Smertin in, Reo-Coker Out

West Ham have been strongly linked with ex-Chelski midfielder Alexei Smertin in the last few days. Smertin is available on a free from Dynamo Moscow and is the type of experienced player Curbishley has been claiming West Ham needs.

Meanwhile KUMB have reported a 'rumour' that Nigel Reo-Coker has been asked to hand in a transfer request if he wants to leave. This could be interpreted as the club telling their captain to 'fuck off' but I expect it is more likely to mean 'tell your agent to shut up or fuck off'.

A certain 'hammerboy' on the KUMB forum claims to have actually seen Reo-Coker's 'texted' resignation to Curbs,

"to da boss man curbs
i's gotta leave dis punk club
me gotta get outta dis ghetto hell
fans fink i shuld be playing well
but i shuld be playing for arsenal
you git me??

- NRC (The Billionaire Boys Club)"

Other reports suggest that Liverpool may gamble on signing Mascherano despite yesterday's FIFA statement that it is unlikely they will wave their rule that a player can play for three different clubs in twelve months.