Enner Valencia returns to Mexico
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Enner Valencia has joined Mexican Liga MX club Tigres UANL for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old departs east London after three seasons, during which he scored ten goals in 66 appearances in Claret and Blue. Valencia joined the Hammers after a prolific 2014 season in Mexican football with Pachuca and a fine showing at that summer's FIFA World Cup finals with Ecuador. After an encouraging first season, including his unforgettable thunderbolt at Hull City on just his fourth appearance, Valencia's progress was slowed by injuries. However, he did return to score both goals in a memorable 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester City in January 2016. The South American spent last season on loan at Everton, for whom he netted three goals in 30 appearances. West Ham United would like to thank Enner for his efforts and wish him all the best for his future career.
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Fletcher dreaming of Old Trafford goal
WHUFC.com
Ashley Fletcher admits he is dreaming of scoring his first Premier League goal for West Ham United at his former club Manchester United on the opening weekend of the new season. The 21-year-old striker, who progressed through the youth ranks at Old Trafford before heading to London Stadium a year ago, is eager to build on the progress he made during his debut campaign and focused on his ambitions for 2017/18. "Last year was more of a settling-in period for me," says Ashley. "Obviously moving down to London from Manchester, new surroundings and playing Premier League football was a massive jump for me. "This year I've set myself goals – I want to get as many games as possible and I want that first Premier League goal, which is always in my mind. "I scored at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup last season and missed a good chance in our league game up there – hopefully we can go up there and do the business on August 13, and to score would be very special."
It was in Austria exactly 12 months ago that Ashley made his first impressions in a claret and blue shirt – scoring in friendlies against FC Slovacko and Karlsruher.
And as the Hammers prepare to face Sturm Graz B and Fulham in warm-up encounters next week, the 6'5'' centre-forward is hoping to repeat the feat, while continuing the tough and demanding training schedule that remains the priority in preparation for the Premier League kick-off next month. "I managed to get a couple of goals in pre-season last year," he says, "and that kind of set the platform for me getting some game time at the beginning of the season. "Hopefully, I can do the same again – get a couple of goals and impress the manager and coaches, and see where that takes me. "First and foremost it is about building fitness, though. Austria is the ideal place to come for pre-season. It's very warm and the air is thin so we work hard. To come here for a good eleven days of training and a couple of games also will stand us in good stead for moving on to Germany and looking ahead to the new season "There are no distractions. We can focus completely on training and getting the rest we need, which is going to benefit us in the long run."
The training camp – with injured players included – has also given the entire squad the opportunity to work together and further strengthen team spirit, something Ashley believes will prove hugely valuable going forward. "Keeping the squad as a tight group is always beneficial," he says. "You never want to lose that togetherness that we had last year. "There were some difficult times last season when we battled through as a group, and it is important to keep that spirit going into the new season."
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Open the door to your Hart
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
Joe Hart is edging closer to a season-long loan move to West Ham, according to reports. Hart's current club, Manchester CIty were initially reluctant to allow the England goalkeeper to go out on loan for a second season, having spent the 2016/17 campaign in Serie A with Torino. However the Citizens are understood to have had a change of heart within the last 24 hours, according to Chris Bascombe (Telegraph), and are now expected to allow Hart to open discussions with the Hammers. City were seeking in the region of £20million for the current England number one, who is hoping to secure a Premier League berth with the World Cup Finals in Russia less than a year away. Hart's chances of returning to Manchester were efffectively ended by the capture of Ederson Moraes from Benfica last month. City paid £35million to bring the 23-year-old to the Etihad.
* West Ham have launched a THIRD bid for main transfer target Marko Arnutovic. The Stoke winger had already been the subject of two rejected offers from West Ham, though to be in the region of £15million and £20million respectively, before United returned with a third bid closer to City's asking price of £25million.
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West Ham urged to make double Arsenal swoop for Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott by Steve Lomas
EXCLUSIVE
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham should be targeting a double swoop for Arsenal pair Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott this summer, according to former Hammers captain Steve Lomas.
The Hammers have seen hopes of signing Giroud recede over the past few weeks as they and his other suitors believe the French striker is increasingly minded to fight it out with Alexandre Lacazette for a regular role in the Arsenal side. However West Ham, Everton, Marseille and Lyon would all have taken heart from Giroud's comments during Arsenal's pre-season tour of Australia, where he admitted he did not know whether he would stay at the club. West Ham would be willing to meet Arsenal's £20million asking price and pay six-figure wages for the 30-year-old, who Lomas believes would be just the sort of striker Slaven Bilic needs. "Olivier Giroud would be a fantastic signing for West Ham," Lomas, who was speaking as West Ham's home kit went on sale to fans at the club store in Romford, told Standard Sport. "He's very undervalued at Arsenal. "His goalscoring rate for France and Arsenal is superb. He gets on with his job, he takes knocks. Dare I say it, he plays like a British centre forward, getting hold of the ball in the box and getting on the end of crosses. "If we could entice him from Arsenal he'd be a super signing. I do also think we need to inject a bit of pace into the team. We didn't have [Diafra] Sakho for the majority of the season, we let [Enner] Valencia go on loan and I do believe the way Slav seems to want to play on the counter-attack you need players who can get you up the field quicker. "For periods of last year we were very one-paced throughout the team. When they were playing deep it was very hard to counter teams. No.1 should be a striker, No.2 a bit of pace to help Antonio out, someone like Theo Walcott."
West Ham have long been suitors for Walcott, though for now their focus is on Stoke wide man Marko Arnautovic. A second bid worth £20m was rejected by the Potters with the Hammers now considering whether to go further for the Austrian forward or switch their focus to other targets, including Walcott and Southampton's Dusan Tadic. Whether it be Arnautovic, Walcott or another, Lomas is convinced that after striking out last summer on a host of signings with little to no Premier League experience, most notably Italian striker Simone Zaza and Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri, Bilic must focus on bringing in players with experience in England. "Walcott's goal record from wide or up front is good. He's got pace and he's at a good age at 28," Lomas added. "I don't know him very well but I know him personally; he's a very good lad. That's very important, we need to bringing the right characters into the dressing room. "The best West Ham teams have always been British-based with a sprinkling of foreign talent. I know that's a bit harder to do in the current climate but I do believe the best way forward is the nucleus of British lads. "The likes of Nobes [Mark Noble], James Collins have been a bed rock. Pablo Zabaleta, listen he's Argentinian with a Mancunian accent. He'll be a welcome addition. The more British-type players who know what the Premier League is all about the better. Even Giroud, who has been here a few years, and Theo. They'd be welcome additions."
Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have borne the brunt of fan criticism for West Ham's transfer activity over recent windows but Lomas welcomed the former's commitment to buying players with top flight experience. "It's a very difficult job," the 43-year-old said of Gold and Sullivan. "You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. The owners realise it didn't work out last year, they certainly brought a lot of players in but they were perhaps the wrong format.
"If we had brought in three or four top, top players to the team that finished seventh we'd never have struggled. But the board know that, and it's a big year for them, Slaven and the players."
Steve Lomas was speaking at the launch of West Ham United's 2017/18 home kit, where supporters filmed Sky Sports style 'walk-ups' to be shown on the big screens at London Stadium. Get 10% discount on home shirts today in-store or online at officialwesthamstore.com.
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West Ham hope to complete loan signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart in next 24 hours
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham hope to have completed a loan deal for Manchester City Joe Hart within the next 24 hours. The England international, who spent last season on loan at Torino, has been frozen out at the Etihad since the arrival of Pep Guardiola at the start of last season, with the signing of Ederson sending Hart tumbling further down the pecking order. However, as Standard Sport first revealed on Tuesday, the acquisition of the 30-year-old, who has 71 caps for England, will still constitute a significant coup for Slaven Bilic. Hart had been linked to the likes of Newcastle but opted to make the move to the London Stadium, where he will be immediately installed as the Hammers' No.1. Manchester City had wanted a £20m permanent deal for Hart, who has two years remaining on his contract, but the goalkeeper is set to join on a loan deal at least initially. Hart's arrival likely means that either Adrian or Darren Randolph will depart during the transfer window, with the latter reportedly a target for Championship side Middlesbrough. The Hammers remain in the market for a striker and wide attacker and are currently considering a third bid for Marko Arnautovic having seen a £20m offer declined by Stoke. Burnley's Andre Gray, Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi and Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud are among the options under consideration for a striking berth, though West Ham are not optimistic on securing a deal for the latter, believed to be their preferred target. It is understood that Giroud is increasingly minded to fight for his place at Arsenal, though on the club's visit to Sydney earlier this week he admitted that he was unsure where he would be playing his football after the transfer window closed.
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West Ham winger shares training update amid reports of impending transfer
Despite reports that he is set to sign for Galatasaray, Sofiane Feghouli trained today
Football London
BYKEVIN BEIRNE
15:55, 13 JUL 2017
West Ham midfielder Sofiane Feghouli trained today at Rush Green today despite reports that he is about to swap east London for Istanbul. The Algerian international is apparently set to complete a £4m transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray but he revealed on Thursday that he was keeping his fitness up at the Hammers' training ground. Feghouli shared two photos of him in training gear to his Instagram story for his 199,000 followers to see, although he still looks set to leave the Premier League after just one season. Galatasaray are keen to get Feghouli's transfer wrapped up soon as they start their Europa League campaign tonight, but it seems like a deal is still not completed. The Turkish club are said to have offered the 27-year-old a deal worth around £51,000, while West Ham are guaranteed to make a profit on Feghouli having signing him on a free transfer just last summer.
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West Ham close to signing Joe Hart on loan as Manchester City goalkeeper seeks Premier League football
It is understood that Joe Hart will move initially on loan to West Ham
The England international wants to play regularly in the Premier League
Newcastle had also made enquiries but they couldn't come to an agreement
The Hammers will cover 50 per cent of Hart's £100,000-a-week contract
By DOMINIC KING FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:02 EDT, 13 July 2017 | UPDATED: 11:14 EDT, 13 July 2017
West Ham are on the brink of providing Joe Hart with a route back into the Premier League. The England international's future has been the subject of huge speculation but West Ham believe they have done enough to thrash out a deal with Manchester City for Hart. It is almost certain that Hart will initially move to the London Stadium on a season long loan with West Ham having the option at the end of the 12 months to make his signing permanent. Newcastle had made the first enquiries for Hart at the end of the last campaign, with manager Rafa Benitez speaking directly to City's Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain over the 29-year-old, as well as Eliaquim Mangala, Fernando and Kelechi Ihenacho. But Newcastle could not offer suitable financial terms to City, with their proposal being a season long-loan without a permanent option and they would have covered 25 per cent of his wages. West Ham, however, have made a more appealing offer to City by covering more than 50 per cent of his contract - worth more than £100,00 per week - and Hart is ready to move to London, given that there is no hope of him resurrecting his career in Manchester under Pep Guardiola. A spin-off of West Ham's move for Hart is that Adrian, the Spaniard who had been No 1, is surplus to requirements and he is wanted by Crystal Palace. As yet, though, Palace have not made an offer for Adrian, who would be keen to work with Frank De Boer.
West Ham's move for Villarreal forward Cedric Bakumbu, meanwhile, is over. Manager Slaven Bilic was keen on the Congo international but the 26-year-old used West Ham's interest to agree a new long-term deal with Villarreal.
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Douglas Costa move could clear path for West Ham to get Mario Mandzukic
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United could be surprise beneficiaries of Douglas Costa's move from Bayern Munich to Juventus. The Hammers have only brought in Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer from Manchester City so far this summer much to the frustration of their supporters. Slaven Bilic has been linked with a plethora of players with the emphasis on bringing in two strikers. The East Londoners have reportedly had two bids turned down for Marko Arnautovic and are believed to be targeting Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez. But one of the big transfers of the week could see Bilic benefit after Brazilian winger Douglas Costa completed his move from Bayern Munich to Juventus. The deal, initially on loan but with an obligation for the Turin giants to buy at around £35 million, could spell the end of Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic's time at the club. And that will alert Bilic, who has long been linked with his compatriot.
Last month the director of football at Bilic's former club Besiktas Onder Ozen was quoted by Turkish Football as saying that Mandzukic will be signing for West Ham this summer. Given Juve's plethora of expensive attacking talent, the hardworking Croat was deployed wide left of a front three last season and while he in no way disgraced himself, prefers to operate as a conventional striker. Mandzukic's hard graft, professional attitude and selflessness helped Juve to another season of glory in Serie A by lifting the title and making the final of the Champions League, in which he scored a stunning goal against Real Madrid. But Costa will likely be first choice out on the left which will limit Mandzukic's playing time further. Should Bilic manage to get a player he knows well from his time as Croatia boss it could go a long way to persuading those unsure about a move to the Hammers that they will be a completely different proposition next season.
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Fenerbahce to rival West Ham for long-term Chelsea target
HITC
Tom Seymour
Fenerbahce are considering a move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, which could disrupt West Ham's own transfer plans. West Ham United could face competition from Turkey in the pursuit of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, with Turkish publication Fanatik reporting that Fenerbahce are considering a move.
Representatives from the Super Lig club are in England finalising a deal for Sunderland winger Jeremain Lens - who spent last season on loan at the Istanbul outfit - and they are looking at other potential targets at the same time.
Batshuayi has come up as a possible signing, as has Manchester City's Wilfried Bony, as Fenerbahce look to tie up their transfer business early this summer.
This will come as a blow to the Hammers, who are long-term admirers of the Belgium international and were hoping to finally sign him during this window - according to football.london. West Ham actually had a £30m bid for Batshuayi accepted by Olympique Marseille in 2016, before the Blues swooped in late on to secure the 23-year-old for £33m. Yet the Belgian found first team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge in 2016/17 and could well be allowed to leave; although with Diego Costa also expected to depart and Romelu Lukaku having chosen to join Manchester United, the West Londoners will need to sign a replacement first.
One thing that could work in the favour of the East London team is that because of Financial Fair Play rules, talkSPORT reports that Fenerbahce would prefer a loan deal for Batshuayi.
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A MARQUEE STRIKER - THE WAGES OF SIN?
By Blind Hammer 13 Jul 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer evaluates the market for Hernandez wage demands.
The wages for Premiership footballers are breath-taking in their enormity. Many will regard them as unjustified and obscene.
The problem is that there is competition for acquiring key extraordinary talents and if West Ham is to survive relegation and thrive they have to participate in what may be an unsavoury market. The issue is determining at what level. ?
Javier Hernandez is reportedly holding out for a £140,000 a week pay deal before he will agree to sign .
A potential problem associated with paying a "striker premium" is the inequality this engenders within a squad. There are already reports, according to the Mirror, of unrest within the Bournemouth squad arising from Jermaine Defoe's £130,000 pay award. The next highest earner at Bournemouth is on £50,000 and whilst the talents of Defoe are acknowledged there is scepticism that he is worth nearly as much as three other high earners.
Similarly the Hernandez deal would bust any structure at West Ham. Andy Carroll is currently the highest earner on £85,000 a week with Antonio following up on £70,000. Lanzini is also according to Claret and Hugh due to join Antonio on this rate. A massive hike in the wage structure for Hernandez is likely to have both Antonio and Lanzini calling their agents to assess their relative worth. Is Hernandez worth 2 Lanzinis? Would Antonio, as our previous highest scorer, feel happy at attracting a value half that of Hernandez?
If West Ham did sign Hernandez they would not be alone in having a "Marquee" high earner at their club. Last night the BBC Five Live Football "Club" claimed that Everton had agreed to match Wayne Rooney's United wages to facilitate his return to Goodison Park. According to the Sports Business website SportsJOE, Rooney's contract at Manchester United was worth £260,000 a week. SportsJOE also revealed that Rooney was not only the highest paid player into the Premier League but by some margin the highest paid player at Manchester United. No other United Player got into the top 10. Mourinho's eagerness to jettison the previously Marquee but now bit part player and his vast wages becomes obvious. Essentially Rooney's wages have now been redirected to United's new Marqueee signing, Romelu Lukaku.
Rooney's new "Marquee" status for Everton is obvious, as is their relative liquidity after the sale of Lukaku. Whether Rooney will provide value for money for Everton is not certain but the level of investment shows a clear indication of their commitment.
If West Ham has genuine aspirations then eventually it is against teams such as Everton that we will have to compete. Actually not just Everton. As stated, Bournemouth has agreed to pay out £130,000 for Defoe whilst Crystal Palace busted their own wage structure to pay Christian Benteke £120,000 a week. In contrast Conor Wickham £received £60,000 a week and Wilfred Zahar£35,000.
So what level should West Ham aspire to? It is absolutely clear that whatever our current ambitions are, we are not at the top table. It is instructive to look at the top 10 earners as reported by Sports Joe.
1. Wayne Rooney – £260,000 (€358,861)
2. Sergio Aguero – £240,000 (€331,359)
3. Yaya Toure – £240,000 (€331,359)
4. Eden Hazard – £220,000 (€303,652)
5. David Silva – £200,000 (€276,063)
6. Mesut Özil – £190,000 (€262,212)
7. Raheem Sterling – £180,000 (€248,411)
8. Cesc Fabregas – £170,000 (€234,611)
9. Kevin de Bruyne – £170,000 (€234,611)
10. John Terry – £160,000 (€220,850)
What is revealed in this list is the artificial and ethically questionable oil based wealth of Chelsea and Manchester City which distorts the wage Structure of the Premiership. Arsenal's Mesut Özil joins Rooney as the only 2 players not from either Chelsea or Manchester City. Players from teams such as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur do not even figure.
Another approach is to turn our back on this strategy and avoid Marquee signings. This does not necessarily result in disaster. West Brom and Southampton are both clubs who have managed to avoid the pitfalls associated with the Marquee. At West brom Soloman Rondon only pulls in £50,000 a week whilst undeniably being a crucial forward asset for them. At Southampton last year their biggest wage earners were Sean Long at £57,692, Jay Rodriguez at £72,115 and Graziano Pelleat £ 70,513.
So West Ham has to decide at what level they want to operate at. This is not an easy question. My friend, a Sheffield Wednesday supporters, tracks the long term decline of his beloved Owls to the misplaced ambition of the club in investments into Marquee signings such as Benito Carbone and Paulo DiCanio . Although we ultimately benefittd from Di Canio when we got him at a knock down price, Wednesday never recovered from this period. What was designed to be a period of ambitious investment to take them "up a level" actually resulted in a financial spiral of debt. Similarly Leeds United have never recovered from the period in which they over invested in players such as Robbie Fowler. They are amongst a long list of Championship clubs who have never recovered from debt problems arising out of ambition.
Still, Hernandez at £140,000 a week does not look so outrageous when compared to Defoe's £130,000 or even Christian Benteke's £120,000. However there are definite financial risks to this strategy. It is important that our current desperation for a fit striker does not distort our financial planning for the future. Everton can temporarily add to the distortion of the market because of the Romelu Lukaku windfall. Tottenham were similarly able to largely rebuild their team as a result of the Gareth Bale windfall.
We do not have such a windfall. In the medium term we should perhaps more realistically aspire to be a team structurally bigger than West Brom and Southampton. If this is our ambition our wage structure should reflect this. It may be that Sean Long; Andre Grey etc. are actually our level. Only the club insiders will eventually know if Hernandez is a risk worth taking. In truth there are risks to either approach.
COYI
David Griffith
N.B 1. I have used the common abbreviation of total maximum wages paid to players. In reality each deal will be based on basic pay plus bonuses for goals, appearances, wins, etc. It would be too complicated for this summary piece article to go into all these comparative details here.
N.B. I have used a variety of sources for details of wages. I would recommend the web site "Silly Season" who provide a good easy table of wage earners in their Premier League Club Summaries.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, July 14
Thursday, July 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th July 2017
Young West Ham pair aim to set up Euro U19 final showdown
WHUFC.com
West Ham United pair Domingos Quina and Nathan Trott will attempt to set up a UEFA European U19 Championship final showdown on Wednesday afternoon.
The two Hammers will be in semi-final action in Tbilisi, with victory for both Quina and Trott seeing the pair go face-to-face in a potentially mouth-watering final in the Georgian capital on Saturday.
Quina will take on the Netherlands at the David Petriashvili Stadium after the Dutch finished second to Trott's England in Group B, before the Young Lions will tackle the Czech Republic at the Mikheil Meshki Stadium.
Attacker Quina has started all three group matches for Portugal, who defeated the host nation 1-0 and Czech Republic 2-1 before drawing 2-2 with Sweden. Should he go all the way, the 17-year-old will add a Euro U19 winner's medal to the U17 title he won last summer (pictured, above).
Goalkeeper Trott, meanwhile, has had to make do with a place on the substitutes' bench for England's group-stage victories over Bulgaria, Netherlands and Germany, with AFC Bournemouth stopper Aaron Ramsdale being preferred between the sticks by head coach Keith Downing.
The two semi-finals will both take place today, with Portugal versus the Netherlands at 2pm BST and England taking on the Czechs kicking-off three hours later. Both ties will be screened live by British Eurosport.
The final will take place on Saturday 15 July.
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West Ham in Austria: Gary Lewin on pre-season
WHUFC.com
New Head of Medical Services Gary Lewin has already established himself as a popular figure at West Ham United since joining the Club at the start of June. The highly-respected Lewin, who enjoyed a long and successful association with both Arsenal and the England national team, is responsible for managing the medical and physical needs of the players, working closely with his team of physiotherapists, fitness coaches and soft tissue therapists. With the squad now out in Austria for their first pre-season training camp, we sat down with Gary for an exclusive chat about his role at the Club, the benefits of our tour to Europe and the players' work in the build-up to the start of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign…
How have you settled in to life at West Ham United Gary?
Very well thank you. I've been here for a month now, so settled in, been made very, very welcome by everybody and really excited to be here.
What was your first priority upon joining the Club?
The priority was to find out what the injury list was like, and do some research on where each player was with their rehabilitation. From there it was getting to know the staff and starting to build relationships. Obviously I came in at the beginning of June, when a lot of the staff were away on holiday, but I got round to seeing them all during the first two or three weeks. My main aim was just to reassure them that nothing was going to change regarding their roles and responsibilities, but it was important for me to get a handle on how we worked, what we did and where we were at that present time. So it's been a busy summer, but although I was involved in a couple of things at the end of last season, I desperately wanted to get back into football and when this opportunity arose I grabbed it with both hands.
Is pre-season now the ideal time for you to really get to know everyone and build those relationships with the players that are so important?
Yes, it goes both ways. For me to get to know all the players and staff and, just as importantly, for them to get to know me, what my character is like and how I like to work. It's a really important time for us all. It's vital to have a good backroom staff, which we have, but more importantly a staff that the players trust, which they do. They all get on very, very well, which again made life a lot easier for me coming in.
How important is it that the entire squad – including injured players – have travelled here to Austria for the training camp?
It helps me individually to get to know everybody, and having everybody here without too much travelling is a big bonus. Obviously there are a couple that are not with us yet – Jose Fonte was in the Confederations Cup with Portugal and Domingos Quina has been away with their Under-19 side – but to have the majority of the squad here – to get to know them and see how they work – was really important. Obviously nowadays teams tend to travel a lot more than they used to in pre-season, but to have us all in one place for a 12-day camp has been really helpful for me. And despite the fact they are not training, it is really important that the injured players are a part of the squad and involved in the day-to-day activities with their team-mates. We had a lot of injuries at the end of last season – I think there were actually ten to check up on when I came in. Fortunately six of those are now back in full training, so we are just left with four. Day to day those guys are working really hard and slowly getting back into the training. Hopefully during the pre-season period we can incorporate all of them back into full training and even playing some part in the pre-season games.
And the theme out in here in Austria definitely seems to be work, work and more work?
Yes, it's basically train, eat, sleep…train, eat, sleep! The players are used to it – it's what they do every pre-season. It helps being in such a lovely environment and I keep emphasising, not too much travelling, so we can really focus on training, resting between sessions and getting ready for the next one.
And what is it about Austria that appeals to so many clubs during pre-season?
It's just the general environment and conditions. It's very clean, very peaceful, and it is somewhere that the players can really focus on getting ready for the new season. They can eat the right foods, be in the right atmosphere, get good rest, and the training facilities are very good, so it just ticks all the boxes for what we need in pre-season.
What are the main targets and objectives from this first training camp?
We are working on many aspects of training. From a medical point of view, we can do assessments, look at previous history and make sure that we are on top of any old injuries. We do a lot of maintenance work to ensure the players are able to be out training every day and, from the coaches' point of view, it means they can start doing the technical work very quickly, improving their fitness levels but doing it progressively over a period of time. And the key for us is that everyone is fit and ready for August 13.
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Hammers go west in Checkatrade Trophy
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U21s have been drawn to face Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers in the 2017/18 Checkatrade Trophy.
The Hammers were placed in Group C alongside the two West Country clubs and Buckinghamshire-based Chairboys, meaning Terry Westley's youngsters will travel to the County Ground, Memorial Ground and Adams Park this coming season.
Westley says his squad will enjoy and benefit from the challenge of facing Bristol Rovers, who finished tenth in EFL League One last season, and League Two pair Swindon and Wycombe, as they did when tackling eventual winners Coventry City, Northampton Town and Wycombe last term.
"Our games programme for the coming season is really tough, including these games in the Checkatrade Trophy," said the Academy Director, whose young professionals won promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 in May.
"We have been promoted to Premier League 2 Division 1, meaning we will play the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, and our top-flight status means we will also be taking part in the Premier League International Cup against sides like Benfica, FC Porto and FC Copenhagen.
"The experience the Checkatrade Trophy gives the players will see them tackle League One and League Two opposition, and that can only help them to reach the level we want them to reach.
"Not only will they benefit from playing in this competition, but there is the added carrot of the final being played at Wembley and, with more clubs entering this season, I don't think we are too far away from a top Academy side reaching the final.
"With such a challenging games programme, we will have to balance the needs of the players and decide who needs to go out on loan, who will benefit from playing in the Checkatrade Trophy and who will be part of our U23 squad."
West Ham are among 16 EPPP Category One Academies taking part, with Chelsea, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur among the seven others in the Southern Section. Everton, Manchester City and Newcastle United are among the Northern Section participants.
The 16 Category One entrants will join the 48 League One and League Two clubs in the group stage, which has been regionalised to reduce travel times and costs for supporters and clubs alike.
West Ham will play all three Group C fixtures away from home, with clubs being awarded three points for a win and one for a draw. In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will be held with the winning team earning an additional point.
The top two teams in each group will progress to the knockout stage.
The final will be played at Wembley Stadium in spring 2018.
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Quina and Trott into Euro U19 final
WHUFC.com
Domingos Quina helped Portugal U19s reach the final of the U19 European Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Georgia on Wednesday.
Seventeen-year-old Hammers starlet Quina played the 90 minutes as the young Portugal team - last year's U17 European Championship winners - maintained their fine form in the tournament. After taking seven points from the group fixtures against Georgia, Portugal and Sweden, Portugal battled past the Netherlands in Wednesday's semi-final, with Benfica's Gedson Fernandes notching a first half winner. With unused substitute Nathan Trott's England beating Czech Republic in the other semi-final later on Wednesday, Quina could be involved in a direct Hammers head-to-head head in the final. Speaking after Wednesday's victory, Quina said: "It was.a good game against the Netherlands, and a great win for us - even if we made it harder for ourselves than we should have done. "We should have scored more goals on the day but that's football. We're into the final and we're ready and focused for it."
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Hammers on tour: Day 3 in Austria
WHUFC.com
Catching up on daily life with Slaven Bilic's squad during their pre-season training camp in Austria…
At the double again
Following Tuesday's double schedule, with circuit training in the morning followed by an evening session of technical ball work and a practise game, it was simply a case of more of the same on Wednesday. This time the sessions were reversed, with football drills and team play in the morning, and endurance running and core strengthening work later in the day. And credit to First Team fitness coach Josh Ewens, who provides the perfect example and ensures total focus by joining the players through every step of their work without a ball.
Claret and Lew…
He may have a long and illustrious association with London rivals Arsenal, but new Head of Medical Services Gary Lewin truly has the Hammers in his heart. The former England Head Physiotherapist grew up in Essex, where he still lives, and is likely to bump into plenty of familiar faces at London Stadium next season. "All my family come from Plaistow and East Ham, and a lot of them are Season Ticket holders, so it's really gone full circle for me," says Gary. "I've been very lucky over the years to be associated with two great set-ups in Arsenal and England, and I feel like I've joined a third one now. Hopefully I can stay here for as long as I was involved with the other two." You can watch the full interview with Gary right here.
Sam's sight for sore…legs!
For Premier League footballers, there is only one thing that helps to soften the gruelling, physical demands of pre-season training – the sight of footballs. While lots of fitness and conditioning work is necessary in the build-up to the new campaign, the players have been working with the ball since the first day of pre-season, a key psychological tool in keeping the mind stimulated.
"It's disguised running to be honest!" says defender Sam Byram, "but there's no doubt it makes it easier when you've got a football to chase around to take your mind off the fact that you are working hard. We've had the balls out since day one, to be fair, so that has definitely helped."
Albert the Hammer!
Greeting the Hammers every morning and afternoon has been 69-year-old Albert Hager, a retired policeman who holds a lifelong association with his local club Bad Waltersdorf, whose stadium the squad are using as a training base. Albert started out as a defender for Waltersdorf in the 60s, and has managed the Club since 1982, welcoming a host of major sides visiting for pre-season during the last 12 years, including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and the Polish national team. "I call myself the President," says Albert. "There is no one to argue with me! I am pleased West Ham are here, I remember Bobby Moore and the 1966 World Cup very well."
No hiding places
Hammers fans may have noticed the small black vests worn by the players during their training sessions in Austria. These are used to hold a small GPS unit, which tracks every movement made and measures distance and speed, linked up to the video technology used by the Analysis team to record all sessions, ensuring that there are certainly no hiding places for players during pre-season. For fitness work, the players also wear a heart-rate monitor strap across the chest, which is monitored closely by the medical staff.
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Joe Hart close to sealing loan move to West Ham
Telegraph.co.uk
Chris Bascombe
12 JULY 2017 • 10:30PM
Joe Hart is close to sealing a season's loan at West Ham as he seeks to reignite his career in English football. Slavan Bilic is set to give Hart the chance to return to the Premier League following his 12 month stint in Italy and talks are continuing with Manchester City to finalise a move. Hart is free to find another club having been sidelined by Pep Guardiola. If the move to London proves successful, a deal could become permanent next summer. Although City were initially reluctant to sanction a temporary deal, the situation has progressed over the last 24 hours. The 30-year-old keeper remains England's number one but faces mounting competition from Fraser Forster and Jack Butland at international level. It is essential he has regular football during a World Cup year. City want at least £20 million to make any move permanent for the goalkeeper, who spent last season on loan at Torino. He currently has two years remaining on his City contract but was overlooked last year when Guardiola preferred Willy Caballero and Claudio Bravo. Although neither of those keepers proved convincing replacements, but City have since paid £35 million to Benfica for Ederson Moraes. Hart has been linked with several Premier League clubs since he became surplus to requirements at City. Everton were thought to be interested but instead looked to the future with the £30 million signing of Jordan Pickford. Newcastle are also believed to have found the financial package prohibitive having registered their interest. Speaking last season, Hart said he would keep his options open on his next move. "I love the Premier League, if I wasn't playing I'd still watch the Premier League, but I wouldn't say the Premier League is top of my wish list," he said last March. "At the top of my wish list is to play for a club that wants me to be their goalkeeper."
With Bilic, it now seems he has found a manager working in English football prepared to offer a fresh start.
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A FINANCIAL UPDATE ON WEST HAM UNITED
By Sean Whetstone 12 Jul 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Sorry I haven't written for so long but a WHTID reader put in a special request for me to write an article on my specialist subject about West Ham finances so I was more than happy to oblige. With the talk of a summer transfer war chest of up to £70m and wages for one striker of £140,000 per week I thought I would re-visit the club finances in light of the move to the London Stadium and the new mega TV deal to give you all an update.
If you ask the West Ham board about the state of the finances of the club they will say the club is still over £100m in debt. While this is technically true, closer inspection will show that £60m of this debt is owed to the owners in shareholder loans and £41m owed to other clubs in staged transfer payments which the norm nowadays. A further £30m is a short term loan borrowed against future TV money to help with cash flow which is paid off and then refinanced each season almost like a bank draft.
The latest financial accounts published in March this year showed that the Hammers turnover increased by 17.7% to £142.1m and within that figure ticket sales for the last season at the Boleyn Ground rose to an impressive £26.9m. TV rights income two seasons ago grew to £86.7m for finishing seventh and commercial and sponsorship revenue was up by 31% to £19m while retail and merchandising sales grew by 29% to £9.3m.
The Boleyn Ground land was sold last year to developers for £38m with £15m going to pay off all external bank debts that were mortgaged against it and a further £15m going to stadium owners LLDC to contribute towards the £323m transition costs of the former Olympic Stadium. The remaining £8m was used for the WestHamification of the London Stadium including fitting out the club shop, the seats and the Claret and Blue branding so the Boleyn Ground stadium money has all been spent.
In my estimation, West Ham should publish a record turnover of around £270 million when the financial accounts the year which finished on the 31st May this year are published early next year. The Hammers earned around £122m from the new 8 billion pound TV deal after finishing 11th in the Premier League last season. Each Premier League club received £85m but the Irons received £18m for having 15 games televised and a further £19m for finishing in 11th place.
On top of the TV money, ticket sales and match day activities at the London Stadium are expected to rise by £12m from the record £27m received from the last season at the Boleyn Ground to £39m at the London Stadium. Retail shop and commercial sponsorship income are also expected to increase by around 30% from £29m in 2015/2016 to £36m in 2016/2017 after the club megastore size doubled and more commercial sponsorship opportunities have arisen at the new stadium.
Although not strictly relevant, the sale of the Boleyn Ground Sale for £38m and outbound player sales of James Tomkins to Palace for £10m and Dimitri Payet to Marseille for £25m will also add to 'exceptional' one-off items in the turnover figures for the 2016/2017 season.
So want does the financial future hold for the Hammers?
Probably the most controversial debt on the books are the shareholder loans. These are loans from Sullivan and Gold dating back to 2011 but they continue to attract accrued interest of between 6% and 7%. This debt grew to £61.5m up to May 2016 before the owners cashed out £4.2m. The remainder of the debt is not due to be paid back until 1st January 2020 but with compound interest, the remaining shareholder loans could reach around £71m in just under three years time meaning that around £75m could be paid back for £49m originally loaned to the club by the owners.
Board critics will point to previous statements that the owners said they would never draw a salary from the club and to be fair to them technically they haven't. The owners would probably say themselves that they could earned far more than £26m in 9 years if they had invested their money in property and again they would probably be right about that too. The truth of the matter is, no bank would lend to us so they stepped in as a bank of last resort. Some people will have a problem with this but personally, I don't.
Their next financial challenge for the club to self-finance their cash flow, for many years they have utilised payday loans from companies such as Vibrac, Mousehole and more recently JG Funding and Media Rights and Funding. This season the Premier League agreed to outlaw offshore lending by clubs. Media Rights and Funding is regulated by the FCA so doesn't technically break the new rules even though it borrows the money from an offshore lender. Earlier this year it was reported that the funder of all these companies is West Ham fan, Michael Tabor but the days of this type of lending are probably numbered as loopholes are closed.
Going forward I understand that the club hopes to use to extra revenue from TV and the London Stadium to rid themselves of these short-term loans with expensive interest in the near future to self-finance themselves and create a financially sustainable model of operation without the need of outside help or finance which seems very sensible.
So with an estimated turnover of £270m for last season up from £142m the season before it could look like to casual eye that West Ham have an extra £128m to spend but I am afraid it doesn't work like that. In reality, West Ham will have an extra £12m per year from ticket sales at the London Stadium and certainly have an extra £35m from TV money under the new deal. Retail and sponsorship should also grow by another £7m.
So what will they do with this extra £53m per year of income? Well up to £30m of it could well fund getting rid of the short term loan in just one year, the remaining £24m will most likely disappear quickly in transfer fees and wages is the honest but boring answer.
For example, if we signed Hernandez this summer on £140,000 per week he would take up £7.3m in wages on his own.
Well done if you have made it to the bottom of this article, I am happy to answer any finance related questions.
Sean COYI
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Joe Hart: West Ham interested in Man City & England goalkeeper
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
West Ham are interested in signing Manchester City's out-of-favour England goalkeeper Joe Hart. There is no deal done yet but it is understood joining the Hammers is a possibility for Hart, who has no future at City under manager Pep Guardiola. Hart was on loan at Torino in Italy last season but has returned to City, where he has a contract until 2019. Conversations have also taken place between the 30-year-old's representatives and Manchester United. While United boss Jose Mourinho is an admirer of Hart, who has 71 international caps, the clear preference at Old Trafford is to keep David de Gea, which they expect to do. The signing of Ederson Moraes for £35m from Benfica underlined Guardiola's view of Hart. City are only thought to be interested in a permanent transfer. They leave for a three-match tour of the United States on 17 July.
Italian football journalist Mina Rzouki speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: He made a lot of mistakes at Torino. I'm not saying he's a bad goalkeeper, sometimes he really pulls it out, and what was great for him at Torino was everyone loved him. He was the one that commanded the headlines. Everyone wanted to read about him, everyone wanted to talk about him because he was the English captain and everyone wanted to look at him like this beacon that came to Torino and chose Serie A over everyone else. But let's be honest, he's not of that calibre. He is a Torino-style goalkeeper rather than Manchester City any more. So, all in all, he is only what I would say is mediocre in Serie A, which is littered with good goalkeepers and good defenders.
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West Ham fail with £20m Marko Arnautovic bid
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 12/07/17 4:28pm
SSN
West Ham have failed with an improved bid of £20m for Marko Arnautovic, according to Sky sources. The offer is £5m more than a first Hammers bid, rejected by Stoke on Monday after Arnautovic handed in a transfer request, and has again been turned down. Stoke are not looking to sell Arnautovic, who has been at the club for four years and signed a new contract last summer. The Austria forward is on City's tour of Switzerland, where he suffered a suspected knee injury during Tuesday's friendly against Neuchatel Xamax.
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West Ham have second bid worth £17m rejected by Stoke for star forward Marko Arnautovic
The Hammers made a fresh offer for the Austrian forward after having an initial bid of £15m turned down
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
16:36, 12 JUL 2017
West Ham have had a fresh bid worth £17million rejected by Stoke for striker Marko Arnautovic. The 28-year-old joined the Potters from Werder Bremen four seasons ago for just £2 million. But Stoke want as much as £25million for him. West Ham returned with a renewed offer after having an initial bid of £15m turned down. Arnautovic has already handed in an official transfer request as he is keen to move to the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic wants to stick with the 3-4-3 formation and sees Austrian Arnautovic as being perfect for his system. The formation saw West Ham finish last season strongly with just one defeat in seven.
The Irons, ready to listen to offers for injury-prone Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, are also in talks with £13million Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez.
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Randy bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have rejected an approach for reserve goalkeeper Darren Randolph. Recently-relegated Middlesbrough are understood to have made an offer for the West Ham back-up 'keeper, having lost Victor Valdes and Brad Guzan earlier this month However an initial offer from the Championship side was instantly rejected by the Hammers, according to a report in one of today's tabloids. Randolph joined the Hammers on a free transfer via Birmingham City two years ago, since when he had gone on to make 42 first team appearances for the club.
* Staying with goalkeepers and West Ham's pursuit of Joe Hart is said to have received a blow, with at least one club said to have offered to take the former England number one on a permanent basis. The Hammers are understood to be keen to sign the Manchester City stopper on a season-long loan, although Championship club Aston Villa are reported to have made an attempt to sign him on a permanent basis.
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Charlie Adam lifts lid on why Stoke teammate Marko Arnautovic wants to join West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are in the running to sign Stoke City star Marko Arnautovic and one of his teammates has been discussing the potential move. The Hammers have had two bids rejected by the Potters and chairman Peter Coates has admitted the player will be sold if their terms are met, as reported by the Evening Standard. Slaven Bilic has made the 28-year-old one of his main targets and his profile fits with the club's current policy to add proven Premier League players to their team. Arnautovic has reportedly handed in a transfer request after becoming disillusioned with life at the Bet365 Stadium, as reported by Sky Sports. Stoke boss Mark Hughes has since confirmed the situation and told Arnautovic to 'appreciate what he has' at his current employers. But now Arnautovic's teammate Charlie Adam has lifted the lid on the main motivation behind the move - as reported by the Evening Standard - and says Stoke will be losing their best player.
"He wants to look after his family," Adam revealed, as reported by the Evening Standard. "Marko's a massive figure at the club, I'm going to say it from the players' point of view. He's a wonderful player and he's done a great job for us but something has changed and he's made a decision. He's our best player."
Some supporters have questioned Arnautovic's quality and consistency, feeling he blows too hot and cold. But Adam plays and trains with the Austrian international day in day out and his analysis that he is Stoke's best player will be music to the ears of Hammers fans, particularly given they have the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri in their squad. West Ham supporters have watched on with frustration as their Premier League rivals strengthen this summer while Pablo Zabaleta is Bilic's solitary signing so far on a free transfer from Manchester City. Hearts were in mouths this week when the infamous West Ham injury curse seemed to have struck again after Arnautovic was seemingly injured and had to be substituted in Stoke's pre-season friendly against Neuchatel Xamax. But he was able to walk to the changing rooms and it is not thought to be serious enough to stop a potential move.
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West Ham weighing up third bid for Marko Arnautovic after Stoke reject £20m offer
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are considering whether to make a third bid for Marko Arnautovic after seeing a second bid worth £20 million rejected by Stoke City. Arnautovic submitted a transfer request after West Ham's initial bid of £15m but for now Stoke are holding firm, insisting they will not sell one of their best players unless the price is right. West Ham will have to pay a substantial fee if they are to lure Arnautovic away from Stoke, where he has three years remaining on his contract.
The Austrian forward has emerged as Slaven Bilic's first-choice target as he looks to add pace and power in wide areas, with West Ham planning on using Arnautovic in a dynamic three alongside Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio in support of a central striker. That new forward is also to be confirmed with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen's Javier Hernandez, Burnley striker Andre Gray and Arsenal's Olivier Giroud on their wishlist. Co-owner David Gold spoke of a desire to add proven Premier League experience to the Hammers squad but that will not come cheap and with other positions to reinforce West Ham will now consider whether to up their bid for Arnautovic or pursue other targets, including Southampton's Dusan Tadic.
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'There will be uproar!' West Ham fans demand that wonderkid is not sold to Arsenal
The Gunners are among a handful of clubs monitoring the young Hammers star
Football London
BYANDY HAROB GUEST
19:00, 12 JUL 2017
West Ham fans have called for the club to do all they can to keep Domingos Quina after Arsenal were linked with a move for the youngster. Reports suggest that Arsene Wenger's side have monitored the 17-year-old closely and are plotting a move after missing out on his signature a year ago. Quina, who has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Hammers, has caught the attention after some impressive performances in the European Under-19 Championship for Portugal.
The attacking midfielder could well come into Slaven Bilic's plans next season, especially given he appeared on the substitutes' bench 12 times last campaign.
Bilic knows he has a serious player on his hands and he will be doing all he can to keep hold of Quina. The fans also think the manager needs to keep the player at the club and give him a chance in the first team next season. Here is what the club's supporters had to say following the talk of Quina going to Arsenal.
#BROKEN KB @BKieren89
Replying to @WestHam_Central
Waste of time, he wouldn't get in over their seasoned internationals
2:47 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Rudders @Rudders3082
Replying to @WHUFC_News
We need to start using our young lads in the first team they are the future
5:50 PM - 11 Jul 2017
The East End View ⚒ @TheEastEndView
There is no way we can let Domingos Quina leave us. This would be such a Bilic and @davidgold thing to do. 😂😂😂
2:59 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Alan Berrett @BerrettAlan
Replying to @WHUFC_News
They can carry on watching him! If we let this kid get away,there will be uproar!
2:54 PM - 11 Jul 2017
⚒ hammerboy ⚒ @Oldiron7
So apparently arsenal are monitoring west ham wonderkid domingos quina??
£30million should cover it.👊
3:39 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Laura Nagle @Laura_Emma_Hall
Replying to @IronworkTours
Arsenal can go away!! I am really hoping @davidgold sees the absolute potential in Quina!
2:50 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Mick @geezamick
Replying to @WestHam_Central
Here's a novel idea. Why don't we use him? I mean I thought we weren't a selling club anymore
Follow
Zed @CBK_LG
We need to keep hold of Domingos Quina. The boy can kick a ball
5:28 PM - 11 Jul 2017
⚒D-Hammer ⚒ @lex_e_con
Replying to @Hurrst
our kids will leave unless Slav looks to get to them involved. That might be as subs in league cup but at least its a start
5:19 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Kevin @Kevin10whu
Replying to @WestHam_Central
Well they can just keep on monitoring can't they! Hands off ⚒
2:48 PM - 11 Jul 2017
J Pereira @JPereira441
Replying to @WestHam_Central
If that's true it should motivate Slav to give him a go
6:17 PM - 11 Jul 2017
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HAMMERS TOLD TO RAISE BID TO £12.5M FOR MUNIR
DAN BRIARD @JournoDanB
rEADwESThAM
According to thisisfutbol, the London Stadium side have been told by Spanish giants Barcelona to raise their bid for 21-year-old Munir, to £12.5m. It's been reported that West Ham have offered £9m so far for the youngster who played out on-loan for another Spanish outfit, Valencia, but Barcelona are holding out for more. He made 39 appearances and managed 8 goals, as well as 3 assists. Munir broke into the spotlight for Barcelona three years ago now, but with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to compete against for a spot in the starting line-up, Munir would be sensible to eye a move elsewhere. However, West Ham aren't the only side after the Spaniards signature, with fellow Premier League sides Southampton and Crystal Palace also wanting to bring the forward to the English league. West Ham are desperate to bag themselves a quality striker this summer and with Munir already proving himself in the Spanish league, the 21-year-old has many years ahead to adapt to the Premier League. He is a versatile player that can play up-front or on either wing and with his pace and trickery, he would be a great player for West Ham to get into their squad as they look to replace Robert Snodgrass, who was only brought in January, and Sofiane Feghouli, who is rumoured to be leaving the Hammers.
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Olivier Giroud admits he could leave Arsenal this summer as Everton and West Ham look to sign French striker
Everton, AC Milan, West Ham and Marseille are keen on Arsenal's Olivier Giroud
Giroud says leaving Arsenal 'is an option' this summer after five years in London
He said: 'We will see about my future, I am still an Arsenal player at the moment'
Alexandre Lacazette arrived in a £52million deal to up competition at Arsenal
By Mike Keegan For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 12:00, 12 July 2017 | UPDATED: 12:00, 12 July 2017
Olivier Giroud has sensationally admitted that he could be set to quit Arsenal. The French striker's future at the Emirates has been put under the spotlight following the club-record arrival of £52million compatriot Alexandre Lacazette. And, speaking on the club's pre-season tour in Sydney, a frank Giroud, who has interest from Everton, AC Milan, West Ham and Marseille, even referred to his Arsenal career in the past tense. 'It (leaving) is an option to be honest with you,' he said. 'I'm here in pre-season, I wanted to travel. Some people asked me if I am going to travel or not and of course, I am Arsenal player and for the moment I am here so I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later. 'It is true that I really enjoyed my five years with Arsenal,' Giroud added. 'I'm still an Arsenal player for the moment so I try to be professional. No matter what happens, I did my job on the pitch. 'It's been five years that I've been here. It could be my sixth one. I had an amazing welcome from the fans and from the club and it has been five amazing years for me. 'I won't forget it, no matter what happens. We will see about my future but I am still an Arsenal player for the moment.'
Giroud signed a new three-year deal in January and, following the Gunners' arrival Down Under on Tuesday Arsene Wenger suggested his player would not be leaving. And the striker did suggest battling with Lacazette was an option. 'It's always nice for the club to get several strikers with different qualities and it is always nice for competition and it helps you to step up every time,' he said. 'I really enjoyed all my time at the Arsenal and I scored a few nice goals but always like to speak about the team, the team spirit and the team work.' Lacazette, who will make his bow in Australia, has been compared to Ian Wright. And the 25-year-old revealed he was well aware of the link to the Gunners legend. 'I know about Ian Wright very well,' he said. 'I've never seen him play but if I am compared to him that is great. 'If I have a career where fans think of me like they do about Ian Wright then I'll be very happy.' Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny believes playmaker Alexis Sanchez, strongly linked with a move away from the club, will stay. 'He has a contract with Arsenal,' the defender said. 'I am not the person to take the decision about this. He is an important player for us. I hope and want him to stay with us this season. 'He is an important player for us so we want him to stay here with us for Arsenal. 'It is important for him to recover well after a long season and we will see, the boss and the board know what they want for him. He is an important player for us so we want him to stay here with us for Arsenal.'
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"He can go missing when not motivated" - the Stoke City view on Arnautovic as West Ham edge closer to deal
We spoke to a Stoke City expert who gave us lowdown on the Hammers transfer target
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
12:30, 12 JUL 2017
football.london understands West Ham are very close to sealing a deal to sign Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic for £20m in the coming days as Slaven Bilic bolsters his squad. The 28-year-old is set to become the Hammers second summer signing, following Pablo Zabaleta to the London Stadium as the club finally make another move in the transfer market. With Arnautovic seemingly destined for the London Stadium, we spoke to Martin Spins from our sister title the Stoke Sentinel to give us his expert view as someone who watches the Austrian week in, week out. He explained that the Hammers will be getting someone who is a bit moody but who will be a massive miss for the Potteries.
West Ham need a striker. Is Arnautovic the player that can fill the void or is he more of a winger?
He is definitely a winger by trade but does have the physical power to play up front or behind the main striker, now and then at least. He certainly knows where the goal is on his day.
Mark Hughes has said Arnautovic won't be sold. Do you think they will keep hold of him?
It's definitely late in the day to start looking for a replacement for one of your main men and he hasn't previously given much indication of being restless or unhappy, mind you he always looks miserable so it can be difficult to tell with him.
What are Arnautovic's strengths?
That power mentioned above, along with a fair turn of pace and an ability to time runs inside on the diagonal to pick up a half decent through ball, while his shooting can be explosive on his day.
Also, his weaknesses?
He can switch off defensively and leave his full back outnumbered, while his chin can easily drop in adversity and he can go missing when demotivated.
Motivation at Stoke could be a problem for him going forward, particularly after declaring his hand now, so this is one argument for cashing in now if the offer was good enough and a decent replacement can be lined up.
Would Stoke fans be disappointed to see him go?
Yes. Last summer we were all resigned to losing him and then he signed a long-term contract when no-one came in for him. Losing him then would have been a bigger blow than now because 15/16 was his best season and 16/17 was pretty average by comparison.
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West Ham fear the Premier League will block transfer of Inter Milan starlet Gabriel Barbosa
Brazilian forward nicknamed Gabigol is available on loan but a lack of games may deny him British work permit
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 11 JUL 2017
West Ham are keen to sign Inter Milan wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa... but are worried they will be lose out to red tape. The 20-year-old Brazilian forward — nicknamed Gabigol — is available for loan, just a year after joining Inter from Santos in his homeland in a £26million deal. His lack of game time for the Italians and his country, however, could wreck a potential switch to east London. Barbosa made just one start among 10 appearances in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring once. Although he has played three competitive games for Brazil, none of them have come in the last 12 months. The Hammers want to help him resurrect his career with a temporary spell in the Premier League. But they are concerned he would not meet part of the work-permit criteria for the top flight's Exceptions panel. The Hammers are frustrated at tweaks to the rules which could deny them one of the most promising players in Europe. They also have interest, however, in £8million Barcelona winger Munir El Haddadi, Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic and West Brom's bad-boy wide-man Nacer Chadli . El Haddadi wants to leave Spanish giants Barca after six years playing for their B team and only occasionally for the first team, but has rejected a move to Russian club Zenit St Petersburg.
The 21-year-old has played 45 games for the Barca first-team, scoring ten goals, but was sent on loan to Valencia last season and netted seven times in 36 games in all competitions. Tottenham and Southampton are also watching his situation. Arnautovic has handed in a transfer request at Stoke, but the Potters are demanding £20million from West Ham to do a deal. With Ghana forward Andre Ayew unsettled at the London Stadium less than a year after joining from Swansea as their record signing, the Hammers are ready to offer him as part of a swap deal for Chadli — who the Baggies made their biggest buy when he left Spurs in that same window 12 months ago.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United pair Domingos Quina and Nathan Trott will attempt to set up a UEFA European U19 Championship final showdown on Wednesday afternoon.
The two Hammers will be in semi-final action in Tbilisi, with victory for both Quina and Trott seeing the pair go face-to-face in a potentially mouth-watering final in the Georgian capital on Saturday.
Quina will take on the Netherlands at the David Petriashvili Stadium after the Dutch finished second to Trott's England in Group B, before the Young Lions will tackle the Czech Republic at the Mikheil Meshki Stadium.
Attacker Quina has started all three group matches for Portugal, who defeated the host nation 1-0 and Czech Republic 2-1 before drawing 2-2 with Sweden. Should he go all the way, the 17-year-old will add a Euro U19 winner's medal to the U17 title he won last summer (pictured, above).
Goalkeeper Trott, meanwhile, has had to make do with a place on the substitutes' bench for England's group-stage victories over Bulgaria, Netherlands and Germany, with AFC Bournemouth stopper Aaron Ramsdale being preferred between the sticks by head coach Keith Downing.
The two semi-finals will both take place today, with Portugal versus the Netherlands at 2pm BST and England taking on the Czechs kicking-off three hours later. Both ties will be screened live by British Eurosport.
The final will take place on Saturday 15 July.
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West Ham in Austria: Gary Lewin on pre-season
WHUFC.com
New Head of Medical Services Gary Lewin has already established himself as a popular figure at West Ham United since joining the Club at the start of June. The highly-respected Lewin, who enjoyed a long and successful association with both Arsenal and the England national team, is responsible for managing the medical and physical needs of the players, working closely with his team of physiotherapists, fitness coaches and soft tissue therapists. With the squad now out in Austria for their first pre-season training camp, we sat down with Gary for an exclusive chat about his role at the Club, the benefits of our tour to Europe and the players' work in the build-up to the start of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign…
How have you settled in to life at West Ham United Gary?
Very well thank you. I've been here for a month now, so settled in, been made very, very welcome by everybody and really excited to be here.
What was your first priority upon joining the Club?
The priority was to find out what the injury list was like, and do some research on where each player was with their rehabilitation. From there it was getting to know the staff and starting to build relationships. Obviously I came in at the beginning of June, when a lot of the staff were away on holiday, but I got round to seeing them all during the first two or three weeks. My main aim was just to reassure them that nothing was going to change regarding their roles and responsibilities, but it was important for me to get a handle on how we worked, what we did and where we were at that present time. So it's been a busy summer, but although I was involved in a couple of things at the end of last season, I desperately wanted to get back into football and when this opportunity arose I grabbed it with both hands.
Is pre-season now the ideal time for you to really get to know everyone and build those relationships with the players that are so important?
Yes, it goes both ways. For me to get to know all the players and staff and, just as importantly, for them to get to know me, what my character is like and how I like to work. It's a really important time for us all. It's vital to have a good backroom staff, which we have, but more importantly a staff that the players trust, which they do. They all get on very, very well, which again made life a lot easier for me coming in.
How important is it that the entire squad – including injured players – have travelled here to Austria for the training camp?
It helps me individually to get to know everybody, and having everybody here without too much travelling is a big bonus. Obviously there are a couple that are not with us yet – Jose Fonte was in the Confederations Cup with Portugal and Domingos Quina has been away with their Under-19 side – but to have the majority of the squad here – to get to know them and see how they work – was really important. Obviously nowadays teams tend to travel a lot more than they used to in pre-season, but to have us all in one place for a 12-day camp has been really helpful for me. And despite the fact they are not training, it is really important that the injured players are a part of the squad and involved in the day-to-day activities with their team-mates. We had a lot of injuries at the end of last season – I think there were actually ten to check up on when I came in. Fortunately six of those are now back in full training, so we are just left with four. Day to day those guys are working really hard and slowly getting back into the training. Hopefully during the pre-season period we can incorporate all of them back into full training and even playing some part in the pre-season games.
And the theme out in here in Austria definitely seems to be work, work and more work?
Yes, it's basically train, eat, sleep…train, eat, sleep! The players are used to it – it's what they do every pre-season. It helps being in such a lovely environment and I keep emphasising, not too much travelling, so we can really focus on training, resting between sessions and getting ready for the next one.
And what is it about Austria that appeals to so many clubs during pre-season?
It's just the general environment and conditions. It's very clean, very peaceful, and it is somewhere that the players can really focus on getting ready for the new season. They can eat the right foods, be in the right atmosphere, get good rest, and the training facilities are very good, so it just ticks all the boxes for what we need in pre-season.
What are the main targets and objectives from this first training camp?
We are working on many aspects of training. From a medical point of view, we can do assessments, look at previous history and make sure that we are on top of any old injuries. We do a lot of maintenance work to ensure the players are able to be out training every day and, from the coaches' point of view, it means they can start doing the technical work very quickly, improving their fitness levels but doing it progressively over a period of time. And the key for us is that everyone is fit and ready for August 13.
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Hammers go west in Checkatrade Trophy
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U21s have been drawn to face Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers in the 2017/18 Checkatrade Trophy.
The Hammers were placed in Group C alongside the two West Country clubs and Buckinghamshire-based Chairboys, meaning Terry Westley's youngsters will travel to the County Ground, Memorial Ground and Adams Park this coming season.
Westley says his squad will enjoy and benefit from the challenge of facing Bristol Rovers, who finished tenth in EFL League One last season, and League Two pair Swindon and Wycombe, as they did when tackling eventual winners Coventry City, Northampton Town and Wycombe last term.
"Our games programme for the coming season is really tough, including these games in the Checkatrade Trophy," said the Academy Director, whose young professionals won promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 in May.
"We have been promoted to Premier League 2 Division 1, meaning we will play the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, and our top-flight status means we will also be taking part in the Premier League International Cup against sides like Benfica, FC Porto and FC Copenhagen.
"The experience the Checkatrade Trophy gives the players will see them tackle League One and League Two opposition, and that can only help them to reach the level we want them to reach.
"Not only will they benefit from playing in this competition, but there is the added carrot of the final being played at Wembley and, with more clubs entering this season, I don't think we are too far away from a top Academy side reaching the final.
"With such a challenging games programme, we will have to balance the needs of the players and decide who needs to go out on loan, who will benefit from playing in the Checkatrade Trophy and who will be part of our U23 squad."
West Ham are among 16 EPPP Category One Academies taking part, with Chelsea, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur among the seven others in the Southern Section. Everton, Manchester City and Newcastle United are among the Northern Section participants.
The 16 Category One entrants will join the 48 League One and League Two clubs in the group stage, which has been regionalised to reduce travel times and costs for supporters and clubs alike.
West Ham will play all three Group C fixtures away from home, with clubs being awarded three points for a win and one for a draw. In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will be held with the winning team earning an additional point.
The top two teams in each group will progress to the knockout stage.
The final will be played at Wembley Stadium in spring 2018.
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Quina and Trott into Euro U19 final
WHUFC.com
Domingos Quina helped Portugal U19s reach the final of the U19 European Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Georgia on Wednesday.
Seventeen-year-old Hammers starlet Quina played the 90 minutes as the young Portugal team - last year's U17 European Championship winners - maintained their fine form in the tournament. After taking seven points from the group fixtures against Georgia, Portugal and Sweden, Portugal battled past the Netherlands in Wednesday's semi-final, with Benfica's Gedson Fernandes notching a first half winner. With unused substitute Nathan Trott's England beating Czech Republic in the other semi-final later on Wednesday, Quina could be involved in a direct Hammers head-to-head head in the final. Speaking after Wednesday's victory, Quina said: "It was.a good game against the Netherlands, and a great win for us - even if we made it harder for ourselves than we should have done. "We should have scored more goals on the day but that's football. We're into the final and we're ready and focused for it."
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Hammers on tour: Day 3 in Austria
WHUFC.com
Catching up on daily life with Slaven Bilic's squad during their pre-season training camp in Austria…
At the double again
Following Tuesday's double schedule, with circuit training in the morning followed by an evening session of technical ball work and a practise game, it was simply a case of more of the same on Wednesday. This time the sessions were reversed, with football drills and team play in the morning, and endurance running and core strengthening work later in the day. And credit to First Team fitness coach Josh Ewens, who provides the perfect example and ensures total focus by joining the players through every step of their work without a ball.
Claret and Lew…
He may have a long and illustrious association with London rivals Arsenal, but new Head of Medical Services Gary Lewin truly has the Hammers in his heart. The former England Head Physiotherapist grew up in Essex, where he still lives, and is likely to bump into plenty of familiar faces at London Stadium next season. "All my family come from Plaistow and East Ham, and a lot of them are Season Ticket holders, so it's really gone full circle for me," says Gary. "I've been very lucky over the years to be associated with two great set-ups in Arsenal and England, and I feel like I've joined a third one now. Hopefully I can stay here for as long as I was involved with the other two." You can watch the full interview with Gary right here.
Sam's sight for sore…legs!
For Premier League footballers, there is only one thing that helps to soften the gruelling, physical demands of pre-season training – the sight of footballs. While lots of fitness and conditioning work is necessary in the build-up to the new campaign, the players have been working with the ball since the first day of pre-season, a key psychological tool in keeping the mind stimulated.
"It's disguised running to be honest!" says defender Sam Byram, "but there's no doubt it makes it easier when you've got a football to chase around to take your mind off the fact that you are working hard. We've had the balls out since day one, to be fair, so that has definitely helped."
Albert the Hammer!
Greeting the Hammers every morning and afternoon has been 69-year-old Albert Hager, a retired policeman who holds a lifelong association with his local club Bad Waltersdorf, whose stadium the squad are using as a training base. Albert started out as a defender for Waltersdorf in the 60s, and has managed the Club since 1982, welcoming a host of major sides visiting for pre-season during the last 12 years, including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and the Polish national team. "I call myself the President," says Albert. "There is no one to argue with me! I am pleased West Ham are here, I remember Bobby Moore and the 1966 World Cup very well."
No hiding places
Hammers fans may have noticed the small black vests worn by the players during their training sessions in Austria. These are used to hold a small GPS unit, which tracks every movement made and measures distance and speed, linked up to the video technology used by the Analysis team to record all sessions, ensuring that there are certainly no hiding places for players during pre-season. For fitness work, the players also wear a heart-rate monitor strap across the chest, which is monitored closely by the medical staff.
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Joe Hart close to sealing loan move to West Ham
Telegraph.co.uk
Chris Bascombe
12 JULY 2017 • 10:30PM
Joe Hart is close to sealing a season's loan at West Ham as he seeks to reignite his career in English football. Slavan Bilic is set to give Hart the chance to return to the Premier League following his 12 month stint in Italy and talks are continuing with Manchester City to finalise a move. Hart is free to find another club having been sidelined by Pep Guardiola. If the move to London proves successful, a deal could become permanent next summer. Although City were initially reluctant to sanction a temporary deal, the situation has progressed over the last 24 hours. The 30-year-old keeper remains England's number one but faces mounting competition from Fraser Forster and Jack Butland at international level. It is essential he has regular football during a World Cup year. City want at least £20 million to make any move permanent for the goalkeeper, who spent last season on loan at Torino. He currently has two years remaining on his City contract but was overlooked last year when Guardiola preferred Willy Caballero and Claudio Bravo. Although neither of those keepers proved convincing replacements, but City have since paid £35 million to Benfica for Ederson Moraes. Hart has been linked with several Premier League clubs since he became surplus to requirements at City. Everton were thought to be interested but instead looked to the future with the £30 million signing of Jordan Pickford. Newcastle are also believed to have found the financial package prohibitive having registered their interest. Speaking last season, Hart said he would keep his options open on his next move. "I love the Premier League, if I wasn't playing I'd still watch the Premier League, but I wouldn't say the Premier League is top of my wish list," he said last March. "At the top of my wish list is to play for a club that wants me to be their goalkeeper."
With Bilic, it now seems he has found a manager working in English football prepared to offer a fresh start.
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A FINANCIAL UPDATE ON WEST HAM UNITED
By Sean Whetstone 12 Jul 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Sorry I haven't written for so long but a WHTID reader put in a special request for me to write an article on my specialist subject about West Ham finances so I was more than happy to oblige. With the talk of a summer transfer war chest of up to £70m and wages for one striker of £140,000 per week I thought I would re-visit the club finances in light of the move to the London Stadium and the new mega TV deal to give you all an update.
If you ask the West Ham board about the state of the finances of the club they will say the club is still over £100m in debt. While this is technically true, closer inspection will show that £60m of this debt is owed to the owners in shareholder loans and £41m owed to other clubs in staged transfer payments which the norm nowadays. A further £30m is a short term loan borrowed against future TV money to help with cash flow which is paid off and then refinanced each season almost like a bank draft.
The latest financial accounts published in March this year showed that the Hammers turnover increased by 17.7% to £142.1m and within that figure ticket sales for the last season at the Boleyn Ground rose to an impressive £26.9m. TV rights income two seasons ago grew to £86.7m for finishing seventh and commercial and sponsorship revenue was up by 31% to £19m while retail and merchandising sales grew by 29% to £9.3m.
The Boleyn Ground land was sold last year to developers for £38m with £15m going to pay off all external bank debts that were mortgaged against it and a further £15m going to stadium owners LLDC to contribute towards the £323m transition costs of the former Olympic Stadium. The remaining £8m was used for the WestHamification of the London Stadium including fitting out the club shop, the seats and the Claret and Blue branding so the Boleyn Ground stadium money has all been spent.
In my estimation, West Ham should publish a record turnover of around £270 million when the financial accounts the year which finished on the 31st May this year are published early next year. The Hammers earned around £122m from the new 8 billion pound TV deal after finishing 11th in the Premier League last season. Each Premier League club received £85m but the Irons received £18m for having 15 games televised and a further £19m for finishing in 11th place.
On top of the TV money, ticket sales and match day activities at the London Stadium are expected to rise by £12m from the record £27m received from the last season at the Boleyn Ground to £39m at the London Stadium. Retail shop and commercial sponsorship income are also expected to increase by around 30% from £29m in 2015/2016 to £36m in 2016/2017 after the club megastore size doubled and more commercial sponsorship opportunities have arisen at the new stadium.
Although not strictly relevant, the sale of the Boleyn Ground Sale for £38m and outbound player sales of James Tomkins to Palace for £10m and Dimitri Payet to Marseille for £25m will also add to 'exceptional' one-off items in the turnover figures for the 2016/2017 season.
So want does the financial future hold for the Hammers?
Probably the most controversial debt on the books are the shareholder loans. These are loans from Sullivan and Gold dating back to 2011 but they continue to attract accrued interest of between 6% and 7%. This debt grew to £61.5m up to May 2016 before the owners cashed out £4.2m. The remainder of the debt is not due to be paid back until 1st January 2020 but with compound interest, the remaining shareholder loans could reach around £71m in just under three years time meaning that around £75m could be paid back for £49m originally loaned to the club by the owners.
Board critics will point to previous statements that the owners said they would never draw a salary from the club and to be fair to them technically they haven't. The owners would probably say themselves that they could earned far more than £26m in 9 years if they had invested their money in property and again they would probably be right about that too. The truth of the matter is, no bank would lend to us so they stepped in as a bank of last resort. Some people will have a problem with this but personally, I don't.
Their next financial challenge for the club to self-finance their cash flow, for many years they have utilised payday loans from companies such as Vibrac, Mousehole and more recently JG Funding and Media Rights and Funding. This season the Premier League agreed to outlaw offshore lending by clubs. Media Rights and Funding is regulated by the FCA so doesn't technically break the new rules even though it borrows the money from an offshore lender. Earlier this year it was reported that the funder of all these companies is West Ham fan, Michael Tabor but the days of this type of lending are probably numbered as loopholes are closed.
Going forward I understand that the club hopes to use to extra revenue from TV and the London Stadium to rid themselves of these short-term loans with expensive interest in the near future to self-finance themselves and create a financially sustainable model of operation without the need of outside help or finance which seems very sensible.
So with an estimated turnover of £270m for last season up from £142m the season before it could look like to casual eye that West Ham have an extra £128m to spend but I am afraid it doesn't work like that. In reality, West Ham will have an extra £12m per year from ticket sales at the London Stadium and certainly have an extra £35m from TV money under the new deal. Retail and sponsorship should also grow by another £7m.
So what will they do with this extra £53m per year of income? Well up to £30m of it could well fund getting rid of the short term loan in just one year, the remaining £24m will most likely disappear quickly in transfer fees and wages is the honest but boring answer.
For example, if we signed Hernandez this summer on £140,000 per week he would take up £7.3m in wages on his own.
Well done if you have made it to the bottom of this article, I am happy to answer any finance related questions.
Sean COYI
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Joe Hart: West Ham interested in Man City & England goalkeeper
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
West Ham are interested in signing Manchester City's out-of-favour England goalkeeper Joe Hart. There is no deal done yet but it is understood joining the Hammers is a possibility for Hart, who has no future at City under manager Pep Guardiola. Hart was on loan at Torino in Italy last season but has returned to City, where he has a contract until 2019. Conversations have also taken place between the 30-year-old's representatives and Manchester United. While United boss Jose Mourinho is an admirer of Hart, who has 71 international caps, the clear preference at Old Trafford is to keep David de Gea, which they expect to do. The signing of Ederson Moraes for £35m from Benfica underlined Guardiola's view of Hart. City are only thought to be interested in a permanent transfer. They leave for a three-match tour of the United States on 17 July.
Italian football journalist Mina Rzouki speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: He made a lot of mistakes at Torino. I'm not saying he's a bad goalkeeper, sometimes he really pulls it out, and what was great for him at Torino was everyone loved him. He was the one that commanded the headlines. Everyone wanted to read about him, everyone wanted to talk about him because he was the English captain and everyone wanted to look at him like this beacon that came to Torino and chose Serie A over everyone else. But let's be honest, he's not of that calibre. He is a Torino-style goalkeeper rather than Manchester City any more. So, all in all, he is only what I would say is mediocre in Serie A, which is littered with good goalkeepers and good defenders.
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West Ham fail with £20m Marko Arnautovic bid
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 12/07/17 4:28pm
SSN
West Ham have failed with an improved bid of £20m for Marko Arnautovic, according to Sky sources. The offer is £5m more than a first Hammers bid, rejected by Stoke on Monday after Arnautovic handed in a transfer request, and has again been turned down. Stoke are not looking to sell Arnautovic, who has been at the club for four years and signed a new contract last summer. The Austria forward is on City's tour of Switzerland, where he suffered a suspected knee injury during Tuesday's friendly against Neuchatel Xamax.
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West Ham have second bid worth £17m rejected by Stoke for star forward Marko Arnautovic
The Hammers made a fresh offer for the Austrian forward after having an initial bid of £15m turned down
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
16:36, 12 JUL 2017
West Ham have had a fresh bid worth £17million rejected by Stoke for striker Marko Arnautovic. The 28-year-old joined the Potters from Werder Bremen four seasons ago for just £2 million. But Stoke want as much as £25million for him. West Ham returned with a renewed offer after having an initial bid of £15m turned down. Arnautovic has already handed in an official transfer request as he is keen to move to the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic wants to stick with the 3-4-3 formation and sees Austrian Arnautovic as being perfect for his system. The formation saw West Ham finish last season strongly with just one defeat in seven.
The Irons, ready to listen to offers for injury-prone Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, are also in talks with £13million Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez.
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Randy bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have rejected an approach for reserve goalkeeper Darren Randolph. Recently-relegated Middlesbrough are understood to have made an offer for the West Ham back-up 'keeper, having lost Victor Valdes and Brad Guzan earlier this month However an initial offer from the Championship side was instantly rejected by the Hammers, according to a report in one of today's tabloids. Randolph joined the Hammers on a free transfer via Birmingham City two years ago, since when he had gone on to make 42 first team appearances for the club.
* Staying with goalkeepers and West Ham's pursuit of Joe Hart is said to have received a blow, with at least one club said to have offered to take the former England number one on a permanent basis. The Hammers are understood to be keen to sign the Manchester City stopper on a season-long loan, although Championship club Aston Villa are reported to have made an attempt to sign him on a permanent basis.
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Charlie Adam lifts lid on why Stoke teammate Marko Arnautovic wants to join West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are in the running to sign Stoke City star Marko Arnautovic and one of his teammates has been discussing the potential move. The Hammers have had two bids rejected by the Potters and chairman Peter Coates has admitted the player will be sold if their terms are met, as reported by the Evening Standard. Slaven Bilic has made the 28-year-old one of his main targets and his profile fits with the club's current policy to add proven Premier League players to their team. Arnautovic has reportedly handed in a transfer request after becoming disillusioned with life at the Bet365 Stadium, as reported by Sky Sports. Stoke boss Mark Hughes has since confirmed the situation and told Arnautovic to 'appreciate what he has' at his current employers. But now Arnautovic's teammate Charlie Adam has lifted the lid on the main motivation behind the move - as reported by the Evening Standard - and says Stoke will be losing their best player.
"He wants to look after his family," Adam revealed, as reported by the Evening Standard. "Marko's a massive figure at the club, I'm going to say it from the players' point of view. He's a wonderful player and he's done a great job for us but something has changed and he's made a decision. He's our best player."
Some supporters have questioned Arnautovic's quality and consistency, feeling he blows too hot and cold. But Adam plays and trains with the Austrian international day in day out and his analysis that he is Stoke's best player will be music to the ears of Hammers fans, particularly given they have the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri in their squad. West Ham supporters have watched on with frustration as their Premier League rivals strengthen this summer while Pablo Zabaleta is Bilic's solitary signing so far on a free transfer from Manchester City. Hearts were in mouths this week when the infamous West Ham injury curse seemed to have struck again after Arnautovic was seemingly injured and had to be substituted in Stoke's pre-season friendly against Neuchatel Xamax. But he was able to walk to the changing rooms and it is not thought to be serious enough to stop a potential move.
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West Ham weighing up third bid for Marko Arnautovic after Stoke reject £20m offer
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham are considering whether to make a third bid for Marko Arnautovic after seeing a second bid worth £20 million rejected by Stoke City. Arnautovic submitted a transfer request after West Ham's initial bid of £15m but for now Stoke are holding firm, insisting they will not sell one of their best players unless the price is right. West Ham will have to pay a substantial fee if they are to lure Arnautovic away from Stoke, where he has three years remaining on his contract.
The Austrian forward has emerged as Slaven Bilic's first-choice target as he looks to add pace and power in wide areas, with West Ham planning on using Arnautovic in a dynamic three alongside Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio in support of a central striker. That new forward is also to be confirmed with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen's Javier Hernandez, Burnley striker Andre Gray and Arsenal's Olivier Giroud on their wishlist. Co-owner David Gold spoke of a desire to add proven Premier League experience to the Hammers squad but that will not come cheap and with other positions to reinforce West Ham will now consider whether to up their bid for Arnautovic or pursue other targets, including Southampton's Dusan Tadic.
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'There will be uproar!' West Ham fans demand that wonderkid is not sold to Arsenal
The Gunners are among a handful of clubs monitoring the young Hammers star
Football London
BYANDY HAROB GUEST
19:00, 12 JUL 2017
West Ham fans have called for the club to do all they can to keep Domingos Quina after Arsenal were linked with a move for the youngster. Reports suggest that Arsene Wenger's side have monitored the 17-year-old closely and are plotting a move after missing out on his signature a year ago. Quina, who has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Hammers, has caught the attention after some impressive performances in the European Under-19 Championship for Portugal.
The attacking midfielder could well come into Slaven Bilic's plans next season, especially given he appeared on the substitutes' bench 12 times last campaign.
Bilic knows he has a serious player on his hands and he will be doing all he can to keep hold of Quina. The fans also think the manager needs to keep the player at the club and give him a chance in the first team next season. Here is what the club's supporters had to say following the talk of Quina going to Arsenal.
#BROKEN KB @BKieren89
Replying to @WestHam_Central
Waste of time, he wouldn't get in over their seasoned internationals
2:47 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Rudders @Rudders3082
Replying to @WHUFC_News
We need to start using our young lads in the first team they are the future
5:50 PM - 11 Jul 2017
The East End View ⚒ @TheEastEndView
There is no way we can let Domingos Quina leave us. This would be such a Bilic and @davidgold thing to do. 😂😂😂
2:59 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Alan Berrett @BerrettAlan
Replying to @WHUFC_News
They can carry on watching him! If we let this kid get away,there will be uproar!
2:54 PM - 11 Jul 2017
⚒ hammerboy ⚒ @Oldiron7
So apparently arsenal are monitoring west ham wonderkid domingos quina??
£30million should cover it.👊
3:39 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Laura Nagle @Laura_Emma_Hall
Replying to @IronworkTours
Arsenal can go away!! I am really hoping @davidgold sees the absolute potential in Quina!
2:50 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Mick @geezamick
Replying to @WestHam_Central
Here's a novel idea. Why don't we use him? I mean I thought we weren't a selling club anymore
Follow
Zed @CBK_LG
We need to keep hold of Domingos Quina. The boy can kick a ball
5:28 PM - 11 Jul 2017
⚒D-Hammer ⚒ @lex_e_con
Replying to @Hurrst
our kids will leave unless Slav looks to get to them involved. That might be as subs in league cup but at least its a start
5:19 PM - 11 Jul 2017
Kevin @Kevin10whu
Replying to @WestHam_Central
Well they can just keep on monitoring can't they! Hands off ⚒
2:48 PM - 11 Jul 2017
J Pereira @JPereira441
Replying to @WestHam_Central
If that's true it should motivate Slav to give him a go
6:17 PM - 11 Jul 2017
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HAMMERS TOLD TO RAISE BID TO £12.5M FOR MUNIR
DAN BRIARD @JournoDanB
rEADwESThAM
According to thisisfutbol, the London Stadium side have been told by Spanish giants Barcelona to raise their bid for 21-year-old Munir, to £12.5m. It's been reported that West Ham have offered £9m so far for the youngster who played out on-loan for another Spanish outfit, Valencia, but Barcelona are holding out for more. He made 39 appearances and managed 8 goals, as well as 3 assists. Munir broke into the spotlight for Barcelona three years ago now, but with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to compete against for a spot in the starting line-up, Munir would be sensible to eye a move elsewhere. However, West Ham aren't the only side after the Spaniards signature, with fellow Premier League sides Southampton and Crystal Palace also wanting to bring the forward to the English league. West Ham are desperate to bag themselves a quality striker this summer and with Munir already proving himself in the Spanish league, the 21-year-old has many years ahead to adapt to the Premier League. He is a versatile player that can play up-front or on either wing and with his pace and trickery, he would be a great player for West Ham to get into their squad as they look to replace Robert Snodgrass, who was only brought in January, and Sofiane Feghouli, who is rumoured to be leaving the Hammers.
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Olivier Giroud admits he could leave Arsenal this summer as Everton and West Ham look to sign French striker
Everton, AC Milan, West Ham and Marseille are keen on Arsenal's Olivier Giroud
Giroud says leaving Arsenal 'is an option' this summer after five years in London
He said: 'We will see about my future, I am still an Arsenal player at the moment'
Alexandre Lacazette arrived in a £52million deal to up competition at Arsenal
By Mike Keegan For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 12:00, 12 July 2017 | UPDATED: 12:00, 12 July 2017
Olivier Giroud has sensationally admitted that he could be set to quit Arsenal. The French striker's future at the Emirates has been put under the spotlight following the club-record arrival of £52million compatriot Alexandre Lacazette. And, speaking on the club's pre-season tour in Sydney, a frank Giroud, who has interest from Everton, AC Milan, West Ham and Marseille, even referred to his Arsenal career in the past tense. 'It (leaving) is an option to be honest with you,' he said. 'I'm here in pre-season, I wanted to travel. Some people asked me if I am going to travel or not and of course, I am Arsenal player and for the moment I am here so I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later. 'It is true that I really enjoyed my five years with Arsenal,' Giroud added. 'I'm still an Arsenal player for the moment so I try to be professional. No matter what happens, I did my job on the pitch. 'It's been five years that I've been here. It could be my sixth one. I had an amazing welcome from the fans and from the club and it has been five amazing years for me. 'I won't forget it, no matter what happens. We will see about my future but I am still an Arsenal player for the moment.'
Giroud signed a new three-year deal in January and, following the Gunners' arrival Down Under on Tuesday Arsene Wenger suggested his player would not be leaving. And the striker did suggest battling with Lacazette was an option. 'It's always nice for the club to get several strikers with different qualities and it is always nice for competition and it helps you to step up every time,' he said. 'I really enjoyed all my time at the Arsenal and I scored a few nice goals but always like to speak about the team, the team spirit and the team work.' Lacazette, who will make his bow in Australia, has been compared to Ian Wright. And the 25-year-old revealed he was well aware of the link to the Gunners legend. 'I know about Ian Wright very well,' he said. 'I've never seen him play but if I am compared to him that is great. 'If I have a career where fans think of me like they do about Ian Wright then I'll be very happy.' Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny believes playmaker Alexis Sanchez, strongly linked with a move away from the club, will stay. 'He has a contract with Arsenal,' the defender said. 'I am not the person to take the decision about this. He is an important player for us. I hope and want him to stay with us this season. 'He is an important player for us so we want him to stay here with us for Arsenal. 'It is important for him to recover well after a long season and we will see, the boss and the board know what they want for him. He is an important player for us so we want him to stay here with us for Arsenal.'
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"He can go missing when not motivated" - the Stoke City view on Arnautovic as West Ham edge closer to deal
We spoke to a Stoke City expert who gave us lowdown on the Hammers transfer target
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
12:30, 12 JUL 2017
football.london understands West Ham are very close to sealing a deal to sign Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic for £20m in the coming days as Slaven Bilic bolsters his squad. The 28-year-old is set to become the Hammers second summer signing, following Pablo Zabaleta to the London Stadium as the club finally make another move in the transfer market. With Arnautovic seemingly destined for the London Stadium, we spoke to Martin Spins from our sister title the Stoke Sentinel to give us his expert view as someone who watches the Austrian week in, week out. He explained that the Hammers will be getting someone who is a bit moody but who will be a massive miss for the Potteries.
West Ham need a striker. Is Arnautovic the player that can fill the void or is he more of a winger?
He is definitely a winger by trade but does have the physical power to play up front or behind the main striker, now and then at least. He certainly knows where the goal is on his day.
Mark Hughes has said Arnautovic won't be sold. Do you think they will keep hold of him?
It's definitely late in the day to start looking for a replacement for one of your main men and he hasn't previously given much indication of being restless or unhappy, mind you he always looks miserable so it can be difficult to tell with him.
What are Arnautovic's strengths?
That power mentioned above, along with a fair turn of pace and an ability to time runs inside on the diagonal to pick up a half decent through ball, while his shooting can be explosive on his day.
Also, his weaknesses?
He can switch off defensively and leave his full back outnumbered, while his chin can easily drop in adversity and he can go missing when demotivated.
Motivation at Stoke could be a problem for him going forward, particularly after declaring his hand now, so this is one argument for cashing in now if the offer was good enough and a decent replacement can be lined up.
Would Stoke fans be disappointed to see him go?
Yes. Last summer we were all resigned to losing him and then he signed a long-term contract when no-one came in for him. Losing him then would have been a bigger blow than now because 15/16 was his best season and 16/17 was pretty average by comparison.
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West Ham fear the Premier League will block transfer of Inter Milan starlet Gabriel Barbosa
Brazilian forward nicknamed Gabigol is available on loan but a lack of games may deny him British work permit
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 11 JUL 2017
West Ham are keen to sign Inter Milan wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa... but are worried they will be lose out to red tape. The 20-year-old Brazilian forward — nicknamed Gabigol — is available for loan, just a year after joining Inter from Santos in his homeland in a £26million deal. His lack of game time for the Italians and his country, however, could wreck a potential switch to east London. Barbosa made just one start among 10 appearances in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring once. Although he has played three competitive games for Brazil, none of them have come in the last 12 months. The Hammers want to help him resurrect his career with a temporary spell in the Premier League. But they are concerned he would not meet part of the work-permit criteria for the top flight's Exceptions panel. The Hammers are frustrated at tweaks to the rules which could deny them one of the most promising players in Europe. They also have interest, however, in £8million Barcelona winger Munir El Haddadi, Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic and West Brom's bad-boy wide-man Nacer Chadli . El Haddadi wants to leave Spanish giants Barca after six years playing for their B team and only occasionally for the first team, but has rejected a move to Russian club Zenit St Petersburg.
The 21-year-old has played 45 games for the Barca first-team, scoring ten goals, but was sent on loan to Valencia last season and netted seven times in 36 games in all competitions. Tottenham and Southampton are also watching his situation. Arnautovic has handed in a transfer request at Stoke, but the Potters are demanding £20million from West Ham to do a deal. With Ghana forward Andre Ayew unsettled at the London Stadium less than a year after joining from Swansea as their record signing, the Hammers are ready to offer him as part of a swap deal for Chadli — who the Baggies made their biggest buy when he left Spurs in that same window 12 months ago.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th July 2017
The hard work gets underway for the Hammers in Austria
WHUFC.com
Despite an early start and the best part of the day spent travelling, West Ham United's players were straight on to the training pitch following their arrival in Austria on Monday afternoon. After a light meal at the team hotel, Slaven Bilic and his squad made the short journey to their working base in Bad Waltersdorf for a 90-minute work-out, consisting of light running at intervals, stretching exercises and keep-ball sessions. First team coach Edin Terzic oversaw the session and afterwards explained the benefit of making an immediate start to the training programme. "It was important for the players to stretch their legs after a long day of travelling," said Edin. "Manuel Lanzini came straight from Argentina, so it had been a long journey for him, and it was very important for him to get the stiffness out of his legs. "And of course, important for the lads to touch the ball, and be together on the pitch and not only in the dressing room."
For the players who represented their countries on international duty during the summer, the session was their first time back on the pitch with their team-mates since the end of last season, "We haven't seen each other for five or six weeks," he said, "so it's very important to be together as a group again, to build a bond and prepare well for the friendly games. "We have obviously only just arrived, so haven't had time yet to get used to the facilities, but first impressions are very good – the pitch, the hotel, the food – everything is great. "We now have a couple of weeks of hard work in front of us, and the aim is just to improve and get stronger every day."
With a double session planned for today – gym and fitness drills this morning followed by football work this afternoon – the hard work is well and truly underway in Austria…
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9 reasons why Tony Cottee is a West Ham legend
WHUFC.com
West Ham United great Tony Cottee celebrates his 52nd birthday today. The pint-sized striker and lifelong Hammer netted 146 goals over two spells in the 1980s and 1990s, endearing himself to the Claret and Blue Army forevermore. Here, we give you nine reasons why Cottee is a true West Ham legend. Happy birthday TC!
His debut goal. Tony Cottee made his first-team debut for West Ham United on New Year's Day 1983, aged just 17 years and six months. He marked the occasion with the second goal in a 3-0 First Division victory at the Boleyn Ground.
His four goals against Bury. The striker was still just 18 when he scored four times in a record 10-0 League Cup second round second leg victory over Fourth Division Bury at the Boleyn Ground on 25 October 1983.
He was named Hammer of the Year at the age of 20. Tony Cottee enjoyed a prolific partnership with Frank McAvennie as the Hammers finished third in the First Division in 1985/86, scoring 20 top-flight goals.
He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year. It was not just Hammers fans who showered acclaim on Tony Cottee at the end of the 1985/86 season – his fellow professionals voted him the country's best young player, too!
His England debut. Tony Cottee won the first of his seven England caps when he replaced John Barnes in the Three Lions' 1-0 friendly defeat in Sweden on 10 September 1986.
His scissor kick. Tony Cottee scored arguably the most spectacular goal of his career in a 3-2 First Division win over Nottingham Forest at the Boleyn Ground on 21 November 1987.
He scored the Hammers' first Premier League hat-trick. Tony Cottee became the first West Ham United player to score a Premier League treble when he scored all the goals in a 3-0 Boleyn Ground victory over Manchester City on 17 December 1994.
He scored the Hammers' first Premier League hat-trick. Tony Cottee became the first West Ham United player to score a Premier League treble when he scored all the goals in a 3-0 Boleyn Ground victory over Manchester City on 17 December 1994.
He scored 146 goals for the Club. Only five players, and two in the post-war period, have scored more goals for West Ham United than Tony Cottee – Vic Watson, Geoff Hurst, Syd Puddefoot, John Dick and Jimmy Ruffell.
He is a lifelong Hammer. The striker has never made a secret of the fact he 'bleeds Claret and Blue' and never shies away from supporting the Club in his role as a broadcaster.
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Arnautovic wants to go, says agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
The brother of Marko Arnautovic has said he hopes Stoke do not block his proposed move to West Ham. As revealed on KUMB last week, the Hammers have made an official approach for the Austrian international, who has since submitted a transfer request after United's intial bid was turned down. However Daniel Arnautovic - who also doubles as his brother's agent - believes it would be wrong for The Potters to stand in his brother's way, having set his heart upon a move to the capital. "I hope the club does not stand in his way as they received an offer which is more than correct, compared to what Stoke paid for Marko," he told a tabloid newspaper. "We hope the club finally will understand how good the offer is and that they will remove and solve the final problem preventing any transfer. "What that exactly is I don't want to say – at this moment – but obviously it is a big issue which is stopping us for now. The offer Stoke has revealed is not what has been reported in the media. "The true level of the offer I will keep to myself – however Stoke is well aware of it."
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Transfer target misses US tour
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham transfer target Joe Hart has been left out of Manchester City's travelling party for their impending US tour. Hart is one of several recognised first team squad members left out of the touring party - along with Jason Deneyer, Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala and another former Hammers target, Wilfried Bony.
West Ham have been keeping tabs on the situation regarding the England goalkeeper, who is available for around £20million. However United are only be interested in a season-long loan deal, at present, according to reports from elsewhere.
* In other transfer stories today, West Ham are the latest club said to have expressed an interest in Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro. According to Tuttosport, the Hammers are one of a number of Premier League clubs to have taken a look at the 24-year-old, who has also represented Italy at full senior level on four occasions. Everton have also been strongly linked in recent days.
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WEST HAM LINKED WITH STURARO MOVE
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are being linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro, but could face competition from Everton for his signature. The Italian giants are said to be keen to narrow down their options, with the squad becoming somewhat overcrowded. This could lead to the sale of fringe players such as Sturaro.
Once labelled as the next big thing in Italy, Sturaro hasn't quite lived up to expectations. He made just 21 appearances in Serie A last term and failed to really establish himself as a first-team regular under Max Allegri. Despite this though, he is an undoubtedly gifted player and would certainly benefit from first-team football on a consistent basis, something that Tuttosport (h/t Sport Witness) claim that West Ham will be ready to provide. The Hammers need to speed up their summer dealings and a move for Sturaro would certainly be a statement of intent as they approach the 2017/18 campaign.
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Stoke are right to take tough stance on Marko Arnautovic's West Ham move, says Charlie Adam
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Stoke City's decision to stand firm over West Ham target Marko Arnautovic's transfer request has received the backing of midfielder Charlie Adam. Arnautovic asked to leave the Bet365 Stadium after West Ham submitted a £15million bid for the Austrian international, which Stoke have since confirmed they have rejected.
That will not dissuade West Ham, who are expected to return with a second offer with Stoke insisting that they will only sell the player "if the terms are right", according to chairman Peter Coates. A tough stance will have the backing of Scottish midfielder Adam, who insisted that Stoke were entitled to make it difficult for Arnautovic to engineer an escape route. "Marko's a massive figure at the club, I'm going to say it from the players' point of view," Adam told reporters. "He's a wonderful player and he's done a great job for us but something has changed and he's made a decision. "He wants to look after his family. The club have a say in it and won't make it easy for him, which is right, you can't just turn up, hand a transfer request in and expect to leave. The club will make it difficult for him.
"He's our best player. It's a shock but the club will deal with it in the right way and the manager will deal with it in the right way." The 28-year-old forward was a target for West Ham last summer and would give Slaven Bilic the pace, power and Premier League experience he craves in the transfer market. However Stoke boss Mark Hughes is adamant that West Ham will not have it their own way. "Any comings and goings are at our discretion and it's our decision ultimately," Hughes told the Stoke Sentinel. "Players can express an opinion or a view in terms of where they see their future but at the end of the day contracted players are contracted to the club and ultimately we have the final say."
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Joe Hart to West Ham: Talks over Hammers loan collapse as Man City receive new bid
The latest West Ham transfer news sees the Hammers' hopes of a loan for Joe Hart fall apart
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
21:00, 11 JUL 2017
football.london understands that talks over Joe Hart's loan move to West Ham have broken down. The Hammers were in discussion with Manchester City over a season-long loan and were confident a deal could be done but we have learned a bid from an unnamed club has scuppered any deal for the England keeper.
Our sources tell us there is now just a 10% chance of any move to bring Hart to the London Stadium happening despite reports claiming that West Ham were closing in on a deal. News emerged earlier this afternoon that West Ham had re-ignited interest in the keeper after City were willing to loan him out rather than want just a permanent switch of around £20m. City would have subsidised the majority of Hart's wages had he moved to E20, with a permanent buy option at the end of the 2017/18 season. But that dream appears to have died as quickly as it was born, with the Hammers set to miss out again this summer.
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West Ham step up efforts to sign Joe Hart from Man City
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 11/07/17 3:03pm
SSN
West Ham are stepping up their efforts to sign England goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City, according to Sky sources. Hart is expected to leave City this summer after returning from a season-long loan at Serie A side Torino and admitted in May that he was "more than likely" to move to another Premier League club. Sky Sports News HQ understands City would prefer to sanction a permanent sale of Hart, although West Ham are keen on a loan deal with an option to buy next summer. City have signed two goalkeepers since Pep Guardiola became manager last summer, with Claudio Bravo and Ederson arriving at the Etihad, leaving Hart surplus to requirements. West Ham have made only one signing this summer, with defender Pablo Zabaleta joining on a free transfer following his release from City. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is also looking to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season. A £15m offer for Austria winger Marko Arnautovic was turned down by Stoke, although West Ham are expected to return with an improved offer. They are also interested in former Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez as well as Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.
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West Ham's Domingos Quina wanted by Arsenal
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 11/07/17 2:21pm
SSN
West Ham wonderkid Domingos Quina is being monitored by a number of top Premier League clubs including Arsenal, according to Sky sources, after a series of eye-catching performances at the U19 Euros in Georgia. The 17-year old joined West Ham from Chelsea last summer with Slaven Bilic promoting him immediately to the first- team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' Europa League qualifying campaign before the Premier League season began. Sky Sports News HQ understands Arsenal offered a contract to the teenager before he joined West Ham and remain keen on the talented youngster. Like England, Portugal have progressed to the semi-finals of the U19 Euros and face Holland tomorrow, thanks to some impressive displays by the midfielder including a man-of-the-match performance in Portugal's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic. In May 2016, he won the UEFA European U17 Championships with his international outfit. Playing for West Ham's PL2 side, Quina scored a wonder-goal against Leicester City in the Premier League Cup, lobbing the goalkeeper from the halfway line in the 2-0 away win. Injury ruled him out of the latter part of the last campaign, but his performances and development saw him awarded the prestigious Dylan Tombides Award for the outstanding player from West Ham's academy.
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Domingos Quina: Profile of West Ham youngster linked with Arsenal
By Pete Hall and Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 11/07/17 3:36pm
SSN
Could highly-rated youngster Domingos Quina be set to swap West Ham for Arsenal? West Ham wonderkid Domingos Quina is being monitored by a number of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, after a series of eye-catching performances for Portugal at the U19 Euros in Georgia. The 17-year-old joined West Ham from Chelsea last summer with Slaven Bilic promoting him immediately to the first team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign before the Premier League season began. Sky Sports News HQ understands Arsenal offered a contract to the teenager before he joined West Ham and remain keen on the talented youngster.
But who is this talented teenager catching Arsene Wenger's eye? We take a look…
Factfile
Name: Domingos Quina Club: West Ham Age: 17 Place of birth: Guinea-Bassau, west Africa Position: Forward
Background
Born in Guinea-Bassau, west Africa, Quina spent most of his childhood in Portugal, where his ability was noticed by Portuguese giants Benfica. Chelsea signed 13-year-old Quina to London on scholarship terms, and had high hopes for the flamboyant forward, with plans afoot to offer him a full contract. However, with FA rules meaning youngsters cannot be tied down until they turn 17, a host of Premier League clubs were watching him in the hope of being able to snap up his services. West Ham eventually won the race for his services, tying him down to his first professional contract which runs until 2019. On joining the Hammers, Slaven Bilic promoted him immediately to the first-team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign. He was also a key figure for West Ham's PL2 side until injury ruled him out of the latter part of the last campaign, but his performances and development saw him awarded the prestigious Dylan Tombides Award for the outstanding player from West Ham's academy.
International honours
Quina has also played a pivotal role on the international stage, having helped Portugal U17s top their UEFA elite-round group - with scouts from several of the Premier League's top clubs in attendance. In May 2016, he won the UEFA European U17 Championships and has helped Portugal's U19 side reach the semi-finals of this summer's European Championships. Quina has put in some impressive displays at the tournament in Georgia, including a man-of-the-match performance in Portugal's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Style of play
Quina has caught the eye with his penchant for a dazzling dribble and fleet-footed skills. Deployed predominantly as a No 10, his pace and poise means he is equally adept out wide or as part of a front three. The West Ham youngster is capable of some spectacular strikes from distance, with one particular effort from a long way out for a Chelsea age-group side attracting plenty of attention on social media. Scouts were treated to another example of Quina's impressive accuracy from range, as he found the net in Portugal U17s' dominant 7-3 victory over their English counterparts at Burton Albion in August, 2015. Last season, playing for West Ham's PL2 side, Quina scored a wonder-goal against Leicester City in the Premier League Cup, lobbing the goalkeeper from the halfway line in the 2-0 away win. Such dynamism for someone so young is what has attracted so many suitors, with the spectacular goals a major plus.
What they said...
He is one of those players that you think if he doesn't make it, then which player will? He has got everything and it is now down to us and up to him how much he is going to improve and dedicate his life to achieve something that God gave him. There is no doubt he has something exceptional. - Slaven Bilic
What now?
Quina is being tracked by a number of top Premier League clubs after a series of eye-catching performances for Portugal at the U19 Euros in Georgia. But it's Arsenal who appear to be front runners for his signature, will they make another move this summer?
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Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic suffers suspected knee injury
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 11/07/17 8:45am
SSN
Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic could face a spell on the sidelines with a suspected knee injury - just hours after handing in a transfer request. Sky Sports News HQ revealed on Monday that the 28-year-old had expressed a desire to leave the Potters and was the subject of a £15m bid from Premier League rivals West Ham.
Stoke rejected the offer from Hammers and, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Arnautovic started the club's pre-season victory over Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax. But Arnautovic was forced off shortly before half-time after falling awkwardly in the penalty area when attempting to complete a cross. The Austria international received medical treatment on the pitch and was assisted off by the Stoke physio. West Ham had been expected to return with an improved offer, but may be forced to look elsewhere if Arnautovic has sustained a serious injury.
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West Ham's McAvennie: Hammers won't stay at the London Stadium
PUBLISHED: 12:01 11 July 2017 | UPDATED: 12:29 11 July 2017 Dave Evans and Lee Power
Newham Recorder
West Ham legend Frank McAvennie believes that the club may not be at the London Stadium in five years time. The Scotland international striker, who formed such a devastating partnership with Tony Cottee back in the mid-eighties, paid the London Stadium a visit on Friday and praised the supporters for selling out the club's season-ticket allocation, but added a warning. "West Ham fans have done it again," he said. "They've gone and bought out all the season tickets which is incredible considering they've not bought anyone. "But I don't think they will be in that stadium in five years time. I would lilke somebody to come and if Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan want out, to sell to one of the big boys. West Ham United's Frank McAvennie scoring West Ham's 2nd goal against Oxford United at Upton Park. West Ham United's Frank McAvennie scoring West Ham's 2nd goal against Oxford United at Upton Park. "I like Tottenham, they're doing the right thing building a stadium next to White Hart Lane, that's what we should have done at Upton Park. I don't think West Ham will stay there, I have a feeling it's not forever."
McAvennie, who was a hero of Upton Park, said that the atmosphere needs to improve at the stadium too. "I would probably give it a five or six," he said. "It was good at times, the best being against Tottenham with the atmosphere, which shows to me that there can be atmosphere in that ground. "But say you've got to stay there for three years, then you have to build a football stadium. If you ask West Ham to do something they can't do it, because they've got to go and ask somebody. "That's not right. A Premier League club that is earning hundreds of millions of pounds, come on?!"
McAvennie, who scored 57 goals in 186 appearances in claret and blue over two spells, is a Hammer at heart, and he wants the club to succeed at the new stadium, but he thinks that has to be down to the players. "The problem is the players," he said. "At Upton Park it was the fans who created the atmosphere, they started it, whereas the players have got to do it in the new stadium because it's a long way from the pitch. "That dictates what happens on the pitch, which is very sad, but it's down to the players to do it. Football pitches are all the same, they're all about the same size, but the players have to create the atmosphere, it's a catch-22 situation, but I'm hopeful that it turns round."
McAvennie was shown round the stadium on Friday, but admitted it was not the best moment for a tour. "It's the wrong time for me to come down because they're turning it into an athletics stadium," said the Scotsman. "But it doesn't matter what way you wrap it up, it's an athletics venue. "I'm old school and I think most of the fans are too, but the kids like it over here, they love it, so it's a new generation. And the players coming in who are not used to playing at Upton Park anyway, they don't remember it so that will enjoy the new stadium."
McAvennie was speaking at the launch party of the new German Doner Kebab (GDK) restaurant in Stratford.
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ARSENAL KEEPING TABS ON DOMINGOS QUINA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham were able to persuade Domingos Quina to snub a number of bigger clubs in order to pen a contract with the club last summer, but they could be facing a fight to keep hold of him a year on. Sky Sports understand that Arsenal are monitoring the teenager's progress at this summer's U19 European Championships where Quina is playing a starring role for Portugal. Quina came through the Benfica academy before leaving to join Chelsea in 2012, but West Ham were able to persuade him to make the move to East London last summer and he quickly signed his first professional contract shortly after. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is held in high regard within the club and Slaven Bilic gave him his professional debut during the Europa League qualifiers last season. Arsenal offered Quina a contract last summer before he joined West Ham and they're understood to still be holding interest in signing the player.
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WEST BROM PLOTTING CHADLI-AYEW SWAP DEAL
MICHAEL OLIVER
ReadWestHam
Andre Ayew had a rather stop-start debut campaign with West Ham last season.
Following his club-record £20.5m arrival from Swansea in August, the Ghanaian suffered a torn thigh on debut away at Chelsea in the opening game of the season, and injury which sidelined him for nearly three months.
Ayew was working his way back to something close to his best form during the winter, scoring in a convincing 4-1 win away at former club Swansea as the Hammers began to climb the table – before jetting off to the African Cup of Nations.
In the final three months of the season, Ayew scored five goals (taking his season's tally to six) and provided three assists, giving fans hope that he can be a key contributor next season, but another Premier League club is eyeing the former Marseille man.
The Independent report that West Brom are interested in signing Ayew this summer and Tony Pulis has always been an admirer of him.
To get the deal done, Pulis is ready to offer versatile attacker Nacer Chadli in a part-exchange.
Pulis has fallen out with the Belgium international and it's likely that the former Tottenham forward will leave the Hawthorns this summer. Whether West Ham are interested in such a deal remains to be seen.
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West Ham in discussions with Man City over loan move for Joe Hart with option to buy
Reports are circulating that West Ham want to bring Joe Hart to the London Stadium
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:37, 11 JUL 2017
football.london understands discussions are taking place with Manchester City for West Ham to sign Joe Hart on loan for the 2017/18 Premier League season.
The England stopper is down the pecking order at the Etihad and spent the last season on loan at Torino. Pep Guardiola has since brought in Ederson from Benfica this summer to be City's number one for the next season, with Claudio Bravo also staying put as the number two. The Hammers have been linked with Hart for a while this summer but it seemed that with City only wanting a permanent switch for around £20m, any deal was off. But we have learned that City are now willing to allow Hart to leave on loan for the season and that has alerted the Hammers again, who are now involved in discussions over making a move for Hart.
His arrival would likely spell the end of the road at the club for Darren Randolph or Adrian, with both players vying for the number one spot having had indifferent campaigns last time out. football.london understands that there will be an option for the Hammers to purchase Hart at the end of the loan deal and during his temporary stay, City will be paying the majority of his £110,000 a week wages.
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West Ham stars take the plunge as they prepare for Premier League season on training camp in Austria
Slaven Bilic's side will be looking to improve on last season's 11th place finish
Summer signing Pablo Zabaleta took part in the training session in Hartberg
A number of players recovered from the session by taking an ice bath
By Amitai Winehouse For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 12:58, 11 July 2017 | UPDATED: 13:03, 11 July 2017
West Ham continued their pre-season preparations with a session in Austria on Tuesday morning. The Hammers are ramping up for the start of the Premier League season with a training camp in Hartberg, in the south-east of the country, as they look to improve on last season. Slaven Bilic's side came 11th in the English top flight after initially struggling to settle in the London Stadium following their summer move. But after time to adjust they can hope for a better campaign this time out, and the players were put through their paces on Tuesday as they look to ready themselves in the ideal manner. Reece Burke, Aaron Cresswell and James Collins could be seen taking the plunge in an ice bucket while Adrian and Arthur Masuaku worked with resistance bands. Midfielder and club captain Mark Noble skipped and took part in a running drill involving obstacles. And forwards Robert Snodgrass, Manuel Lanzini and Andre Ayew could be seen jogging. Summer addition Pablo Zabaleta was also involved in the session as he stretched, while Pedro Obiang worked with a medicine ball. And West Ham's fitness coach Miljenko Rak was also involved as he made the players stretch out as one of the exercises. Cheikhou Kouyate could also seen the fun side of an icy dip as he raised a thumb to the camera. Burke, who has returned to West Ham after a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, is keen to impress Bilic during the training camp. 'I'm buzzing to be here,' he said. 'I was going to go on loan, but that has been put on hold as the manager has told me he wants me to do pre-season here with the first team, so it's a good opportunity for me to get back in with the lads, as I've been away for a while now. 'I spoke with the gaffer and he wants me to stay here, so it's a good opportunity for me to work hard and show him what I've got, because obviously I haven't seen him for a while. 'I need to stay fit and have a good pre-season here, that's my target.'
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Reece Burke future in limbo as Slaven Bilic calls on youngsters to prove their worth in pre-season
HITC
Damien Lucas
Highly-rated young West Ham United defender Reece Burke does not know where his immediate future lies. Centre-back Burke looked set for another loan move to Bolton Wanderers having previously played under their manager Phil Parkinson while on loan at Bradford City. It was during his time at Valley Parade where Burke really established himself as a player who could potentially graduate from the Hammers' famous Academy to the first team as he where he won no less than seven awards, including player of the year. However, Slaven Bilic - who was criticised by supporters last season for failing to bring through any of the club's promising young players - has put a block on Burke leaving on loan for the time being. And while the 20-year-old welcomes the prospect of being back in the mix at West Ham, he admitted in an interview with the club's official site he does not know what the immediate future holds. "I'm buzzing to be here, I was going to go on loan, but that has been put on hold as the manager has told me he wants me to do pre-season here with the first team, so it's a good opportunity for me to get back in with the lads, as I've been away for a while now," Burke told whufc.com. "I spoke with the gaffer and he wants me to stay here, so it's a good opportunity for me to work hard and show him what I've got, because obviously I haven't seen him for a while. "I need to stay fit and have a good pre-season here, that's my target. "My ambition is to play in the Premier League and to do that you have to go on loan and get experience and, if I have to do that to develop, that's what I'll do."
Burke's comments come after a well-placed West Ham source on Twitter ExWHUEmployee revealed the club is using pre-season to give their exciting crop of youngsters the chance to impress and prove their worth to the first team.
ExWHUemployee @ExWHUemployee
Bilic has said to a number of the youngsters to prove themselves over preseason and this has been an unexpected boost
9:38 PM - 10 Jul 2017
Should they fail to do that they will be sent out on loan. The likes of Josh Cullen, Martin Samuelsen, Marcus Browne, Toni Martinez, Declan Rice and Domingos Quina are all in the same boat as Burke and could follow in Reece Oxford's footsteps after he was sent on loan to Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach for the season.
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West Ham hope to complete statement signing in Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham remain hopeful of sealing a deal for Joe Hart in the next few days, with Slaven Bilic keen on the Manchester City and England goalkeeper. Hart has been told he can leave Man City and West Ham are favourites to sign the 30-year-old, who has won 71 senior caps for his country. City are said to want a permanent deal and value Hart at around £20million, but West Ham would prefer a one-year loan. Bilic is keen to get the deal done and believes a signing of Hart's stature would make a significant statement about the club's ambitions. The pursuit of Hart comes as the Hammers look to step up their summer transfer window activity with a deal for Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic. The east London club look certain to return to Premier League rivals Stoke with an improved offer after having an initial bid of £15 million rejected for the Austrian international.
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WEST HAM READY TO OFFER BARCELONA €10M FOR MUNIR
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are ready to offer Barcelona up to €10m to sign winger Munir El Haddadi. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, via Sport Witness, Southampton, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all prepared to offer between €8-10m for Munir's signature. Barcelona are looking for a fee closer to €14m, which has already been sent to them by Russian side Zenit. Although, that move appears to be a non-starter as Munir is not keen on a move to Russia this summer. The report also claims that Barcelona are keen to sell Munir, which plays into the hands of West Ham – who can haggle the price down to €10m. Munir looks set to leave Barcelona after six years at the club, playing for the B team and the first-team. The Spaniard has played 45 games for the first-team, scoring ten goals, but was sent on loan to Valencia last season. Munir scored seven goals in 36 games for Valencia in all competitions.
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West Ham to step up Marko Arnautovic transfer after Stoke reject £15m offer
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham are closing in on Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic as the Hammers step up their summer transfer window activity. The east London club look certain to return to Premier League rivals Stoke with an improved offer after having an initial bid of £15 million rejected for the Austrian international. Arnautovic, 28, who joined Stoke from Werder Bremen four seasons ago for £2 million, has submitted an official transfer request. The Potters, while reluctant to sell, are prepared to allow the striker to leave - but at the right price. "We have received a bid from West Ham for Marko and it was turned down," confirmed club chairman Peter Coates. "Mark Hughes is planning to meet with the player and hopefully he can find a positive resolution, as he did last year. We will only sell Marko if the terms are right but he's not a player we want to lose." Arnautovic signed a new four-year contract just 12 months ago but now wants to move on. Bilic has prioritised pace and power in his quest for new players this summer, and believes the player - who has won 62 caps for Austria - would be an ideal acquisition. Arnautovic limped off at half-time of Stoke's pre-season friendly against Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax with a knee problem but the injury is not thought to be serious.
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WHY NDIAYE COULD BE A GREAT SIGNING FOR WEST HAM
By stevek
WTID
I haven't written on here for several months, sorry about that…
According to a handful of reports, we're about to get the deal done on the Senegalese midfielder Papa Alioune Ndiaye (apparently, according to whoscored.com and goal.com) from Turkish outfit Osmanlispor for around 8-9m. Yep. I don't think I'd heard of them either, my avid following of the Turkish Super League has waned of late. Sky Sports also leading on the rumour of the deal, which of course means its going to happen…
However, if this is true, we might be in for another solid competition for places in midfield. Not the marquee signings we've all been promised – I'd agree somewhat with Hamburg Hammers post there, although I still hold out hope for a massive striker signing…
Lets look at Ndiaye then.
26 years old. Excellent and solid pass rate (80% success rate last season), 47% shot accuracy – doesn't sound amazing, but compare him with some of our recent campaign stats…
Andy Carroll – 50% shot accuracy
Manuel Lanzini – 39%
Andre Ayew – 50%
Jonny Calleri (God bless him) – 33% (yes I was surprised too, although I think he only had 3 shots, one was that tap in)
Michail Antonio – 41%
And even Kouyate is only on 24% shot accuracy – who looking at how Ndiaye plays (only going on YouTube) he feels a similar player to me, drives forwards, fast, not afraid of running at players. Looks a potential good signing.
Not one to want to bring up sore wounds, but Ndiaye's stats bear a slight resemblance to he who shall not be named before he left for Marseille…
Both 80% pass accuracy rate, both 47% shot accuracy, both got 17m average pass distance (one of the largest in the team last year) 56% duels won for Papa, only 47% for DP.
So clearly this lad can pick a pass…
But its more that just shot accuracy and pass rate.
In comparison to some of our other players – the excellent Antonio, and the Jewel… lets take a look…
stats source: squawka.com
As you can see – even compared to two of our most attacking midfielders his stats stands up.
One to watch… he might fit in well…
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Despite an early start and the best part of the day spent travelling, West Ham United's players were straight on to the training pitch following their arrival in Austria on Monday afternoon. After a light meal at the team hotel, Slaven Bilic and his squad made the short journey to their working base in Bad Waltersdorf for a 90-minute work-out, consisting of light running at intervals, stretching exercises and keep-ball sessions. First team coach Edin Terzic oversaw the session and afterwards explained the benefit of making an immediate start to the training programme. "It was important for the players to stretch their legs after a long day of travelling," said Edin. "Manuel Lanzini came straight from Argentina, so it had been a long journey for him, and it was very important for him to get the stiffness out of his legs. "And of course, important for the lads to touch the ball, and be together on the pitch and not only in the dressing room."
For the players who represented their countries on international duty during the summer, the session was their first time back on the pitch with their team-mates since the end of last season, "We haven't seen each other for five or six weeks," he said, "so it's very important to be together as a group again, to build a bond and prepare well for the friendly games. "We have obviously only just arrived, so haven't had time yet to get used to the facilities, but first impressions are very good – the pitch, the hotel, the food – everything is great. "We now have a couple of weeks of hard work in front of us, and the aim is just to improve and get stronger every day."
With a double session planned for today – gym and fitness drills this morning followed by football work this afternoon – the hard work is well and truly underway in Austria…
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9 reasons why Tony Cottee is a West Ham legend
WHUFC.com
West Ham United great Tony Cottee celebrates his 52nd birthday today. The pint-sized striker and lifelong Hammer netted 146 goals over two spells in the 1980s and 1990s, endearing himself to the Claret and Blue Army forevermore. Here, we give you nine reasons why Cottee is a true West Ham legend. Happy birthday TC!
His debut goal. Tony Cottee made his first-team debut for West Ham United on New Year's Day 1983, aged just 17 years and six months. He marked the occasion with the second goal in a 3-0 First Division victory at the Boleyn Ground.
His four goals against Bury. The striker was still just 18 when he scored four times in a record 10-0 League Cup second round second leg victory over Fourth Division Bury at the Boleyn Ground on 25 October 1983.
He was named Hammer of the Year at the age of 20. Tony Cottee enjoyed a prolific partnership with Frank McAvennie as the Hammers finished third in the First Division in 1985/86, scoring 20 top-flight goals.
He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year. It was not just Hammers fans who showered acclaim on Tony Cottee at the end of the 1985/86 season – his fellow professionals voted him the country's best young player, too!
His England debut. Tony Cottee won the first of his seven England caps when he replaced John Barnes in the Three Lions' 1-0 friendly defeat in Sweden on 10 September 1986.
His scissor kick. Tony Cottee scored arguably the most spectacular goal of his career in a 3-2 First Division win over Nottingham Forest at the Boleyn Ground on 21 November 1987.
He scored the Hammers' first Premier League hat-trick. Tony Cottee became the first West Ham United player to score a Premier League treble when he scored all the goals in a 3-0 Boleyn Ground victory over Manchester City on 17 December 1994.
He scored the Hammers' first Premier League hat-trick. Tony Cottee became the first West Ham United player to score a Premier League treble when he scored all the goals in a 3-0 Boleyn Ground victory over Manchester City on 17 December 1994.
He scored 146 goals for the Club. Only five players, and two in the post-war period, have scored more goals for West Ham United than Tony Cottee – Vic Watson, Geoff Hurst, Syd Puddefoot, John Dick and Jimmy Ruffell.
He is a lifelong Hammer. The striker has never made a secret of the fact he 'bleeds Claret and Blue' and never shies away from supporting the Club in his role as a broadcaster.
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Arnautovic wants to go, says agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
The brother of Marko Arnautovic has said he hopes Stoke do not block his proposed move to West Ham. As revealed on KUMB last week, the Hammers have made an official approach for the Austrian international, who has since submitted a transfer request after United's intial bid was turned down. However Daniel Arnautovic - who also doubles as his brother's agent - believes it would be wrong for The Potters to stand in his brother's way, having set his heart upon a move to the capital. "I hope the club does not stand in his way as they received an offer which is more than correct, compared to what Stoke paid for Marko," he told a tabloid newspaper. "We hope the club finally will understand how good the offer is and that they will remove and solve the final problem preventing any transfer. "What that exactly is I don't want to say – at this moment – but obviously it is a big issue which is stopping us for now. The offer Stoke has revealed is not what has been reported in the media. "The true level of the offer I will keep to myself – however Stoke is well aware of it."
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Transfer target misses US tour
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham transfer target Joe Hart has been left out of Manchester City's travelling party for their impending US tour. Hart is one of several recognised first team squad members left out of the touring party - along with Jason Deneyer, Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala and another former Hammers target, Wilfried Bony.
West Ham have been keeping tabs on the situation regarding the England goalkeeper, who is available for around £20million. However United are only be interested in a season-long loan deal, at present, according to reports from elsewhere.
* In other transfer stories today, West Ham are the latest club said to have expressed an interest in Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro. According to Tuttosport, the Hammers are one of a number of Premier League clubs to have taken a look at the 24-year-old, who has also represented Italy at full senior level on four occasions. Everton have also been strongly linked in recent days.
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WEST HAM LINKED WITH STURARO MOVE
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsmanRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are being linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro, but could face competition from Everton for his signature. The Italian giants are said to be keen to narrow down their options, with the squad becoming somewhat overcrowded. This could lead to the sale of fringe players such as Sturaro.
Once labelled as the next big thing in Italy, Sturaro hasn't quite lived up to expectations. He made just 21 appearances in Serie A last term and failed to really establish himself as a first-team regular under Max Allegri. Despite this though, he is an undoubtedly gifted player and would certainly benefit from first-team football on a consistent basis, something that Tuttosport (h/t Sport Witness) claim that West Ham will be ready to provide. The Hammers need to speed up their summer dealings and a move for Sturaro would certainly be a statement of intent as they approach the 2017/18 campaign.
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Stoke are right to take tough stance on Marko Arnautovic's West Ham move, says Charlie Adam
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Stoke City's decision to stand firm over West Ham target Marko Arnautovic's transfer request has received the backing of midfielder Charlie Adam. Arnautovic asked to leave the Bet365 Stadium after West Ham submitted a £15million bid for the Austrian international, which Stoke have since confirmed they have rejected.
That will not dissuade West Ham, who are expected to return with a second offer with Stoke insisting that they will only sell the player "if the terms are right", according to chairman Peter Coates. A tough stance will have the backing of Scottish midfielder Adam, who insisted that Stoke were entitled to make it difficult for Arnautovic to engineer an escape route. "Marko's a massive figure at the club, I'm going to say it from the players' point of view," Adam told reporters. "He's a wonderful player and he's done a great job for us but something has changed and he's made a decision. "He wants to look after his family. The club have a say in it and won't make it easy for him, which is right, you can't just turn up, hand a transfer request in and expect to leave. The club will make it difficult for him.
"He's our best player. It's a shock but the club will deal with it in the right way and the manager will deal with it in the right way." The 28-year-old forward was a target for West Ham last summer and would give Slaven Bilic the pace, power and Premier League experience he craves in the transfer market. However Stoke boss Mark Hughes is adamant that West Ham will not have it their own way. "Any comings and goings are at our discretion and it's our decision ultimately," Hughes told the Stoke Sentinel. "Players can express an opinion or a view in terms of where they see their future but at the end of the day contracted players are contracted to the club and ultimately we have the final say."
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Joe Hart to West Ham: Talks over Hammers loan collapse as Man City receive new bid
The latest West Ham transfer news sees the Hammers' hopes of a loan for Joe Hart fall apart
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
21:00, 11 JUL 2017
football.london understands that talks over Joe Hart's loan move to West Ham have broken down. The Hammers were in discussion with Manchester City over a season-long loan and were confident a deal could be done but we have learned a bid from an unnamed club has scuppered any deal for the England keeper.
Our sources tell us there is now just a 10% chance of any move to bring Hart to the London Stadium happening despite reports claiming that West Ham were closing in on a deal. News emerged earlier this afternoon that West Ham had re-ignited interest in the keeper after City were willing to loan him out rather than want just a permanent switch of around £20m. City would have subsidised the majority of Hart's wages had he moved to E20, with a permanent buy option at the end of the 2017/18 season. But that dream appears to have died as quickly as it was born, with the Hammers set to miss out again this summer.
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West Ham step up efforts to sign Joe Hart from Man City
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 11/07/17 3:03pm
SSN
West Ham are stepping up their efforts to sign England goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City, according to Sky sources. Hart is expected to leave City this summer after returning from a season-long loan at Serie A side Torino and admitted in May that he was "more than likely" to move to another Premier League club. Sky Sports News HQ understands City would prefer to sanction a permanent sale of Hart, although West Ham are keen on a loan deal with an option to buy next summer. City have signed two goalkeepers since Pep Guardiola became manager last summer, with Claudio Bravo and Ederson arriving at the Etihad, leaving Hart surplus to requirements. West Ham have made only one signing this summer, with defender Pablo Zabaleta joining on a free transfer following his release from City. Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is also looking to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season. A £15m offer for Austria winger Marko Arnautovic was turned down by Stoke, although West Ham are expected to return with an improved offer. They are also interested in former Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez as well as Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.
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West Ham's Domingos Quina wanted by Arsenal
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 11/07/17 2:21pm
SSN
West Ham wonderkid Domingos Quina is being monitored by a number of top Premier League clubs including Arsenal, according to Sky sources, after a series of eye-catching performances at the U19 Euros in Georgia. The 17-year old joined West Ham from Chelsea last summer with Slaven Bilic promoting him immediately to the first- team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' Europa League qualifying campaign before the Premier League season began. Sky Sports News HQ understands Arsenal offered a contract to the teenager before he joined West Ham and remain keen on the talented youngster. Like England, Portugal have progressed to the semi-finals of the U19 Euros and face Holland tomorrow, thanks to some impressive displays by the midfielder including a man-of-the-match performance in Portugal's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic. In May 2016, he won the UEFA European U17 Championships with his international outfit. Playing for West Ham's PL2 side, Quina scored a wonder-goal against Leicester City in the Premier League Cup, lobbing the goalkeeper from the halfway line in the 2-0 away win. Injury ruled him out of the latter part of the last campaign, but his performances and development saw him awarded the prestigious Dylan Tombides Award for the outstanding player from West Ham's academy.
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Domingos Quina: Profile of West Ham youngster linked with Arsenal
By Pete Hall and Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 11/07/17 3:36pm
SSN
Could highly-rated youngster Domingos Quina be set to swap West Ham for Arsenal? West Ham wonderkid Domingos Quina is being monitored by a number of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, after a series of eye-catching performances for Portugal at the U19 Euros in Georgia. The 17-year-old joined West Ham from Chelsea last summer with Slaven Bilic promoting him immediately to the first team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign before the Premier League season began. Sky Sports News HQ understands Arsenal offered a contract to the teenager before he joined West Ham and remain keen on the talented youngster.
But who is this talented teenager catching Arsene Wenger's eye? We take a look…
Factfile
Name: Domingos Quina Club: West Ham Age: 17 Place of birth: Guinea-Bassau, west Africa Position: Forward
Background
Born in Guinea-Bassau, west Africa, Quina spent most of his childhood in Portugal, where his ability was noticed by Portuguese giants Benfica. Chelsea signed 13-year-old Quina to London on scholarship terms, and had high hopes for the flamboyant forward, with plans afoot to offer him a full contract. However, with FA rules meaning youngsters cannot be tied down until they turn 17, a host of Premier League clubs were watching him in the hope of being able to snap up his services. West Ham eventually won the race for his services, tying him down to his first professional contract which runs until 2019. On joining the Hammers, Slaven Bilic promoted him immediately to the first-team squad, playing twice in the Hammers' UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign. He was also a key figure for West Ham's PL2 side until injury ruled him out of the latter part of the last campaign, but his performances and development saw him awarded the prestigious Dylan Tombides Award for the outstanding player from West Ham's academy.
International honours
Quina has also played a pivotal role on the international stage, having helped Portugal U17s top their UEFA elite-round group - with scouts from several of the Premier League's top clubs in attendance. In May 2016, he won the UEFA European U17 Championships and has helped Portugal's U19 side reach the semi-finals of this summer's European Championships. Quina has put in some impressive displays at the tournament in Georgia, including a man-of-the-match performance in Portugal's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Style of play
Quina has caught the eye with his penchant for a dazzling dribble and fleet-footed skills. Deployed predominantly as a No 10, his pace and poise means he is equally adept out wide or as part of a front three. The West Ham youngster is capable of some spectacular strikes from distance, with one particular effort from a long way out for a Chelsea age-group side attracting plenty of attention on social media. Scouts were treated to another example of Quina's impressive accuracy from range, as he found the net in Portugal U17s' dominant 7-3 victory over their English counterparts at Burton Albion in August, 2015. Last season, playing for West Ham's PL2 side, Quina scored a wonder-goal against Leicester City in the Premier League Cup, lobbing the goalkeeper from the halfway line in the 2-0 away win. Such dynamism for someone so young is what has attracted so many suitors, with the spectacular goals a major plus.
What they said...
He is one of those players that you think if he doesn't make it, then which player will? He has got everything and it is now down to us and up to him how much he is going to improve and dedicate his life to achieve something that God gave him. There is no doubt he has something exceptional. - Slaven Bilic
What now?
Quina is being tracked by a number of top Premier League clubs after a series of eye-catching performances for Portugal at the U19 Euros in Georgia. But it's Arsenal who appear to be front runners for his signature, will they make another move this summer?
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Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic suffers suspected knee injury
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 11/07/17 8:45am
SSN
Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic could face a spell on the sidelines with a suspected knee injury - just hours after handing in a transfer request. Sky Sports News HQ revealed on Monday that the 28-year-old had expressed a desire to leave the Potters and was the subject of a £15m bid from Premier League rivals West Ham.
Stoke rejected the offer from Hammers and, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Arnautovic started the club's pre-season victory over Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax. But Arnautovic was forced off shortly before half-time after falling awkwardly in the penalty area when attempting to complete a cross. The Austria international received medical treatment on the pitch and was assisted off by the Stoke physio. West Ham had been expected to return with an improved offer, but may be forced to look elsewhere if Arnautovic has sustained a serious injury.
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West Ham's McAvennie: Hammers won't stay at the London Stadium
PUBLISHED: 12:01 11 July 2017 | UPDATED: 12:29 11 July 2017 Dave Evans and Lee Power
Newham Recorder
West Ham legend Frank McAvennie believes that the club may not be at the London Stadium in five years time. The Scotland international striker, who formed such a devastating partnership with Tony Cottee back in the mid-eighties, paid the London Stadium a visit on Friday and praised the supporters for selling out the club's season-ticket allocation, but added a warning. "West Ham fans have done it again," he said. "They've gone and bought out all the season tickets which is incredible considering they've not bought anyone. "But I don't think they will be in that stadium in five years time. I would lilke somebody to come and if Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan want out, to sell to one of the big boys. West Ham United's Frank McAvennie scoring West Ham's 2nd goal against Oxford United at Upton Park. West Ham United's Frank McAvennie scoring West Ham's 2nd goal against Oxford United at Upton Park. "I like Tottenham, they're doing the right thing building a stadium next to White Hart Lane, that's what we should have done at Upton Park. I don't think West Ham will stay there, I have a feeling it's not forever."
McAvennie, who was a hero of Upton Park, said that the atmosphere needs to improve at the stadium too. "I would probably give it a five or six," he said. "It was good at times, the best being against Tottenham with the atmosphere, which shows to me that there can be atmosphere in that ground. "But say you've got to stay there for three years, then you have to build a football stadium. If you ask West Ham to do something they can't do it, because they've got to go and ask somebody. "That's not right. A Premier League club that is earning hundreds of millions of pounds, come on?!"
McAvennie, who scored 57 goals in 186 appearances in claret and blue over two spells, is a Hammer at heart, and he wants the club to succeed at the new stadium, but he thinks that has to be down to the players. "The problem is the players," he said. "At Upton Park it was the fans who created the atmosphere, they started it, whereas the players have got to do it in the new stadium because it's a long way from the pitch. "That dictates what happens on the pitch, which is very sad, but it's down to the players to do it. Football pitches are all the same, they're all about the same size, but the players have to create the atmosphere, it's a catch-22 situation, but I'm hopeful that it turns round."
McAvennie was shown round the stadium on Friday, but admitted it was not the best moment for a tour. "It's the wrong time for me to come down because they're turning it into an athletics stadium," said the Scotsman. "But it doesn't matter what way you wrap it up, it's an athletics venue. "I'm old school and I think most of the fans are too, but the kids like it over here, they love it, so it's a new generation. And the players coming in who are not used to playing at Upton Park anyway, they don't remember it so that will enjoy the new stadium."
McAvennie was speaking at the launch party of the new German Doner Kebab (GDK) restaurant in Stratford.
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ARSENAL KEEPING TABS ON DOMINGOS QUINA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham were able to persuade Domingos Quina to snub a number of bigger clubs in order to pen a contract with the club last summer, but they could be facing a fight to keep hold of him a year on. Sky Sports understand that Arsenal are monitoring the teenager's progress at this summer's U19 European Championships where Quina is playing a starring role for Portugal. Quina came through the Benfica academy before leaving to join Chelsea in 2012, but West Ham were able to persuade him to make the move to East London last summer and he quickly signed his first professional contract shortly after. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is held in high regard within the club and Slaven Bilic gave him his professional debut during the Europa League qualifiers last season. Arsenal offered Quina a contract last summer before he joined West Ham and they're understood to still be holding interest in signing the player.
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WEST BROM PLOTTING CHADLI-AYEW SWAP DEAL
MICHAEL OLIVER
ReadWestHam
Andre Ayew had a rather stop-start debut campaign with West Ham last season.
Following his club-record £20.5m arrival from Swansea in August, the Ghanaian suffered a torn thigh on debut away at Chelsea in the opening game of the season, and injury which sidelined him for nearly three months.
Ayew was working his way back to something close to his best form during the winter, scoring in a convincing 4-1 win away at former club Swansea as the Hammers began to climb the table – before jetting off to the African Cup of Nations.
In the final three months of the season, Ayew scored five goals (taking his season's tally to six) and provided three assists, giving fans hope that he can be a key contributor next season, but another Premier League club is eyeing the former Marseille man.
The Independent report that West Brom are interested in signing Ayew this summer and Tony Pulis has always been an admirer of him.
To get the deal done, Pulis is ready to offer versatile attacker Nacer Chadli in a part-exchange.
Pulis has fallen out with the Belgium international and it's likely that the former Tottenham forward will leave the Hawthorns this summer. Whether West Ham are interested in such a deal remains to be seen.
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West Ham in discussions with Man City over loan move for Joe Hart with option to buy
Reports are circulating that West Ham want to bring Joe Hart to the London Stadium
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:37, 11 JUL 2017
football.london understands discussions are taking place with Manchester City for West Ham to sign Joe Hart on loan for the 2017/18 Premier League season.
The England stopper is down the pecking order at the Etihad and spent the last season on loan at Torino. Pep Guardiola has since brought in Ederson from Benfica this summer to be City's number one for the next season, with Claudio Bravo also staying put as the number two. The Hammers have been linked with Hart for a while this summer but it seemed that with City only wanting a permanent switch for around £20m, any deal was off. But we have learned that City are now willing to allow Hart to leave on loan for the season and that has alerted the Hammers again, who are now involved in discussions over making a move for Hart.
His arrival would likely spell the end of the road at the club for Darren Randolph or Adrian, with both players vying for the number one spot having had indifferent campaigns last time out. football.london understands that there will be an option for the Hammers to purchase Hart at the end of the loan deal and during his temporary stay, City will be paying the majority of his £110,000 a week wages.
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West Ham stars take the plunge as they prepare for Premier League season on training camp in Austria
Slaven Bilic's side will be looking to improve on last season's 11th place finish
Summer signing Pablo Zabaleta took part in the training session in Hartberg
A number of players recovered from the session by taking an ice bath
By Amitai Winehouse For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 12:58, 11 July 2017 | UPDATED: 13:03, 11 July 2017
West Ham continued their pre-season preparations with a session in Austria on Tuesday morning. The Hammers are ramping up for the start of the Premier League season with a training camp in Hartberg, in the south-east of the country, as they look to improve on last season. Slaven Bilic's side came 11th in the English top flight after initially struggling to settle in the London Stadium following their summer move. But after time to adjust they can hope for a better campaign this time out, and the players were put through their paces on Tuesday as they look to ready themselves in the ideal manner. Reece Burke, Aaron Cresswell and James Collins could be seen taking the plunge in an ice bucket while Adrian and Arthur Masuaku worked with resistance bands. Midfielder and club captain Mark Noble skipped and took part in a running drill involving obstacles. And forwards Robert Snodgrass, Manuel Lanzini and Andre Ayew could be seen jogging. Summer addition Pablo Zabaleta was also involved in the session as he stretched, while Pedro Obiang worked with a medicine ball. And West Ham's fitness coach Miljenko Rak was also involved as he made the players stretch out as one of the exercises. Cheikhou Kouyate could also seen the fun side of an icy dip as he raised a thumb to the camera. Burke, who has returned to West Ham after a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, is keen to impress Bilic during the training camp. 'I'm buzzing to be here,' he said. 'I was going to go on loan, but that has been put on hold as the manager has told me he wants me to do pre-season here with the first team, so it's a good opportunity for me to get back in with the lads, as I've been away for a while now. 'I spoke with the gaffer and he wants me to stay here, so it's a good opportunity for me to work hard and show him what I've got, because obviously I haven't seen him for a while. 'I need to stay fit and have a good pre-season here, that's my target.'
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Reece Burke future in limbo as Slaven Bilic calls on youngsters to prove their worth in pre-season
HITC
Damien Lucas
Highly-rated young West Ham United defender Reece Burke does not know where his immediate future lies. Centre-back Burke looked set for another loan move to Bolton Wanderers having previously played under their manager Phil Parkinson while on loan at Bradford City. It was during his time at Valley Parade where Burke really established himself as a player who could potentially graduate from the Hammers' famous Academy to the first team as he where he won no less than seven awards, including player of the year. However, Slaven Bilic - who was criticised by supporters last season for failing to bring through any of the club's promising young players - has put a block on Burke leaving on loan for the time being. And while the 20-year-old welcomes the prospect of being back in the mix at West Ham, he admitted in an interview with the club's official site he does not know what the immediate future holds. "I'm buzzing to be here, I was going to go on loan, but that has been put on hold as the manager has told me he wants me to do pre-season here with the first team, so it's a good opportunity for me to get back in with the lads, as I've been away for a while now," Burke told whufc.com. "I spoke with the gaffer and he wants me to stay here, so it's a good opportunity for me to work hard and show him what I've got, because obviously I haven't seen him for a while. "I need to stay fit and have a good pre-season here, that's my target. "My ambition is to play in the Premier League and to do that you have to go on loan and get experience and, if I have to do that to develop, that's what I'll do."
Burke's comments come after a well-placed West Ham source on Twitter ExWHUEmployee revealed the club is using pre-season to give their exciting crop of youngsters the chance to impress and prove their worth to the first team.
ExWHUemployee @ExWHUemployee
Bilic has said to a number of the youngsters to prove themselves over preseason and this has been an unexpected boost
9:38 PM - 10 Jul 2017
Should they fail to do that they will be sent out on loan. The likes of Josh Cullen, Martin Samuelsen, Marcus Browne, Toni Martinez, Declan Rice and Domingos Quina are all in the same boat as Burke and could follow in Reece Oxford's footsteps after he was sent on loan to Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach for the season.
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West Ham hope to complete statement signing in Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham remain hopeful of sealing a deal for Joe Hart in the next few days, with Slaven Bilic keen on the Manchester City and England goalkeeper. Hart has been told he can leave Man City and West Ham are favourites to sign the 30-year-old, who has won 71 senior caps for his country. City are said to want a permanent deal and value Hart at around £20million, but West Ham would prefer a one-year loan. Bilic is keen to get the deal done and believes a signing of Hart's stature would make a significant statement about the club's ambitions. The pursuit of Hart comes as the Hammers look to step up their summer transfer window activity with a deal for Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic. The east London club look certain to return to Premier League rivals Stoke with an improved offer after having an initial bid of £15 million rejected for the Austrian international.
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WEST HAM READY TO OFFER BARCELONA €10M FOR MUNIR
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham are ready to offer Barcelona up to €10m to sign winger Munir El Haddadi. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, via Sport Witness, Southampton, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all prepared to offer between €8-10m for Munir's signature. Barcelona are looking for a fee closer to €14m, which has already been sent to them by Russian side Zenit. Although, that move appears to be a non-starter as Munir is not keen on a move to Russia this summer. The report also claims that Barcelona are keen to sell Munir, which plays into the hands of West Ham – who can haggle the price down to €10m. Munir looks set to leave Barcelona after six years at the club, playing for the B team and the first-team. The Spaniard has played 45 games for the first-team, scoring ten goals, but was sent on loan to Valencia last season. Munir scored seven goals in 36 games for Valencia in all competitions.
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West Ham to step up Marko Arnautovic transfer after Stoke reject £15m offer
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham are closing in on Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic as the Hammers step up their summer transfer window activity. The east London club look certain to return to Premier League rivals Stoke with an improved offer after having an initial bid of £15 million rejected for the Austrian international. Arnautovic, 28, who joined Stoke from Werder Bremen four seasons ago for £2 million, has submitted an official transfer request. The Potters, while reluctant to sell, are prepared to allow the striker to leave - but at the right price. "We have received a bid from West Ham for Marko and it was turned down," confirmed club chairman Peter Coates. "Mark Hughes is planning to meet with the player and hopefully he can find a positive resolution, as he did last year. We will only sell Marko if the terms are right but he's not a player we want to lose." Arnautovic signed a new four-year contract just 12 months ago but now wants to move on. Bilic has prioritised pace and power in his quest for new players this summer, and believes the player - who has won 62 caps for Austria - would be an ideal acquisition. Arnautovic limped off at half-time of Stoke's pre-season friendly against Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax with a knee problem but the injury is not thought to be serious.
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WHY NDIAYE COULD BE A GREAT SIGNING FOR WEST HAM
By stevek
WTID
I haven't written on here for several months, sorry about that…
According to a handful of reports, we're about to get the deal done on the Senegalese midfielder Papa Alioune Ndiaye (apparently, according to whoscored.com and goal.com) from Turkish outfit Osmanlispor for around 8-9m. Yep. I don't think I'd heard of them either, my avid following of the Turkish Super League has waned of late. Sky Sports also leading on the rumour of the deal, which of course means its going to happen…
However, if this is true, we might be in for another solid competition for places in midfield. Not the marquee signings we've all been promised – I'd agree somewhat with Hamburg Hammers post there, although I still hold out hope for a massive striker signing…
Lets look at Ndiaye then.
26 years old. Excellent and solid pass rate (80% success rate last season), 47% shot accuracy – doesn't sound amazing, but compare him with some of our recent campaign stats…
Andy Carroll – 50% shot accuracy
Manuel Lanzini – 39%
Andre Ayew – 50%
Jonny Calleri (God bless him) – 33% (yes I was surprised too, although I think he only had 3 shots, one was that tap in)
Michail Antonio – 41%
And even Kouyate is only on 24% shot accuracy – who looking at how Ndiaye plays (only going on YouTube) he feels a similar player to me, drives forwards, fast, not afraid of running at players. Looks a potential good signing.
Not one to want to bring up sore wounds, but Ndiaye's stats bear a slight resemblance to he who shall not be named before he left for Marseille…
Both 80% pass accuracy rate, both 47% shot accuracy, both got 17m average pass distance (one of the largest in the team last year) 56% duels won for Papa, only 47% for DP.
So clearly this lad can pick a pass…
But its more that just shot accuracy and pass rate.
In comparison to some of our other players – the excellent Antonio, and the Jewel… lets take a look…
stats source: squawka.com
As you can see – even compared to two of our most attacking midfielders his stats stands up.
One to watch… he might fit in well…
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