiday and come back to the club for pre-season facing the biggest season of his West Ham career to date. That may be a shock, especially given his form a year earlier, but now he has a fight on his hands for the left-back spot in Slaven Bilic's team. Cresswell will now go head-to-head with Arthur Masuaku as both aim to seal a place in the team's starting XI for the away trip to Manchester United on the opening day. Masuaku joined the club last August and, despite a slow start to life in east London, many fans have called for him to be started over Cresswell. He flourished towards the end of the season and even kept the former Ipswich Town player out of the team before injury curtailed his season. His performances against Swansea and Everton at home left fans questioning Cresswell's role in the team. The player himself probably even questioned his role as he watched on from the sidelines. Rewind a year and Cresswell was untouchable. His performances, both attacking and defensively, had led to calls that Roy Hodgson should select him in England's Euro 2016 squad. He probably should have gone and it seems strange that his two England caps have come in a year when he has struggled for his club. Cresswell started the season on the sidelines after a shocking challenge in a pre-season game with Karlsruher left him with knee ligament damage. He made an immediate impact on his return with an assist for Manuel Lanzini at Crystal Palace in October, although he finished the match in the dressing room after receiving a red card. Top performances last season were rather few and far between and that was unforeseen given his previous form for the Hammers. He made 26 league appearances but he failed to score and only made two assists. In his previous two seasons his assists were double last year's tally and he had also netted two goals in each season. Cresswell's best season had seen him link up with Dimitri Payet down the left and he thrived playing with the Frenchman. Perhaps Payet's departure, coupled with the club's poor form, was the reason for the left-back's struggles Now the Liverpudlian is facing his biggest season to date with the club. A repeat of last year's form and Masuaku will become the club's first-choice left-back. That would have been unthinkable one year ago, but now is the time for Cresswell to step up and show the form that made him one of the best left-backs in the league.
Do that and more minutes on the pitch for England will undoubtedly follow.
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Lanzini reacts to first Argentina start and Bilic on Man City friendly - West Ham quotes of the day
West Ham quotes of the day include Slaven Bilic's reaction to confirmatio of a friendly vs Man City
Football London
BYFOOTBALL LONDON
18:20, 14 JUN 2017UPDATED18:21, 14 JUN 2017
Slaven Bilic gave his thoughts on the news that his side will play Man City in a pre-season friendly in Iceland "It is fantastic that we will make history by becoming the first Premier League clubs to face each other in Iceland, and we are really looking forward to visiting Scandinavia, where there is a very big West Ham following. "Iceland captured the imagination of everyone with their fantastic performance at the European Championships last year and, although the country is small in population, they have a huge love for football. "It is also the perfect fixture for City and ourselves, because we have great respect for each other and will both be looking for the same positives from the game, in terms of fitness and preparation for the start of the Premier League season a week later." "Of course, if one day I come back to play against City it would be tough but you have to accept it."
Manuel Lanzini tweeted his delight at making his first start for Argentina
"Beautiful to be able to live this with the most beautiful t-shirt of all on. Keep growing. #ML10 #argentina."
Manuel Lanzini ✔ @maanuulanzini10
Hermoso poder vivir esto con la camiseta más linda de todas, a seguir así creciendo 🇦🇷 #ML10 #argentina
7:55 PM - 13 Jun 2017
859 859 Retweets 5,526 5,526 likes
The club issued a statement after the Hammers asked Southampton to switch their home game between the sides
"Our opening fixtures in August will be played away from home as London Stadium welcomes the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion. "Supporters are therefore advised that our second fixture of the campaign, against Southampton, will be rescheduled, with further details to follow."
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Chelsea star Victor Moses encouraging Arsenal transfer target Henry Onyekuru to snub Arsene Wenger
Metro Sport Reporter for Metro.co.uk
Wednesday 14 Jun 2017 12:34 pm
Chelsea star Victor Moses has advised Henry Onyekuru to ignore Arsenal's interest and secure a move to London rivals West Ham, according to reports. The 19-year-old KAS Eupen striker has been linked with the Gunners for a number of weeks and recent reports suggest the north London outfit have agreed a deal ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Onyekuru scored 24 goals in 41 appearances this season and finished as the joint top scorer in the Belgian top flight and is also a reported target of West Ham's. Moses, who emerged as a key component of Antonio Conte's title-winning Chelsea side last season, spent the season on loan at West Ham in 2015/16 and the Daily Mail claim he is encouraging his compatriot to to move to east rather than north London. Onyekuru, who recently made his senior international debut, has also revealed he has sought advice from Arsenal's Alex Iwobi before he makes a decision on his future. 'He [Iwobi] is a nice fellow, who is open to all despite his star status in the team,' Onyekuru told Own Goal. 'We talked a bit about Arsenal and their manager Arsene Wenger and he has nothing but praise for his manager and teammates. 'Iwobi said they are like a family in the dressing room, and even the senior players treat the upcoming players like their equals.'
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Arsenal transfer news: £20m Olivier Giroud keen on West Ham, four-year offer readied
OLIVIER GIROUD is reportedly keen on a switch across London from Arsenal to West Ham.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 11:49, Wed, Jun 14, 2017 | UPDATED: 12:43, Wed, Jun 14, 2017
Express.co.uk
The Gunners striker could be on the move this summer with Arsene Wenger looking to strengthen up front. Lyon hitman Alexandre Lacazette and Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe are top targets at the Emirates. And with Giroud's game time likely to decrease next season, the 30-year-old is open to leaving. West Ham are desperate to strengthen their options in attack, as injuries and poor recruitment exposed them last season. Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi are being pursued. But according to Goal, Olivier Giroud is a real target too with talks already underway. The Hammers have spoken with the France international's representatives and he is claimed to be keen on joining. Giroud wants a permanent deal as opposed to any loan exit and staying in London is his preference, having been at Arsenal since 2012. With West Ham seemingly in pole position as Wenger seeks the striker's potential successor, a move is being readied. Goal add Slaven Bilic is prepared to offer the experienced frontman a four-year deal worth £100,000 a week. That would make him the Hammers' joint-highest paid player alongside Andy Carroll. At the London Stadium, Giroud would certainly earn more regular minutes, even with West Ham planning to sign more than one striker. And the east London club believe Arsenal will demand £20million for his services. However, reports have suggested Lyon are looking into the prospect of an exchange deal involving Giroud and Lacazette.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will kick off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester United. Following the release of the provisional fixture list at 9am this morning, it was confirmed that Slaven Bilic's men will face the Red Devils at Old Trafford on the weekend of 12 August. The encounter is likely to see Hammers wear their brand new 2017/18 black away kit and a debut for new signing Pablo Zabaleta.
The 2017/18 season will conclude with a home fixture against Everton on Sunday 13 May, while other notable dates in the calendar include a home derby with Chelsea on 9 December and a trip to AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day, while West Bromwich Albion are the Hammers' home opponents on New Year's Day.
Meanwhile, the Hammers will be hoping to make it three home victories in successive seasons against Tottenham Hotspur when Mauricio Pochettino's men visit London Stadium on 23 September. The return fixture against Spurs at their temporary Wembley home is scheduled for 30 December.
As previously confirmed, our opening fixtures in August will be played away from home as London Stadium welcomes the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion.
Supporters are therefore advised that our second fixture of the campaign, against Southampton, will be rescheduled, with further details to follow.
With an international break scheduled after our away game against Newcastle United on 26 August, our first home match at London Stadium next season is set to be the visit of Huddersfield Town on the weekend of 9 September.
However, ALL fixtures are still subject to change, with the Sky TV and BT Sport live televised fixtures for the opening two months of the season yet to be confirmed, and supporters are urged to bear this in mind when making any travel arrangements for fixtures.
Any fixture changes will be announced on whufc.com as soon as they are confirmed.
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West Ham United 2017/18 Premier League fixtures in full
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will kick off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester United. Following the release of the provisional fixture list at 9am this morning, it was confirmed that Slaven Bilic's men will face the Red Devils at Old Trafford on the weekend of 12 August.
See our full fixture list below
August 2017
Saturday 12 August 15:00 Manchester United v West Ham United
Saturday 19 August 15:00 West Ham United v Southampton*
Saturday 26 August 15:00 Newcastle United v West Ham United
September 2017
Saturday 9 September 15:00 West Ham United v Huddersfield Town
Saturday 16 September 15:00 West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
Saturday 23 September 15:00 West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 30 September 15:00 West Ham United v Swansea City
October 2017
Saturday 14 October 15:00 Burnley v West Ham United
Saturday 21 October 15:00 West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Saturday 28 October 15:00 Crystal Palace v West Ham United
November 2017
Saturday 4 November 15:00 West Ham United v Liverpool
Saturday 18 November 15:00 Watford v West Ham United
Saturday 25 November 15:00 West Ham United v Leicester City
Wednesday 29 November 19:45 Everton v West Ham United
December 2017
Saturday 2 December 15:00 Manchester City v West Ham United
Saturday 9 December 15:00 West Ham United v Chelsea
Tuesday 12 December 19:45 West Ham United v Arsenal
Saturday 16 December 15:00 Stoke City v West Ham United
Saturday 23 December 15:00 West Ham United v Newcastle United
Tuesday 26 December 15:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United
Saturday 30 December 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
January 2018
Monday 1 January 15:00 West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 13 January 15:00 Huddersfield Town v West Ham United
Saturday 20 January 15:00 West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth
Tuesday 30 January 19:45 West Ham United v Crystal Palace
February 2018
Saturday 3 February 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United
Saturday 10 February 15:00 West Ham United v Watford
Saturday 24 February 15:00 Liverpool v West Ham United
March 2018
Saturday 3 March 15:00 Swansea City v West Ham United
Saturday 10 March 15:00 West Ham United v Burnley
Saturday 17 March 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester United
Saturday 31 March 15:00 Southampton v West Ham United
April 2018
Saturday 7 April 15:00 Chelsea v West Ham United
Saturday 14 April 15:00 West Ham United v Stoke City
Saturday 21 April 15:00 Arsenal v West Ham United
Saturday 28 April 15:00 West Ham United v Manchester City
May 2018
Saturday 5 May 15:00 Leicester City v West Ham United
Sunday 13 May 15:00 West Ham United v Everton
*This game is to be rescheduled
Please note that all fixture dates are subject to change and TV selections for the first two months of the campaign are yet to be confirmed
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International round-up: Cresswell earns second England cap in France
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell earned his second England cap but could not prevent them from falling from a 3-2 friendly defeat to France on Tuesday.
Cresswell replaced Phil Jones with eight minutes to play of the Stade de France clash with the Three Lions a goal down, and although the Hammers full back fired over from range at the death that was the way it stayed. His eight-minute run-out was the second of his England career, following an appearance against Spain last November. England took an early lead in Paris though Harry Kane, but goals from Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe turned it around before the break. Raphael Varane was sent off and Kane levelled from the spot immediately after half-time, but a late goal from Ousmane Dembele won it for the hosts. Meanwhile, Havard Nordtveit played the first half of Norway's friendly draw with Sweden. The all-Scandinavia clash in Oslo ended 1-1 after Sweden's Samuel Armenteros cancelled out Mohamed Elyounoussi opener. Nordtveit now has 32 caps for his country.
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West Ham United to face Manchester City in Iceland
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's pre-season preparations for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign will see their tour of Europe conclude with a prestigious and historic encounter against Manchester City in Iceland. Slaven Bilic's side will face Pep Guardiola's men in Reykjavik on Friday 4 August, in what will be the first-ever match between two English Premier League teams in Iceland, eight days before our big Premier League kick-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The clash against City will also see our new signing Pablo Zabaleta face his former club, and Bilic believes it will provide the perfect occasion to round-off the pre-season build-up. The Hammers boss said: "It is fantastic that we will make history by becoming the first Premier League clubs to face each other in Iceland, and we are really looking forward to visiting Scandinavia, where there is a very big West Ham following. "Iceland captured the imagination of everyone with their fantastic performance at the European Championships last year and, although the country is small in population, they have a huge love for football. "It is also the perfect fixture for City and ourselves, because we have great respect for each other and will both be looking for the same positives from the game, in terms of fitness and preparation for the start of the Premier League season a week later."
Prior to the trip to Scandinavia, the Hammers will begin their pre-season plans with two training camps – the first an 11-day stay in Austria, followed by a trip to Germany that will see back-to-back games played against Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in a two-legged Betway Cup encounter, sponsored by our principal partner. From Germany, the squad will fly straight to Reykjavik on August 3, with the clash against City taking place the following day at Iceland's national stadium Laugardalsvöllur.
Ticket and travel information for the match in Iceland will be announced on whufc.com soon.
First Team pre-season schedule
July 10-21: Training camp in Austria
July 24-August 3: Training camp in Germany
July 28: v Werder Bremen (Schneverdingen, Germany)
July 29: v Werder Bremen (Lohne, Germany)
August 4: v Manchester City (Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavik)
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Presenter quits following 'hideous abuse' from Spurs fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th June 2017
By: Staff Writer
TV presenter Rachel Riley has quit her job at Sky Sports after receiving a torrent of abuse from Tottenham supporters. The Countdown presenter has announced her decision to step down from the role at Sky after being trolled by Spurs fans on social media, after she described their club as a "proper bottle job" following the 1-0 defeat by West Ham at the beginning of last month. Explaining the context of her comment at the time, she said: "For the record I didn't say Spurs are bottle jobs but tonight's game was a test of nerve. I didn't mean any offence to Spurs or their fans tonight, just a surprise to slip v WHam (sic) with their form on paper.
"Personal abuse is hideous. I love football, always have, always will, banter is fun, abuse is not whoever/whatever/wherever."
Tottenham saw their title hopes go up in smoke following the defeat by West Ham, with the only goal of the game being scored by KUMB Player of the Year Manuel Lanzini.
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WEST HAM INCREASE BID FOR ONYEKURU
ROB SILLS @sillsy9
readWestHam
West Ham have made an improved offer of £9m for Nigerian starlet Henry Onyekuru, according to a report from Own Goal Nigeria today. Premier League and London rivals Arsenal were said to have had a bid accepted for the KAS Eupen forward, but that appears to have gone quiet. Now, The Hammers are getting involved. It was reported that Slaven Bilic's side had a £7m offer rejected, but they have now come back with an improved offer of £9m. Strangely, Onyekuru does have a £6.5m release-clause in his contract, but that only is valid for Belgian sides. Belgian champions Andelrecht are sniffing around, and they have said they are willing to meet the demands of KAS Eupen and pay £6.5m to trigger the clause, however Eupen want more money, with West Ham offering just that. If the bid is accepted, The Irons will no doubt find themselves in the driving seat for the youngster's signature, even if Eupen would rather see their talisman leave for Anderlcht, feeling that West Ham aren't as prestigious.
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Aaron Cresswell faces crucial season at West Ham - so what happens next after his England snub
The left back won his second international cap against France
Football London
BYROB GUEST
19:30, 14 JUN 2017
Despite making his second appearance for England last night, Aaron Cresswell will have left the Stade de France with a tinge of disappointment. The left-back looked guaranteed to replace Ryan Bertrand at half-time but Gareth Southgate plumped for Kyle Walker to play as a makeshift wing-back. Instead, Cresswell was handed a brief eight-minute cameo. West Ham fans have long called for the full-back to receive international recognition but his two caps came in a season which has been highly forgettable. It wasn't just Cresswell that disappointed. It was the club. The 27-year-old will now go on holiday and come back to the club for pre-season facing the biggest season of his West Ham career to date. That may be a shock, especially given his form a year earlier, but now he has a fight on his hands for the left-back spot in Slaven Bilic's team. Cresswell will now go head-to-head with Arthur Masuaku as both aim to seal a place in the team's starting XI for the away trip to Manchester United on the opening day. Masuaku joined the club last August and, despite a slow start to life in east London, many fans have called for him to be started over Cresswell. He flourished towards the end of the season and even kept the former Ipswich Town player out of the team before injury curtailed his season. His performances against Swansea and Everton at home left fans questioning Cresswell's role in the team. The player himself probably even questioned his role as he watched on from the sidelines. Rewind a year and Cresswell was untouchable. His performances, both attacking and defensively, had led to calls that Roy Hodgson should select him in England's Euro 2016 squad. He probably should have gone and it seems strange that his two England caps have come in a year when he has struggled for his club. Cresswell started the season on the sidelines after a shocking challenge in a pre-season game with Karlsruher left him with knee ligament damage. He made an immediate impact on his return with an assist for Manuel Lanzini at Crystal Palace in October, although he finished the match in the dressing room after receiving a red card. Top performances last season were rather few and far between and that was unforeseen given his previous form for the Hammers. He made 26 league appearances but he failed to score and only made two assists. In his previous two seasons his assists were double last year's tally and he had also netted two goals in each season. Cresswell's best season had seen him link up with Dimitri Payet down the left and he thrived playing with the Frenchman. Perhaps Payet's departure, coupled with the club's poor form, was the reason for the left-back's struggles Now the Liverpudlian is facing his biggest season to date with the club. A repeat of last year's form and Masuaku will become the club's first-choice left-back. That would have been unthinkable one year ago, but now is the time for Cresswell to step up and show the form that made him one of the best left-backs in the league.
Do that and more minutes on the pitch for England will undoubtedly follow.
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Lanzini reacts to first Argentina start and Bilic on Man City friendly - West Ham quotes of the day
West Ham quotes of the day include Slaven Bilic's reaction to confirmatio of a friendly vs Man City
Football London
BYFOOTBALL LONDON
18:20, 14 JUN 2017UPDATED18:21, 14 JUN 2017
Slaven Bilic gave his thoughts on the news that his side will play Man City in a pre-season friendly in Iceland "It is fantastic that we will make history by becoming the first Premier League clubs to face each other in Iceland, and we are really looking forward to visiting Scandinavia, where there is a very big West Ham following. "Iceland captured the imagination of everyone with their fantastic performance at the European Championships last year and, although the country is small in population, they have a huge love for football. "It is also the perfect fixture for City and ourselves, because we have great respect for each other and will both be looking for the same positives from the game, in terms of fitness and preparation for the start of the Premier League season a week later." "Of course, if one day I come back to play against City it would be tough but you have to accept it."
Manuel Lanzini tweeted his delight at making his first start for Argentina
"Beautiful to be able to live this with the most beautiful t-shirt of all on. Keep growing. #ML10 #argentina."
Manuel Lanzini ✔ @maanuulanzini10
Hermoso poder vivir esto con la camiseta más linda de todas, a seguir así creciendo 🇦🇷 #ML10 #argentina
7:55 PM - 13 Jun 2017
859 859 Retweets 5,526 5,526 likes
The club issued a statement after the Hammers asked Southampton to switch their home game between the sides
"Our opening fixtures in August will be played away from home as London Stadium welcomes the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion. "Supporters are therefore advised that our second fixture of the campaign, against Southampton, will be rescheduled, with further details to follow."
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Chelsea star Victor Moses encouraging Arsenal transfer target Henry Onyekuru to snub Arsene Wenger
Metro Sport Reporter for Metro.co.uk
Wednesday 14 Jun 2017 12:34 pm
Chelsea star Victor Moses has advised Henry Onyekuru to ignore Arsenal's interest and secure a move to London rivals West Ham, according to reports. The 19-year-old KAS Eupen striker has been linked with the Gunners for a number of weeks and recent reports suggest the north London outfit have agreed a deal ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Onyekuru scored 24 goals in 41 appearances this season and finished as the joint top scorer in the Belgian top flight and is also a reported target of West Ham's. Moses, who emerged as a key component of Antonio Conte's title-winning Chelsea side last season, spent the season on loan at West Ham in 2015/16 and the Daily Mail claim he is encouraging his compatriot to to move to east rather than north London. Onyekuru, who recently made his senior international debut, has also revealed he has sought advice from Arsenal's Alex Iwobi before he makes a decision on his future. 'He [Iwobi] is a nice fellow, who is open to all despite his star status in the team,' Onyekuru told Own Goal. 'We talked a bit about Arsenal and their manager Arsene Wenger and he has nothing but praise for his manager and teammates. 'Iwobi said they are like a family in the dressing room, and even the senior players treat the upcoming players like their equals.'
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Arsenal transfer news: £20m Olivier Giroud keen on West Ham, four-year offer readied
OLIVIER GIROUD is reportedly keen on a switch across London from Arsenal to West Ham.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 11:49, Wed, Jun 14, 2017 | UPDATED: 12:43, Wed, Jun 14, 2017
Express.co.uk
The Gunners striker could be on the move this summer with Arsene Wenger looking to strengthen up front. Lyon hitman Alexandre Lacazette and Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe are top targets at the Emirates. And with Giroud's game time likely to decrease next season, the 30-year-old is open to leaving. West Ham are desperate to strengthen their options in attack, as injuries and poor recruitment exposed them last season. Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi are being pursued. But according to Goal, Olivier Giroud is a real target too with talks already underway. The Hammers have spoken with the France international's representatives and he is claimed to be keen on joining. Giroud wants a permanent deal as opposed to any loan exit and staying in London is his preference, having been at Arsenal since 2012. With West Ham seemingly in pole position as Wenger seeks the striker's potential successor, a move is being readied. Goal add Slaven Bilic is prepared to offer the experienced frontman a four-year deal worth £100,000 a week. That would make him the Hammers' joint-highest paid player alongside Andy Carroll. At the London Stadium, Giroud would certainly earn more regular minutes, even with West Ham planning to sign more than one striker. And the east London club believe Arsenal will demand £20million for his services. However, reports have suggested Lyon are looking into the prospect of an exchange deal involving Giroud and Lacazette.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th June 2017
Hammers to face Werder Bremen in Betway Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a unique and
prestigious two-legged Betway Cup encounter as part of our pre-season
preparations for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men
will face the Bundesliga side in back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29,
during a 10-day trip that will form the second of two training camps in
Europe this summer, with the first taking place in Austria between July
10-21. The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up
is focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing
squad, with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place
ahead of the big Premier League kick-off on the weekend of August 12.
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup, courtesy of West Ham United's
principal partner. Playing back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that
the squad can work together at the same level for the vast majority of the
time that we are there
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro. Die Werderaner are one of Germany's most famous and
historic clubs, having been formed in 1899, won the Bundesliga title four
times and lifted the German Cup on six occasions. Like West Ham, they have
also lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup once in their history, back in
1992. Prior to their visit in 2015, the only previous meeting between the
two clubs took place at the Weserstadion in August 1984. The German club ran
out 2-1 winners on that occasion, too.
Ticket information for both matches against Bremen will be announced on
whufc.com once confirmed, while the later stage of the pre-season schedule
will also be finalised soon.
Provisional fixtures for the 2017/18 Premier League season will be revealed
on whufc.com at 9am tomorrow.
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Manuel Lanzini starts as Argentina thrash Singapore
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini made his first start for the Argentina national team as they
defeated Singapore 6-0 on Tuesday. Lanzini - who debuted for Jorge
Sampaoli's side in a friendly victory over Brazil four days ago - played the
first hour at Singapore's national stadium in a fixture which marked the
125th anniversary of the home team's FA. Argentina's romp to victory began
in the 25th minute when Tottenham defender Federico Fazio put them in front.
Joaquin Correa made it 2-0 before the break, after which further goals from
Alejandro Gomez, Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Angel Di Maria completed
the scoring. It brings to a close an excellent season for Lanzini, who won
the Players' Player of the Year prize at the Club's Player Awards night in
May, before earning his first caps for his country this month.
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Ghana star Andre Ayew PLOTS West Ham exit despite claims Marseille ain't
keen on reunion
Published on: 13 June 2017
GhanaSoccer.net
West Ham United forward Andre Ayew is 'scratching at the door' of his former
club Marseille as he eyes exit from the London stadium. France Football
reports the 27-year-old is angling for a move after growing unsettled at the
club despite claims the French giants are not keen on a reunion. The former
Swansea City endured a difficult debut campaign at West Ham where injury
conspired against his form. The £20.5million record signing scored only six
goals for the side after staying out injured for three months. He spent the
next three weeks between January and February representing Ghana at the
international level during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Widespread
reports in France are suggesting the Ghana international could be on his way
back to former club Marseille where he cut his teeth. Ayew headache is that
Marseille are unwilling to take him back, as reported by France Football and
that could throw a potential reunion in jeopardy. The forward played a part
for Ghana as they thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier on Sunday.
By Patrick Akoto
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West Ham may have played smart move biding time in Ross Barkley pursuit with
Everton chasing pair
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ross Barkley, and a report
has suggested that the playmaker's Everton career is over. A report from the
Daily Star last month suggested that West Ham were interested in signing
Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, and were prepared to meet his staggering
wage demands of £140,000 a week. Just over a fortnight later, and the Daily
Mirror has suggested that Barkley could be about to spend the final season
of his Toffees contract on the sidelines with Ronald Koeman confident of
signing both Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson. So while it may have been
unintentional, perhaps it would be fair to suggest that West Ham have made a
smart move holding back on following up on their interest. The Star reported
that Everton wanted £50 million for Barkley. However, despite his obvious
talent, it would surely be a major surprise if any club was willing to offer
that for a player with one year left on his contract.
But while Barkley is high up the pecking order at Goodison Park, Everton may
be determined to hold out for a fee as close to their asking price as
possible.
However, with his importance to the side set to diminish significantly if
they land their two targets, the Toffees may be much more willing to listen
to lower offers just to ensure that he is off their books and not set to
move on for a compensation fee next season. And if that proves to be the
case and West Ham manage to capitalise and land Barkley for considerably
less than the £50 million previously quoted, then the Hammers fans will
undoubtedly reflect that the club were wise to initially step back and have
done a tremendous piece of business.
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West Ham eyeing Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in bold summer move
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are eyeing a move for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud as they plot a
summer rebuild of their striking department. The France international has
suggested that he will not settle for another season on the bench at Arsenal
having spent much of the year backing up Alexis Sanchez and then fighting
Danny Welbeck for a starting role. Giroud signed a new contract at Arsenal
in January that ties him to the club until the summer of 2019 and despite
having turned 30 during the season would command a sizeable transfer fee in
the event that the Gunners chose to sell him.
It is understood that would be an unlikely set of circumstances with Arsene
Wenger having consistently backed the French international, who has often
borne the brunt of criticism when Arsenal's form has hit the rocks. However
with the Gunners chasing Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette Giroud could
feel that a move ensures he gets a regular starting role ahead of the 2018
World Cup. Speaking at a press conference last week Giroud said: "I want to
win the Premier League with the club. After, I do not know the future, it
will be necessary to take into account the transfer window. "I have had
limited playing time for several reasons but that is not to say that I lost
the confidence of the coach." He added: "I will not be content with limited
playing time next season.
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ANDRE AYEW ANGLING FOR A RETURN TO MARSEILLE
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham broke their transfer record last summer with the £20.5m acquisition
of Andre Ayew from Swansea and after a slow start to life in east London, he
performed rather well.
In his debut season with the Hammers, Ayew netted six goals in 25
appearances but his performances in the final few months of the season
offered belief that he could develop into a leading player at the club.
That being said, he could still leave the club in the summer, with France
Football (h/t Sport Witness) claiming that Ayew is angling for a return to
his former club Marseille.
Last month, Marseille were linked with a £30m swoop to bring Ayew back to
the club, two years after he left on a free transfer to join Swansea.
The new investment and ambitious project in place at the Ligue 1 club was
enough to persuade Dimitri Payet to quit West Ham and rejoin Marseille back
in January, and it's claimed that Ayew could try and pull a similar move.
Whether Marseille are still interested in Ayew remains to be seen, but it's
unlikely that West Ham would like to do any business with the French side
anytime soon.
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PORTO EYE SWOOP FOR VALENCIAFeatured Image
Date: 13th June 2017 at 4:27pm
Written by: Barry Mullins
ThisIsFutbol
Champions League regulars Porto are eyeing a summer swoop for West Ham flop
Enner Valencia, according to an A Bola report. The Portuguese news outlet
claim the East London club have offered striker Valencia, who has failed to
impress Hammers manager Slaven Bilic, to the Portugese club for £7million.
It is said the 27-year-old was linked with a move to Porto last summer, but
he joined Everton on loan instead. The report states that Valencia does not
feature in Everton's plans next season, and with Bilic not a big fan, he
will be allowed to leave the London Stadium this summer. He struggled to
break into the first team while on loan at Goodison Park last term, and he
made just 23 appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old joined West
Ham in the summer of 2014 in a £13million switch from Mexican outfit
Pachuca, and he has since played 72 league and cup games for the club, which
have yielded a paltry 10 goals and eight assists. However, Valencia does
boast an impressive goalscoring record on the international stage, and he
has netted 19 goals in 37 appearances for Ecuador. He has impressed in his
homeland to such an extent that he was made captain of his nation in his
most recent match, a 1-1 friendly draw with Venezuela. West Ham finished
11th in last season's Premier League, and Bilic is looking to bolster his
squad this summer, but it appears Valencia has been deemed as surplus to
requirements.
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West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini started for Argentina in 6-0 thrashing of
Singapore
Bradley Hayden
Guardian Series
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini picked up his second cap for Argentina,
who thrashed Singapore 6-0 in a friendly this afternoon.
The Hammer's man started in midfield for a much changed Argentina side,
which also included PSG's Angel Di Maria and Juventus's Pablo Dybala. Goals
from Tottenham Hotspur's Federico Fazio, Joaquin Correa, Alejandro Gomez,
Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Di Maria sealed a comfortable victory for
Argentina, in Jorge Sampaoli's second game as national team manager. Lanzini
played just under an hour for his country, having made his international
debut for Argentina on Friday against Brazil, where he came on as a second
half substitute. The 24-year-old was integral for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
last season, scoring eight goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for
the Hammers.
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Revealed: West Ham release 2017/18 pre-season tour dates to Germany and
Austria
The Hammers will be taking on Werder Bremen in the Betway Cup
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
14:00, 13 JUN 2017UPDATED14:16, 13 JUN 2017
West Ham will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a two-legged Betway
Cup encounter as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2017/18
Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men will face the Bundesliga side in
back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29, during a 10-day trip that will form
the second of two training camps in Europe this summer, with the first
taking place in Austria between July 10-21.
The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up is
focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing squad,
with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place ahead of
the Premier League starting on August 12
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup.
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro.
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Bacca-on? Could West Ham reignite move for longstanding target after Milan
sign Portuguese superstar
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are desperately searching for strikers this summer and could
try once again for AC Milan star Carlos Bacca. Back at the beginning of May,
the Hammers were linked with a move for Colombian striker Bacca by
Talksport, having chased him last summer. Slaven Bilic's side have struggled
for strikers let alone goals from their strikers after recruiting poorly
last summer and seeing Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho once again spend more
time on the treatment table than the pitch. According to a recent report
from the Daily Mirror, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in
bringing AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca to the Emirates next season, as part
of a major investment move in his squad. The 30-year-old Colombian striker,
who rose to fame after scoring 49 goals in 108 games for Spanish side
Sevilla, has been AC Mlilan's main striker since 2015, scoring 34 goals in
74 appearances for the Rossoneri. But the arrival of Portuguese star Andre
Silva from Porto at Milan - as reported by The Sun - will put Bacca's future
severely in doubt, particularly given the club were keen to sell him on last
summer. Bilic has targeted four "game-changer" signings this summer and has
already brought in Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer. He is believed to be
targeting two top quality strikers but has thus far failed to land rumoured
prime targets Kelechi Iheanacho and Michy Batshuayi, even if it is still
early days. Arsenal's Olivier Giroud and Chelsea duo Tammy Abraham and
Bertrand Traore have also been linked in the last week. But could Bilic use
Silva's arrival at the San Siro to push again for proven quality Bacca who
actually turned down a move to East London last summer despite West Ham
having a bid accepted for his services.
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Wonderkid Onyekuru to jet into West Ham on Tuesday for talks - reports
The young striker is apparently on his way to London to discuss a switch to
West Ham
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:00, 13 JUN 2017
Henry Onyekuru is reportedly on his way into London today (Tuesday) to gold
talks with West Ham over a switch. The 20-year-old wonderkid is currently at
KAS Eupen but is not expected to be there much longer, with the Hammers in
pole position to bring him to the Premier League. The club has competition
from Arsenal for his signature but according to the Daily Mail, Onyekuru is
keen on a switch to east London. This is despite some other reports claiming
the Hammers have had a bid of £7m turned down by the Belgian side and they
also want him to go to a more "prestigious" club. But, we understand the
youngster is set to jet in to England today and hold talks with the Hammers,
likely to be at the training ground in Rush Green.
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Slaven Bilic's move to bring Joe Hart to West Ham United looks very smart
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Joe Hart from
Manchester City. West Ham United could be making a very smart move by
signing Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City (The Sun), before committing
to buy him outright. West Ham are interested in taking the England
international, but aren't prepared to pay a fee this summer. And the
Hammers' plan could be a clever one, as doubts linger over Hart's form. Hart
was not exactly rock solid on a loan move at Torini over the past summer,
and his latest performance for England has been called into question. Hart
has been blamed for not saving either of Leigh Griffiths' free-kicks for
Scotland, in a 2-2 draw.
And West Ham's try-before-you-buy could save them the risk of buying a
goalkeeper who is badly out of form. Hart appears to need to regain
confidence to get back to his very best, and a move to West Ham could help
him achieve that aim. However, by taking him on loan, West Ham would be
taking any risk out of signing the out-of-form stopper - and Slaven Bilic
should be commended for his transfer market foresight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM READYING SECOND OFFER FOR ONYEKURU
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are reportedly ready to make a second bid to sign KAS Eupen striker
Henry Onyekuru this summer. It was initially reported today that the Hammers
were knocked back by the Belgian club in their first move to sign the young
forward, but it's not looking as though their intentions to bring him to the
London Stadium this summer have faltered. Onyekuru finished the season as
Eupen's top scorer and enjoyed a highly successful breakthrough season. Now,
according to All Nigeria Soccer, the Hammers are set to go back in and make
an improved offer for his signature. It's also claimed in the report that
West Ham will bid again for Onyekuru's compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho as they
look to lure him away from the grasp of Manchester City.
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"He's not homeless": Manchester attack hero pictured 'back on street' is
living in hotel paid for by West Ham
Stephen has hit back at 'haters', saying he's in the process of choosing
rented accommodation paid for by the son of the club's chairman
The Mirror
BYNICOLA OAKLEY
20:26, 12 JUN 2017UPDATED21:14, 12 JUN 2017
Dave Sullivan Jnr, the son of West Ham co-chairman Dave Sullivan, has hit
back at claims the homeless hero of the Manchester terror attack is still
living on the streets - and enlisted the help of the man himself to quash
concerns. Stephen Jones, who pulled nails out of children's faces after a
'dockyard confetti' bomb was detonated at the city's arena, has received
almost £32,000 in donations via a JustGiving page. But this week he was
pictured huddling next to a bin in a red sleeping bag, drenched by the rain,
sparking concern he had not received any of the money and was not being
helped to create a better life for himself. Setting the record straight,
Dave Sullivan Jnr took to Twitter today to tell worried followers that he is
currently paying for the hero to stay in a hotel - and the club is also in
the process of sorting rented accommodation for him. He said: "He is NOT
homeless he is in a hotel (we are paying for this) and we are waiting on
Steve to choose his accommodation. "I have spoken to Steven TODAY. He has
been in a hotel for a long time which I've been paying for, he is still
choosing his accommodation. "We aim to have a tenancy agreement in place by
the end of the week. I'm going up to manc (sic) on July 1st to see him."
Sullivan offered no explanation for the recent photographs which show the
homeless hero sitting back on the street. Dave then took it one step further
and called Stephen - putting him on speaker while he recorded a video of his
phone - who also said the 'haters' don't realise it's a lengthy process and
he's 'going to look homeless'. He can be heard saying: "A lot of newspapers
are saying you're homeless. Can you say you're not homeless? Can you explain
you're not homeless?" Trying to offer an explanation for the photographs,
Stephen replied: "People have gotta realise -obviously I've told you I've
got no clothes. I'm coming from the hotel - I'm carrying my bag with me with
all my belongings. I'm gonna look homeless, do you understand what I mean?
"These people have gotta realise things don't happen overnight."
Dave responded: "As I've said to you, I'm coming up in a week or two to come
and buy you clothes and all that stuff." He also revealed that Stephen is in
the process of signing a tenancy agreement for a house he's already chosen.
Referring to those who are concerned his JustGiving funds have not been
released and he is not yet receiving the help he deserves, Stephen said:
"They've got to understand that things don't happen overnight. "It's a
lengthy process. I've been going through this housing agency wanting a birth
certificate and everything. "All these people are just haters, they wanna
realise I am getting help and people are helping me. I've addressed the drug
problem and now it's addressing the housing problem, which I have done.
"Things are not magic."
It comes after claims that Stephen was still living on the streets weeks
after the Manchester Arena bombing despite the fact that thousands was
donated to help him find a home. The former bricklayer was sleeping rough
close to the city centre arena when the explosion from Salman Abedi's bomb
killed 22 and injured another 60. He initially thought the blast was a
firework but was horrified when screaming youngsters emerged from the arena.
Instead of running away from the danger, he desperately tried to help the
children, wiping blood from their eyes, and it was then he realised the
devastating impact of their injuries. In an interview, an emotional Stephen
said: "We were having to pull nails and bits of glass out of their arms and
faces." He recalled seeing the "lifeless" bodies of children on the floor,
next to their "hysterical" mothers. A JustGiving page was also set up in a
bid to get 'Steve off the streets' and has raised £31,562 of its £32,000
target.
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Report claims Henry Onyekuru could still make England move; player impressed
by West Ham United's commitment
HITC
Aiden Cusick
There have been conflicting reports surrounding the West Ham United target's
future. West Ham United are still in with a shout of signing Eupen forward
Henry Onyekuru, the Daily Mail reports. It had been claimed the Belgians had
turned down proposals in favour of selling the 20-year-old to a 'more
prestigious club'. However, Onyekuru is said to be eager to play in the
Premier League and has been impressed by West Ham's commitment to signing
him.
Sky Sports stated last week the Hammers were the new front-runners for
Onyekuru's signature, ahead of six divisional rivals including Arsenal and
Swansea City. And subsequent reports have backed up the broadcaster's claim
that the 22-goal star is flying to England this week to commence
negotiations with other clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, 'totting up' enough points to gain a work
permit will be key to the Nigeria international's Premier League move. The
report adds that West Ham midfielder Havard Nordtveit is interesting
Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.
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West Ham consider Joe Hart loan - but Manchester City outcast must take
£75,000-a-week wage cut
Hart is earning around £175,000-a-week and his demands are stopping him from
joining another club
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
21:34, 12 JUN 2017
Joe Hart's £175,000-a-week wages are preventing him from landing a loan move
to another Premier League club. The 30-year-old Manchester City outcast has
revealed he has yet to receive an offer to play next season. West Ham are
monitoring his situation but Hart would need to slash his wage demands by at
least £75,000 a week if he wants to move to the London Stadium. With Dimitri
Payet no longer at the club, West Ham's top earner is Andy Carroll on
£100,000 a week – and the Londoners are not prepared to top that. Hart, who
spent last season at Torino, needs regular first-team football if he is to
make England's World Cup squad next summer. The Hammers are hoping to
conclude the signing of 20-year-old striker Henry Onyekuru from Belgian club
Eupen within the next week. Arsenal are interested in the Nigerian but can't
promise him regular first-team football. The rising star, who scored 20
goals in Belgium last season, is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year
deal worth £35,000 a week.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a unique and
prestigious two-legged Betway Cup encounter as part of our pre-season
preparations for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men
will face the Bundesliga side in back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29,
during a 10-day trip that will form the second of two training camps in
Europe this summer, with the first taking place in Austria between July
10-21. The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up
is focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing
squad, with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place
ahead of the big Premier League kick-off on the weekend of August 12.
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup, courtesy of West Ham United's
principal partner. Playing back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that
the squad can work together at the same level for the vast majority of the
time that we are there
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro. Die Werderaner are one of Germany's most famous and
historic clubs, having been formed in 1899, won the Bundesliga title four
times and lifted the German Cup on six occasions. Like West Ham, they have
also lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup once in their history, back in
1992. Prior to their visit in 2015, the only previous meeting between the
two clubs took place at the Weserstadion in August 1984. The German club ran
out 2-1 winners on that occasion, too.
Ticket information for both matches against Bremen will be announced on
whufc.com once confirmed, while the later stage of the pre-season schedule
will also be finalised soon.
Provisional fixtures for the 2017/18 Premier League season will be revealed
on whufc.com at 9am tomorrow.
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Manuel Lanzini starts as Argentina thrash Singapore
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini made his first start for the Argentina national team as they
defeated Singapore 6-0 on Tuesday. Lanzini - who debuted for Jorge
Sampaoli's side in a friendly victory over Brazil four days ago - played the
first hour at Singapore's national stadium in a fixture which marked the
125th anniversary of the home team's FA. Argentina's romp to victory began
in the 25th minute when Tottenham defender Federico Fazio put them in front.
Joaquin Correa made it 2-0 before the break, after which further goals from
Alejandro Gomez, Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Angel Di Maria completed
the scoring. It brings to a close an excellent season for Lanzini, who won
the Players' Player of the Year prize at the Club's Player Awards night in
May, before earning his first caps for his country this month.
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Ghana star Andre Ayew PLOTS West Ham exit despite claims Marseille ain't
keen on reunion
Published on: 13 June 2017
GhanaSoccer.net
West Ham United forward Andre Ayew is 'scratching at the door' of his former
club Marseille as he eyes exit from the London stadium. France Football
reports the 27-year-old is angling for a move after growing unsettled at the
club despite claims the French giants are not keen on a reunion. The former
Swansea City endured a difficult debut campaign at West Ham where injury
conspired against his form. The £20.5million record signing scored only six
goals for the side after staying out injured for three months. He spent the
next three weeks between January and February representing Ghana at the
international level during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Widespread
reports in France are suggesting the Ghana international could be on his way
back to former club Marseille where he cut his teeth. Ayew headache is that
Marseille are unwilling to take him back, as reported by France Football and
that could throw a potential reunion in jeopardy. The forward played a part
for Ghana as they thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifier on Sunday.
By Patrick Akoto
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West Ham may have played smart move biding time in Ross Barkley pursuit with
Everton chasing pair
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ross Barkley, and a report
has suggested that the playmaker's Everton career is over. A report from the
Daily Star last month suggested that West Ham were interested in signing
Everton playmaker Ross Barkley, and were prepared to meet his staggering
wage demands of £140,000 a week. Just over a fortnight later, and the Daily
Mirror has suggested that Barkley could be about to spend the final season
of his Toffees contract on the sidelines with Ronald Koeman confident of
signing both Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson. So while it may have been
unintentional, perhaps it would be fair to suggest that West Ham have made a
smart move holding back on following up on their interest. The Star reported
that Everton wanted £50 million for Barkley. However, despite his obvious
talent, it would surely be a major surprise if any club was willing to offer
that for a player with one year left on his contract.
But while Barkley is high up the pecking order at Goodison Park, Everton may
be determined to hold out for a fee as close to their asking price as
possible.
However, with his importance to the side set to diminish significantly if
they land their two targets, the Toffees may be much more willing to listen
to lower offers just to ensure that he is off their books and not set to
move on for a compensation fee next season. And if that proves to be the
case and West Ham manage to capitalise and land Barkley for considerably
less than the £50 million previously quoted, then the Hammers fans will
undoubtedly reflect that the club were wise to initially step back and have
done a tremendous piece of business.
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West Ham eyeing Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in bold summer move
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are eyeing a move for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud as they plot a
summer rebuild of their striking department. The France international has
suggested that he will not settle for another season on the bench at Arsenal
having spent much of the year backing up Alexis Sanchez and then fighting
Danny Welbeck for a starting role. Giroud signed a new contract at Arsenal
in January that ties him to the club until the summer of 2019 and despite
having turned 30 during the season would command a sizeable transfer fee in
the event that the Gunners chose to sell him.
It is understood that would be an unlikely set of circumstances with Arsene
Wenger having consistently backed the French international, who has often
borne the brunt of criticism when Arsenal's form has hit the rocks. However
with the Gunners chasing Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette Giroud could
feel that a move ensures he gets a regular starting role ahead of the 2018
World Cup. Speaking at a press conference last week Giroud said: "I want to
win the Premier League with the club. After, I do not know the future, it
will be necessary to take into account the transfer window. "I have had
limited playing time for several reasons but that is not to say that I lost
the confidence of the coach." He added: "I will not be content with limited
playing time next season.
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ANDRE AYEW ANGLING FOR A RETURN TO MARSEILLE
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham broke their transfer record last summer with the £20.5m acquisition
of Andre Ayew from Swansea and after a slow start to life in east London, he
performed rather well.
In his debut season with the Hammers, Ayew netted six goals in 25
appearances but his performances in the final few months of the season
offered belief that he could develop into a leading player at the club.
That being said, he could still leave the club in the summer, with France
Football (h/t Sport Witness) claiming that Ayew is angling for a return to
his former club Marseille.
Last month, Marseille were linked with a £30m swoop to bring Ayew back to
the club, two years after he left on a free transfer to join Swansea.
The new investment and ambitious project in place at the Ligue 1 club was
enough to persuade Dimitri Payet to quit West Ham and rejoin Marseille back
in January, and it's claimed that Ayew could try and pull a similar move.
Whether Marseille are still interested in Ayew remains to be seen, but it's
unlikely that West Ham would like to do any business with the French side
anytime soon.
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PORTO EYE SWOOP FOR VALENCIAFeatured Image
Date: 13th June 2017 at 4:27pm
Written by: Barry Mullins
ThisIsFutbol
Champions League regulars Porto are eyeing a summer swoop for West Ham flop
Enner Valencia, according to an A Bola report. The Portuguese news outlet
claim the East London club have offered striker Valencia, who has failed to
impress Hammers manager Slaven Bilic, to the Portugese club for £7million.
It is said the 27-year-old was linked with a move to Porto last summer, but
he joined Everton on loan instead. The report states that Valencia does not
feature in Everton's plans next season, and with Bilic not a big fan, he
will be allowed to leave the London Stadium this summer. He struggled to
break into the first team while on loan at Goodison Park last term, and he
made just 23 appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old joined West
Ham in the summer of 2014 in a £13million switch from Mexican outfit
Pachuca, and he has since played 72 league and cup games for the club, which
have yielded a paltry 10 goals and eight assists. However, Valencia does
boast an impressive goalscoring record on the international stage, and he
has netted 19 goals in 37 appearances for Ecuador. He has impressed in his
homeland to such an extent that he was made captain of his nation in his
most recent match, a 1-1 friendly draw with Venezuela. West Ham finished
11th in last season's Premier League, and Bilic is looking to bolster his
squad this summer, but it appears Valencia has been deemed as surplus to
requirements.
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West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini started for Argentina in 6-0 thrashing of
Singapore
Bradley Hayden
Guardian Series
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini picked up his second cap for Argentina,
who thrashed Singapore 6-0 in a friendly this afternoon.
The Hammer's man started in midfield for a much changed Argentina side,
which also included PSG's Angel Di Maria and Juventus's Pablo Dybala. Goals
from Tottenham Hotspur's Federico Fazio, Joaquin Correa, Alejandro Gomez,
Leandro Paredes, Lucas Alario and Di Maria sealed a comfortable victory for
Argentina, in Jorge Sampaoli's second game as national team manager. Lanzini
played just under an hour for his country, having made his international
debut for Argentina on Friday against Brazil, where he came on as a second
half substitute. The 24-year-old was integral for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
last season, scoring eight goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for
the Hammers.
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Revealed: West Ham release 2017/18 pre-season tour dates to Germany and
Austria
The Hammers will be taking on Werder Bremen in the Betway Cup
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
14:00, 13 JUN 2017UPDATED14:16, 13 JUN 2017
West Ham will visit Germany to take on Werder Bremen in a two-legged Betway
Cup encounter as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2017/18
Premier League campaign. Slaven Bilic's men will face the Bundesliga side in
back-to-back matches on July 28 and 29, during a 10-day trip that will form
the second of two training camps in Europe this summer, with the first
taking place in Austria between July 10-21.
The schedule has been planned to ensure that the pre-season build-up is
focused entirely on the fitness and conditioning needs of the playing squad,
with minimal travelling time and a consistent programme in place ahead of
the Premier League starting on August 12
After arriving in northern Germany on July 24, the squad will train for
three days before facing Werder at the Osterwald Stadion in Schneverdingen
on July 28. The following day, the two clubs will meet again at the
Heinz-Dettmer Stadion in Lohne, with the aggregate score from both matches
deciding who takes home the Betway Cup.
Hammers boss Bilic said: "The entire pre-season programme has been carefully
planned to make sure we build up the preparation perfectly and reach August
12 in ideal condition. Although we are in Europe, the travelling is not too
much, and everything is geared around what is best for the players. "Playing
back-to-back matches in Germany will ensure that the squad can work together
at the same level for the vast majority of the time that we are there, and
the two training camps will also be important for unity and togetherness.
"We have a number of players returning from injury at the beginning of
pre-season and so it is important that our preparation is exactly right to
give us the best opportunity of making the strongest possible start to the
new season."
Werder, who visited Upton Park two years ago at the start of Bilic's reign
and lifted the Betway Cup thanks to a 2-1 win, finished eighth in the German
top flight last season and contain a familiar face in former Chelsea striker
Claudio Pizarro.
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Bacca-on? Could West Ham reignite move for longstanding target after Milan
sign Portuguese superstar
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are desperately searching for strikers this summer and could
try once again for AC Milan star Carlos Bacca. Back at the beginning of May,
the Hammers were linked with a move for Colombian striker Bacca by
Talksport, having chased him last summer. Slaven Bilic's side have struggled
for strikers let alone goals from their strikers after recruiting poorly
last summer and seeing Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho once again spend more
time on the treatment table than the pitch. According to a recent report
from the Daily Mirror, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in
bringing AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca to the Emirates next season, as part
of a major investment move in his squad. The 30-year-old Colombian striker,
who rose to fame after scoring 49 goals in 108 games for Spanish side
Sevilla, has been AC Mlilan's main striker since 2015, scoring 34 goals in
74 appearances for the Rossoneri. But the arrival of Portuguese star Andre
Silva from Porto at Milan - as reported by The Sun - will put Bacca's future
severely in doubt, particularly given the club were keen to sell him on last
summer. Bilic has targeted four "game-changer" signings this summer and has
already brought in Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer. He is believed to be
targeting two top quality strikers but has thus far failed to land rumoured
prime targets Kelechi Iheanacho and Michy Batshuayi, even if it is still
early days. Arsenal's Olivier Giroud and Chelsea duo Tammy Abraham and
Bertrand Traore have also been linked in the last week. But could Bilic use
Silva's arrival at the San Siro to push again for proven quality Bacca who
actually turned down a move to East London last summer despite West Ham
having a bid accepted for his services.
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Wonderkid Onyekuru to jet into West Ham on Tuesday for talks - reports
The young striker is apparently on his way to London to discuss a switch to
West Ham
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:00, 13 JUN 2017
Henry Onyekuru is reportedly on his way into London today (Tuesday) to gold
talks with West Ham over a switch. The 20-year-old wonderkid is currently at
KAS Eupen but is not expected to be there much longer, with the Hammers in
pole position to bring him to the Premier League. The club has competition
from Arsenal for his signature but according to the Daily Mail, Onyekuru is
keen on a switch to east London. This is despite some other reports claiming
the Hammers have had a bid of £7m turned down by the Belgian side and they
also want him to go to a more "prestigious" club. But, we understand the
youngster is set to jet in to England today and hold talks with the Hammers,
likely to be at the training ground in Rush Green.
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Slaven Bilic's move to bring Joe Hart to West Ham United looks very smart
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Joe Hart from
Manchester City. West Ham United could be making a very smart move by
signing Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City (The Sun), before committing
to buy him outright. West Ham are interested in taking the England
international, but aren't prepared to pay a fee this summer. And the
Hammers' plan could be a clever one, as doubts linger over Hart's form. Hart
was not exactly rock solid on a loan move at Torini over the past summer,
and his latest performance for England has been called into question. Hart
has been blamed for not saving either of Leigh Griffiths' free-kicks for
Scotland, in a 2-2 draw.
And West Ham's try-before-you-buy could save them the risk of buying a
goalkeeper who is badly out of form. Hart appears to need to regain
confidence to get back to his very best, and a move to West Ham could help
him achieve that aim. However, by taking him on loan, West Ham would be
taking any risk out of signing the out-of-form stopper - and Slaven Bilic
should be commended for his transfer market foresight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM READYING SECOND OFFER FOR ONYEKURU
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are reportedly ready to make a second bid to sign KAS Eupen striker
Henry Onyekuru this summer. It was initially reported today that the Hammers
were knocked back by the Belgian club in their first move to sign the young
forward, but it's not looking as though their intentions to bring him to the
London Stadium this summer have faltered. Onyekuru finished the season as
Eupen's top scorer and enjoyed a highly successful breakthrough season. Now,
according to All Nigeria Soccer, the Hammers are set to go back in and make
an improved offer for his signature. It's also claimed in the report that
West Ham will bid again for Onyekuru's compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho as they
look to lure him away from the grasp of Manchester City.
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"He's not homeless": Manchester attack hero pictured 'back on street' is
living in hotel paid for by West Ham
Stephen has hit back at 'haters', saying he's in the process of choosing
rented accommodation paid for by the son of the club's chairman
The Mirror
BYNICOLA OAKLEY
20:26, 12 JUN 2017UPDATED21:14, 12 JUN 2017
Dave Sullivan Jnr, the son of West Ham co-chairman Dave Sullivan, has hit
back at claims the homeless hero of the Manchester terror attack is still
living on the streets - and enlisted the help of the man himself to quash
concerns. Stephen Jones, who pulled nails out of children's faces after a
'dockyard confetti' bomb was detonated at the city's arena, has received
almost £32,000 in donations via a JustGiving page. But this week he was
pictured huddling next to a bin in a red sleeping bag, drenched by the rain,
sparking concern he had not received any of the money and was not being
helped to create a better life for himself. Setting the record straight,
Dave Sullivan Jnr took to Twitter today to tell worried followers that he is
currently paying for the hero to stay in a hotel - and the club is also in
the process of sorting rented accommodation for him. He said: "He is NOT
homeless he is in a hotel (we are paying for this) and we are waiting on
Steve to choose his accommodation. "I have spoken to Steven TODAY. He has
been in a hotel for a long time which I've been paying for, he is still
choosing his accommodation. "We aim to have a tenancy agreement in place by
the end of the week. I'm going up to manc (sic) on July 1st to see him."
Sullivan offered no explanation for the recent photographs which show the
homeless hero sitting back on the street. Dave then took it one step further
and called Stephen - putting him on speaker while he recorded a video of his
phone - who also said the 'haters' don't realise it's a lengthy process and
he's 'going to look homeless'. He can be heard saying: "A lot of newspapers
are saying you're homeless. Can you say you're not homeless? Can you explain
you're not homeless?" Trying to offer an explanation for the photographs,
Stephen replied: "People have gotta realise -obviously I've told you I've
got no clothes. I'm coming from the hotel - I'm carrying my bag with me with
all my belongings. I'm gonna look homeless, do you understand what I mean?
"These people have gotta realise things don't happen overnight."
Dave responded: "As I've said to you, I'm coming up in a week or two to come
and buy you clothes and all that stuff." He also revealed that Stephen is in
the process of signing a tenancy agreement for a house he's already chosen.
Referring to those who are concerned his JustGiving funds have not been
released and he is not yet receiving the help he deserves, Stephen said:
"They've got to understand that things don't happen overnight. "It's a
lengthy process. I've been going through this housing agency wanting a birth
certificate and everything. "All these people are just haters, they wanna
realise I am getting help and people are helping me. I've addressed the drug
problem and now it's addressing the housing problem, which I have done.
"Things are not magic."
It comes after claims that Stephen was still living on the streets weeks
after the Manchester Arena bombing despite the fact that thousands was
donated to help him find a home. The former bricklayer was sleeping rough
close to the city centre arena when the explosion from Salman Abedi's bomb
killed 22 and injured another 60. He initially thought the blast was a
firework but was horrified when screaming youngsters emerged from the arena.
Instead of running away from the danger, he desperately tried to help the
children, wiping blood from their eyes, and it was then he realised the
devastating impact of their injuries. In an interview, an emotional Stephen
said: "We were having to pull nails and bits of glass out of their arms and
faces." He recalled seeing the "lifeless" bodies of children on the floor,
next to their "hysterical" mothers. A JustGiving page was also set up in a
bid to get 'Steve off the streets' and has raised £31,562 of its £32,000
target.
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Report claims Henry Onyekuru could still make England move; player impressed
by West Ham United's commitment
HITC
Aiden Cusick
There have been conflicting reports surrounding the West Ham United target's
future. West Ham United are still in with a shout of signing Eupen forward
Henry Onyekuru, the Daily Mail reports. It had been claimed the Belgians had
turned down proposals in favour of selling the 20-year-old to a 'more
prestigious club'. However, Onyekuru is said to be eager to play in the
Premier League and has been impressed by West Ham's commitment to signing
him.
Sky Sports stated last week the Hammers were the new front-runners for
Onyekuru's signature, ahead of six divisional rivals including Arsenal and
Swansea City. And subsequent reports have backed up the broadcaster's claim
that the 22-goal star is flying to England this week to commence
negotiations with other clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, 'totting up' enough points to gain a work
permit will be key to the Nigeria international's Premier League move. The
report adds that West Ham midfielder Havard Nordtveit is interesting
Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.
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West Ham consider Joe Hart loan - but Manchester City outcast must take
£75,000-a-week wage cut
Hart is earning around £175,000-a-week and his demands are stopping him from
joining another club
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
21:34, 12 JUN 2017
Joe Hart's £175,000-a-week wages are preventing him from landing a loan move
to another Premier League club. The 30-year-old Manchester City outcast has
revealed he has yet to receive an offer to play next season. West Ham are
monitoring his situation but Hart would need to slash his wage demands by at
least £75,000 a week if he wants to move to the London Stadium. With Dimitri
Payet no longer at the club, West Ham's top earner is Andy Carroll on
£100,000 a week – and the Londoners are not prepared to top that. Hart, who
spent last season at Torino, needs regular first-team football if he is to
make England's World Cup squad next summer. The Hammers are hoping to
conclude the signing of 20-year-old striker Henry Onyekuru from Belgian club
Eupen within the next week. Arsenal are interested in the Nigerian but can't
promise him regular first-team football. The rising star, who scored 20
goals in Belgium last season, is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year
deal worth £35,000 a week.
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