Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Daprela Sold

Fabio Daprela has been sold by West Ham to Italian Serie A new boys Brescia Calcio. Daprela at 19 years of age always looked a good prospect to me. I can't help thinking that West Ham have very little cover at left back now.

Being transfer deadline day there isn't much point reporting on the newspapers. If you believe the papers West Ham will today be selling Cole, Parker, Upson and anyone else who can raise money for the club.

I'm pretty glad I no longer get Sky Sports News. Now I don't have to sit and listen to their rubbish all day long as well.

So no rumours from me today - only news about concrete signings or players being sold.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Grant Keen on Keane

Sky are reporting that Avram Grant wants to sign Robbie Keane. The actual quote by Grant sounds like the answer to a direct question about whether Grant thinks Robbie Keane would fit in at West Ham,

"The club has big, big debts but he's a player I would like to get," said Grant.


The Mirror claim that West Ham have dropped the price of Carlton Cole to £10 million in a desperate attempt to raise money. The Mail claim that Liverpool have offered £7 million for Cole but that West Ham want £10 million.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Daily Mail Loses it Big Time

KUMB are reporting that Zavron Hines has suffered a set back in his recovery from injury. In December Hines underwent surgery to cure a long standing knee problem. He was expected to have been fit to play from the beginning of this season however KUMB say he is now out for the whole of this season.


The Daily Mirror report that West Ham are interested in Arsenal defender Armand Traore. The 20-year-old defender last week turned down a £3million move to Benfica after the clubs had agreed a fee. The Mirror says he wants to play in England and Traore is likely to accept West Ham's offer.


The Mail say Scott Parker is going to move to Sp#rs as West Ham are set to hold a fire sale. Confusingly the rest of the article then seems to disprove this statement as they go on to say West Ham don't want to sell Parker and have offered him a new contract.

To prove that The Mail have really lost their marbles they go on to claim that West Ham are going to loan Carlton Cole out for the season and are going to sell Barrera.


The News of the World quote Marek Stech as saying that Avram Grant was hoping to loan him out this season. However now that Peter Kurucz has picked up an injury he expects to stay at West Ham unless another keeper is brought in before the end of the transfer window.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Man Utd 3 West Ham 0

West Ham started the game reasonably well and had some nice passages of play in the first 15 minutes. In defence they soaked up pressure well, with Parker sweeping up just in front of the back four and Dyer in particular providing a decent outlet down the left wing.

After the first quarter of an hour Man Utd started to threaten the West Ham goal a little more. In the 24th minute a Nani shot from 25 yards had Green flapping a little but he just managed to get his hand to the ball to flick it onto the crossbar.

Unfortunately for West Ham Spector at right back, against a pacey Giggs, looked like an accident waiting to happen. There weren't many West Ham fans I suspect who were surprised when in the 33rd minutes Giggs cut inside and beat the right back and Spector haplessly chased after him before lunging and bringing him down in the box. Rooney stepped up and scored from the spot.

After the goal Man Utd had a couple of chances to stretch their lead. Berbatov shot over from 7 yards. Then with seconds left in the half Nani was played clear into the West Ham area. Green rushed out and luckily Nani somehow managed to scoop the ball over the bar from seven yards to give West Ham some hope going into the second half.


Five minutes into the second half Nani just floated through the West ham defence before shooting and scoring from just inside the West Ham area. In the 53rd minute Rooney was found just inside the West Ham area and looked all set to shoot but Gabbidon did really well with a sliding tackle to win the ball.

In the 56th minute Dyer just clipped the outside of the right hand post from 12 yards after a great lay off from Faubert on the edge of the box. In the 68th minute Nani crossed across the box from inside the West Ham area and Berbatov volleyed the ball into the back of the net from 6 yards at the far post.

In the 82nd minute Noble passed to Parker in the box but Parker shot wide from 8 yards. In the 85th minute Barrera fired high and wide from 30 yards. In the 89th minute Piquionne actually forced a save from Van der Sar from out wide right in the penalty area. Then in the 92nd minute Piquionne headed a corner wide from 7 yards.


Despite some late pressure from West Ham it ended with another 3-0 loss for West Ham. Is anyone sensing a pattern here?

West Ham Still Want to Sign More Players

The Mirror claim West Ham are juggling over 10 potential deals in a bid to land at least three or four more targets before the end of the transfer window. The Mirror claim that the club are also upset with Roma who seem to want to loan Behrami - whereas West Ham want to sell to generate transfer funds.

The claim that West Ham are still looking to bring in more than one player is backed up by an interview with Avram Grant in The Guardian. Grant said to the paper,

"There are a few areas that we don't have players at all so this is our first priority. But in any position if there are players that can be good for us [we are interested] because we have a long season."


The Mail see at least one more player departing West Ham, claiming West Brom are after Kovac.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Obinna Joins West Ham

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Nigeria forward Victor Obinna on a season-long loan from Internazionale. The club say his loan to West Ham includes the option of a permanent transfer next summer.

Obinna seems to be a player with a lot of pace. I'm not sure where his preferred position is but I have a suspicion Grant has bought Obinna to play mainly on the wing rather than as an out and out striker (but I know nothing!).

West Ham Want Another Portsmouth Player

Sky are reporting that West Ham have made an approach for Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson. Sky say that West Brom have already had a £3million bid turned down for the 23-year-old defender. However Portsmouth have said that they would be powerless to prevent Wilson leaving if they received the right offer.

The Sun claim West Ham want Hamburg right-back Guy Demel.

The Daily Star, in an incredibly bizarre article, claim that West Ham must sack Avram Grant 'Now'! The main reason to sack Grant seems to be because West Ham face Manchester United and Chelsea in their next two games.

Presumably they think Avram Grant is in charge of the Premier League fixture list.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

West Ham After Trezeguet

ESPN are reporting that West Ham have clinched a deal to sign Inter striker Victor Obinna on loan with a view to a permanent deal. They say West Ham have now turned their attentions to Hamburg right-back Guy Demel.

The Mirror however say West Ham want Sp#r's England under-21 right back Kyle Walker on loan for the season. The Mirror claim that West Ham are also trying to sign Juventus striker David Trezeguet (which is a little brave of them when every other newspaper seems to think West Ham have almost completed a deal to loan Obinna).

The Sun reports that Avram Grant is certain Scott Parker will sign a new deal with West Ham.

The Daily Star say West Ham are thinking of making a £3m bid for Argentinian midfielder Mauro Formica, 22, of Newell’s Old Boys.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Obinna Undergoing Medical at West Ham

Sky are reporting that Victor Obinna is having a medical at West Ham. Sky say the Inter Milan striker has agreed personal terms with West Ham.

23 year old Obinna has scored 11 goals in 34 internationals for Nigeria. Obinna's club career is less impressive. He scored 4 goals for Malaga (on loan) last season in 26 games and has netted 1 goal for Inter Milan in 9 appearances.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Diamanti Sold

West Ham have confirmed that Alessandro Diamanti has been sold to Serie A newcomers Brescia Calcio for €2.2m. Apparently West Ham will receive another €300,000 should Brescia secure their Serie A status this season.

The West Ham website says that the club "could unveil more exciting new faces before the transfer window shuts a week today".

West Ham 1 Oxford 0

I don't believe West Ham finally win a competitive match and I missed it. Although, from reading a few match reports, it seems I didn't miss much, with West Ham only managing to beat a team, who last year played in the conference, by a goal in the fourth minute of extra time.

It appears Stech in goal, making his first-team début, had a solid game and was named man of the match. Parker scored the winning goal, which the BBC claim was unfair on Oxford, who they say "at least deserved a crack at the Hammers in extra-time".

The BBC say West Ham lacked conviction and creativity and that Oxford managed to create a number of chances. The Guardian also point to West Ham's lack of fire power up front and single out Piquionne as 'particularly culpable'. They claim that the striker had a number of easy chances but missed them all.

Ben-Haim also made his competitive début for West Ham in this game.

West Ham After Gerrard and Gameiro

Sky Sports 'understands' that West Ham are considering a bid to sign Cardiff City defender Anthony Gerrard.

The Sun claim West Ham have made an £8million bid for Lorient hitman Kevin Gameiro. The paper say that Lorient have turned down the bid. Gameiro, 23, scored 17 league goals last season.

The Mail say Sunderland are interested in Carlton Cole.

The Mirror claim that Italian side Fiorentina are lining up a move for Valon Behrami.

Most of the papers are also reporting on Diamanti's supposed move to Brescia. This rumour might actually be true.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Diamanti Poised to Join Brescia

Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham have agreed to sell Alessandro Diamanti to Brescia. Sky say it is just a matter of Diamanti agreeing personal terms.

They quote the Italian forward as saying,

"Going back to Italy? I have many possibilities. Brescia wouldn't be an unwelcome solution."

Brescia President Luigi Corioni told Sky Italia,

"I never believed I would buy Eder and Diamanti, but the first one is already ours and it seems we can also take the second one.

"Diamanti is very close to Brescia, I would say he is 70-80 per cent ours. I hope I can close the deal tomorrow and he will be ours outright."

Corioni also suggested he may be interested in signing Daprela as well,

"West Ham ask so much for Daprela, a young and strong left-back, but it is a feasible deal."

West Ham linked to Obinna

Not much West Ham news in the papers today. There are lots of gloomy match reports, many suggesting West Ham are already in a relegation battle. A number of papers do report that Barrera thinks we are too good to go down (where have I heard that before?)

The Mirror say that Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna is due at West Ham today for talks. Last season the Nigerian international Obinna was loaned to Spanish club Malaga.

In other news Guillermo Franco looks set to sign for Wigan today.

To end on a positive note - I thought Pablo Barrera's first full game début on Saturday was the best début by a West Ham player in a long time. He definitely looks like he is going to give us more going forward this season. Despite losing on Saturday we definitely created a lot more goal scoring chances than in most matches last season.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Diamanti Could Leave for Brescia

The Mirror speculate that West Ham and Sp#rs might come to some agreement in a Keane plus £5 million deal for Scott Parker. However the report seems to be just speculation, with lots of 'could be' and 'might be' conditional statements.


The Daily Mail say that West Ham are looking at Bayern Munich goalkeeper Michael Rensing, who is available on a Bosman.


The People and the News of the World say Diamanti is close to being sold to Serie A side Brescia for £2 million. Diamanti's exclusion from yesterday's squad may suggest that this is the most likely of today's West Ham rumours.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

West Ham 1 Bolton 3

West Ham started quiet slowly and Bolton had three good early chances to take the lead. As early as the 2nd minute Elmander shot just wide from just inside the penalty area. In the 9th minute Lee volleyed wide from 10 yards and in the 12th minute Elmander had a shot blocked by Upson.

They might have started slowly but after 15 minutes West Ham began to start playing their best football for a long time and in the end dominated the half. Their dominance should have been rewarded with a goal when in the 32nd minute Cole was barged over in the penalty area by Steinsson for a clear penalty.

Unfortunately Cole grabbed the ball and insisted on taking it. His weak penalty kick was fairly easy for Jaaskelainen to save diving to his right. It wasn't the last time that Jaaskelainen was to keep Bolton in the game. West Ham's best chance from free play came in the 43rd minute when Parker played Dyer free in the area. Dyer shot first time but Jaaskelainen just managed to get a hand to the ball to knock it onto the post and out for a corner.

Cole had another chance a minute later when he received the ball wide right of the goal, tight to the byline, but his shot fired across the six yard box and wide. Earlier, in the 35th minute, Jaaskelainen made another great save diving to his right to save from Cole.

West Ham created a number of other chances in the first half and had to consider themselves very unlucky not to go into the break at least a goal up.


Three minutes into the second half Bolton pumped a long ball forward, Upson and Davies chased after the ball, resulting in Upson scoring an own goal with a diving header from 7 yards. Upson also got a kick in the face from Davies in the process. Reid then had to be brought on to replace the injured Upson.

In the 58th minute Reid headed goalwards from 10 yards but straight at Jaaskelainen. Two minutes later and Piquionne rose for a corner only to see his header from 7 yards blocked on the line.

Then with West Ham looking the most likely to get the next goal Bolton again broke forward. In the 68th minute Lee crossed from the right wing for Elmander to head in from 10 yards.

Piquionne had a good chance in the 71st minute but shot over from 9 yards. In the 77th minute McCarthy came on for Dyer (uninjured I think). In the 78th minute Parker shot over from 4 yards but was deemed to have been fouled in the process of shooting. This time Noble took the penalty and put it into the right corner of the net with Jaaskelainen diving the wrong way.

In the 82nd minute Gabbidon fired well over from 20 yards. In the 84th minute Bolton again pumped the ball long into the box. West Ham once again failed to clear their lines and Elmander fired the ball in from 7 yards.


This was a very strange match that West Ham should have had wrapped up in the first half. The game turned on two key incidents. The first was Cole's insistence on taking the first penalty and the second was the ref's decision to allow Bolton's first goal when Upson was clearly kicked in the face. The ref could so easily have disallowed the goal for a foul.

However despite some good play, for long periods in this game West Ham's frailties were once again exposed. The defence really seems to struggle against crosses and long balls and up front we lack composure in front of goal.

Did I say it was going to be a long hard season ...

West Ham vs Bolton

The game is only being shown on a few satellite channels around the world today so that probably means streams will be few and far between.

MyP2P.eu has a few streams listed. There is no SopCast stream shown at the moment but there are links to StreamTorrent, TVU, TVAnts and PPLive.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Upson for Sale

David Gold has informed the world that Matthew Upson is available for £6 million.

Upson will be out of contract at the end of this season and has not as yet signed a new contract. This leaves the club with little option but to sell if someone offers a substantial fee.

David Gold said,

"We want to keep Matt here, but at the same time we know we may have to sell him if he tells us he doesn't want to stay. We don't want to let him leave the club for nothing. It's a difficult balancing act and a dilemma for us.

"If someone came in and bid £6million or £7million for him, we would have to sell.

"We want to see Upson end his career with West Ham. We want to sit down and talk to him about a new contract - and quickly - because we are in a tricky situation."


Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham are trying to sign previous Portsmouth loanee Anthony Vanden Borre. The player, who can play in midfield or defence, is owned by Italian club Genoa.

The Sun claim Avram Grant is planning a £3million swoop for Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Parker Close to Signing Contract

Most of the newspapers are today concentrating their West Ham coverage on the club's bid to move into the Olympic Stadium (the formal bidding process started yesterday).

The Telegraph however do report on Craig Bellamy's move to Cardiff City. The Telegraph say that West Ham offered to pay two-thirds of Craig Bellamy’s £90,000-a-week wages if he joined the club on loan.

The paper say that Bellamy was keen on a move to Cardiff and that Man City were determined that Bellamy would not play in the Premier League even if they end up losing money in the process.

The Telegraph also claim that West Ham have denied any interest in Roque Santa Cruz. Finally the paper reports that Scott Parker is 'extremely close' to signing a new contract.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Roque Santa Cruz Anyone?

The Mirror claim Liverpool might try to buy Parker because Mascherano might leave Liverpool. The Mirror also say that West Ham are interested in Portsmouth's Marc Wilson. Wilson can play in defence or midfield.


The Sun claim that West Ham are about to land Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz on a season-long loan. The paper quotes an 'Upton Park source' saying,

"We are keen to add a striker despite the financial restrictions.

"Had it not been for injuries, which have meant we cannot move players on at the moment, we might have tried to do a permanent deal."

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Behrami: Come and Get Me

Valon Behrami has done the decent thing and blamed his wife for his desire to leave West Ham. It seems to be becoming a trend for footballers that when they want another big money move they blame their wives, claiming that they are homesick.

Here is Behrami's plea for Roma to coma and sign him,

'There is interest in me from Roma, but nothing concrete so far, and so I'm still at West Ham. I would have no problem playing for Roma despite being ex-Lazio. I am a professional, and I always give my best.

My daughter Sofia is now 18 months old, and it is not easy to bring a child up in London. Besides, Elena does not feel happy. She does not have a big circle of friends over there.'


The Independent is just one of the newspapers reporting today that West Ham are keen on Man City's Roque Santa Cruz. The paper say that West Ham could land the 29 year old for £10 million. Which, if true, surely wouldn't be the shrewdest business move that Sullivan and Gold have ever made


The Daily Mirror claim that Jeremie Aliadiere will sign for West Ham today.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Sullivan warns Sp#rs

David Sullivan has warned Sp#rs that he will report them if they make another approach for Scott Parker,

"I have told Sp@rs again that he's not available and not to bother us any further or we'll report them to the Premier League."

It's nice to see that Sullivan is keen for Parker to sign a new contract at West Ham. I'm not sure however that he can stop other teams from making transfer bids for West Ham players.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

West Ham in the Sunday Papers

The Mirror claim Sp#rs have tabled a £12 million pound offer for Scott Parker. The News of the World say they have offered £5 million and West Ham have responded by offering Parker an improved contract.

The Daily Star say West Ham are planning a £4 million offer for FC Twente midfielder Tiote Cheik.

The News of the World claim that striker Felipe Caicedo is set to join West Ham on a season long loan from Man City.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Aston Villa 3 West Ham 0

West Ham's relegation campaign seemed to start in earnest this afternoon at Villa Park. The first 45 minutes was probably the worst West Ham performance I've seen for a while. Which is certainly saying something after last season.

Some good attacking play by Villa and some appalling performances all over the pitch from West Ham led to Villa dominating the half. Villa could have already been two goals ahead, after Carew had twice headed wide from close range, when Tomkins almost gifted the striker a goal.

Tomkins found himself about 30 yards from goal and played a back pass with absolutely no pace. Carew ran onto the ball, Green rushed out to the edge of his area and saved the ball with his feet, the ball however rebounded off Tomkins and headed goalwards, only to bounce back off the post.

Five minutes later in the 15th minute Green had an easy catch to make unchallenged but instead decided to punch. The ball fell to Albrighton who fired the ball goalwards. Green saved but only pushed the ball out to Downing who had an easy tap in from 4 yards.

In the 21st minute Young tried to chip Green from just inside the area. Green back-pedalled and just managed to tip the ball over the bar. In the 25th minute West Ham had their best moment of the half when Cole took on Dunne and left him for dead. Cole then fired the ball across the box but no-one was rushing in at the far post, so the ball flew wide.

In the 40th minute Villa got their second when Young crossed from right of the West Ham goal and Petrov ran in and headed the ball in from 7 yards. From the restart West Ham broke forward and Boa Morte did well to make room for a shot from 10 yards but Brad Friedl made a fairly easy save.


If anything West Ham were lucky to go into the break only two goals down. In the second half Barrera and Piquionne came on for Boa Morte and Kovac. Within 30 seconds of the restart Piquionne fired over from 25 yards. Three minutes later and at the other end Downing clipped the bar from a 30 yard freekick, with Green beaten.

In the 49th minute Tomkins headed wide from 8 yards and in the 54th minute he volleyed a long ball forward from Illunga wide from 10 yards. In the 55th minute Faubert shot wide from 10 yards.

After a reasonably bright opening ten minutes to the second half West Ham then fell apart again. In the 65th minute Albrighton made a great run down the left wing. He beat Tomkins and drifted into the area before pulling the ball back for Milner who fired in Villa's third from 15 yards.

After that Villa had a number of attempts to stretch their lead even further. Albrighton hit the post from 20 yards, Carew headed wide from 8 yards and Carew also hit the post from 7 yards when the ball then rolled across the goal-line before being cleared.

All in all this was a really, really poor performance from West Ham and it looks like we might have another long season ahead without much joy.

Aston Villa vs West Ham - Live Streaming

There are rumours on the KUMB forum that Hitzlsperger is out for 4-6 weeks and that Valan Behrami is refusing to play. Let's hope neither rumour is true.

Anyway if you want live streams here's a quick guide:

MyP2P.eu - this is always my first stop when looking for live streams of games. The site always seems to have the most comprehensive coverage. Check out today's Aston Villa vs West Ham streams here.

FSi is normally my second port of call. They occasionally pick up on a stream not found by MyP2P.eu. They have a reasonable list of streams for today's game.

LiveonSat.com isn't a list of streams. However if you want to find out if there will be streams it is a good place to check. LiveonSat.com is a list of what games are being covered on satellite TV around the world. If the game isn't being broadcast anywhere then there isn't much point looking for a stream.

My personal streaming software of choice is Sopcast. I find that it gives me the best streams with the clearest pictures. Leave a comment if you have had good experiences with any other streaming software.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Terence Brown is Back

Terence Brown has been given the role of Honorary Life President of West Ham.

Brown was sacked from the role of Honorary Life Time Vice-President in May 2007. Now he is back and he has been given a promotion.

The reason for Brown's re-emergence is that West Ham has raised £4m in new equity through a placing of shares, primarily with new investors.

David Sullivan and David Gold have subscribed for further shares. In addition there are new investors in John Harris CBE, Daniel Harris and Terence Brown.

The club website says,

"The proceeds will partly be used to buy in some of the shareholding of CB Holding EHF, with the balance available to fund the further development of the club on and off the pitch."

Avram Grant on the BBC

Avram Grant has been talking to the BBC. Grant says he is pleased that the club have offered Scott Parker a new long term contract.

Grant also commented on Benni McCarthy's weight problem,

"Benni has a problem but we have a programme for him."

Fat Fines for McCarthy

Benni McCarthy has been told by David Sullivan that he faces being fined a week's wages if he fails to lose a kilo in the next week.

Sky say that in May his body fat was measured at 24.2%. After pre-season training he has trimmed that down to 16%. Sky say however that a healthy male athlete should measure between five and 12 per cent on the Body Mass Index.


The Daily Telegraph claim that Kieron Dyer has been through a course of painful, deep massage that may help him overcome his injury problems. They quote 'a source' as saying,

"It's been extremely painful but he's now in a situation where there is optimism that he will be injury-free this season. He might just be able to make a major contribution again."


The Star say that Radoslav Kovac is set to agree to a £2m move to Stoke.

The Sun say West Ham are lining up a £4 million bid for FC Twente midfielder Cheik Tiote.

The Mail claim that Man City striker Caicedo will travel down to London to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms over a season-long loan deal at Upton Park.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Sulejmani Denied Work Permit

Miralem Sulejmani has been denied a work permit so it looks like his year long loan from Ajax will not go ahead.

Sky Sports say West Ham appealed the decision, but an independent football panel ruled against giving a work permit.


In other news David Sullivan has issued what sounds like a come & get him appeal to other clubs in regards to Valon Behrami. The Telegraph quote Sullivan as saying,

"We have not had a bid for him. He doesn't want to be here, his wife doesn't like London – but he cost us £6 million and his agent got more than £1 million to bring him to West Ham.

He's actually a very decent player and I'm surprised we've not had a bid for him."

Hitzlsperger Doubt for Saturday

Thomas Hitzlsperger was substituted, with what the West Ham website are calling a 'possible muscle injury', in Germany's game last night against Denmark.

The German media have quoted Hitzlesperger as saying, 'I hope I can play the season opener this weekend.', which hopefully means the injury isn't too serious.


The Sun are reporting that Jeremie Aliadiere has been given a trial at West Ham. Aliadiere is a free agent after not being given a new contract by Middlesbrough. Aliadiere had a previous unsuccessful loan at West Ham in 2005.

I seem to remember him blaming West Ham after he left for the fact that he had been so useless. So I'm a bit surprised he wants to come back.


The Mail report that West Ham have also given a trial to Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith, 30.

West Ham Update on Sulejmani

West Ham have finally confirmed that a deal has been made with Ajax to loan Miralem Sulejmani. They have also confirmed that the deal is subject to a work permit hearing.

In other news West Ham have been drawn at home against Oxford United in the Carling Cup. The game against the League Two side will take place in the week commencing Monday 23 August.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Parker to Sign New West Ham Contract

The Sun has some interesting West Ham gossip today. The paper says that Scott Parker will next week sign a new contract with West Ham. They say the deal will be a one year extension to his current contract (which still has three years to run) and his wages will rise to around £70,000 a week.

The Sun also claim that West Ham have 'cemented' a one year loan for Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo. The deal includes an option to buy for £2.5m.

The paper say that this summer West Ham have added over £10m to their £60m a year wage bill - despite being £90m in the red. The Sun think that Kovac, Diamanti and Spector will probably be offloaded to try and offset some of that increase in wages.

Kovac Out - Yakubu, Sulejmani, Cheyrou In

My word the Daily Mail have busy in the transfer market. In just a few hours The Mail have sold Kovac to Stoke and bought Yakubu and Cheyrou and loaned Sulejmani for the year.

In fact The Mail has been so busy it is hard to sort the wheat from the chaff in their blanket coverage of every single football rumour.

Let's start with the chaff. The Mail say West Ham have been given the 'green light' to buy Benoit Cheyrou from Marseille. They claim that West Ham have 'been encouraged by Marseille to make a bid for their midfielder'. So this story appears to be just a rumour that Marseille want to sell a player and nowhere in the report do The Mail actually say West Ham are interested in the player.

Of the other rumours the year long loan offer for Sulejmani is hardly news. The Mail just repeat the fact that West Ham are waiting on a work permit.

On Yakubu The Mail say West Ham last night tabled an £8 million bid for the Everton striker. Interestingly they also say that Cole is likely to stay at West Ham as Liverpool won't match the £15 million (plus £5 million in add ons) that West Ham have demanded.

Lastly we come to Kovac. The Mail say Kovac yesterday had talks with Stoke and will join Stoke for £1.5 million. I don't know if it just my desire to see the end of Kovac that makes me think that this rumour might actually have some legs.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

West Ham Agree Sulejmani Deal

Sky are today reporting on one of West Ham's worst kept secrets, namely that the club have agreed a one year loan deal for Ajax's Miralem Sulejmani.

The deal is dependent on Sulejmani being given a work permit. The permit will need to go to appeal as currently Sulejmani does not meet Premier League criteria.

Liverpool After Cole

The Mail claim that Liverpool are after Carlton Cole. They say Cole never wanted to go to Stoke but is 'keen for Liverpool to maintain their interest'.

The Mail say West Ham have quoted Liverpool £12 million for Cole. The paper also claim that West Ham after Everton's Yakubu.


The Mirror claim Roma are lining up a bid for West Ham's Valon Behrami if they can sell Julio Baptista. The Mirror believe West Ham are keen to get Behrami off the wage bill as long as they can recoup the £5 million they paid for him.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

West Ham in the Sunday Papers

The News of the World claim that Diamanti will be leaving West Ham soon, with Parma and Olympiakos interested in the Italian. The NoW presumably didn't believe Diamanti when he told the Italian media yesterday, "Almost certainly I will stay at West Ham."

The Mail have an incredible story about Stoke making a £10 million offer for Carlton Cole. I don't know where they got that story, unless it was from yesterday's Daily Mirror.

The Sunday Times claim West Ham will sign Kalu Uche from Almeria for £2.5 million.

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Stoke's £12 Million Bid for Cole

The strangest story of the day comes from The Mirror. Last week Tony Pulis said that Stoke had not put in a £9 million transfer bid for Carlton Cole and that the story had been made up by the newspapers.

The Mirror obviously don't believe him as they claim Stoke have now offered £12 million for Cole (£9 million up front with £3 million depending on appearances). They say that Stoke have reignited their interest in Cole after Nice demanded £14.3m for Remy.

The Mirror claim that West Ham are happy to sell Cole and hope to buy Yakubu for £7 million as his replacement.

This all sounds complete b~@llcks to me - but I guess it will be interesting to see if Cole plays against Deportivo La Coruna today.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Sulejmani's One Year Loan Deal

Winger Miralem Sulejmani is joining West Ham on a one year loan from Ajax. Ajax manager, Martin Jol, today said,

"The interest from West Ham has existed for some time and that was in his head. We tried to stretch it out as long as possible but their deadline was approaching.

"It saves a substantial salary, anyway. On the other hand I had him here on Sunday against FC Groningen - and was happy to."

Sulejmani himself said,

"I am leaving for West Ham but I'll come back next year full of power."

Reid Signs for West Ham

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Walter Reid on a three-year contract from Danish club FC Midtjylland.

Walter Reid said of his move,

"My dream has been to come and play in the Premier League and I am happy that I am a West Ham player.

"It has been a mad couple of weeks and the last couple of days have been pretty hectic, so I am just happy to be here now. I am pretty decent fitness-wise. I had a game last Sunday so I am in pretty good nick."

Reid usually plays as a centre back but played for New Zealand in South Africa as a right back.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Sulejmani to Join on Loan

The Mirror claims that West Ham hope to wrap up a loan bid for Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani in the next few days.

The Sun say Winston Reid has agreed personal terms with West Ham and will sign today. The paper also claim that Alessandro Diamanti and Jonathan Spector are top of the list to be sold.

The Mail in a convoluted scenario say that West Ham have been offered Cagliari keeper Federico Marchetti if Robert Green joins Fulham. In the Mail's world it seems Cagliari have approached West Ham and said, "If Fulham goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, signs for Arsenal and then Fulham buy Robert Green from West Ham then you can buy our keeper."

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Sky Sports Confirm Reid Transfer

Sky Sports say that they can 'confirm' (look at that - not even an 'understands') that West Ham have agreed a deal with FC Midtjylland for Winston Reid.

They say West ham are 'believed' to be buying the defender for £4 million and that the deal should be finalised by the weekend. Sky also say that Avram Grant could be looking to bring another three players before the transfer deadline.

Kiwi Reid Set to Sign with West Ham

According to 3news.co.nz Winston Reid is the 'young international' that West Ham yesterday said was set to sign for the club in the next 72 hours.

The New Zealand defender currently plays for Danish club F Midjylland. 3news claim that West Ham and F Midjylland have already agreed on a fee and all that's required now is for Reid to agree personal terms and complete a medical.

In his Wikipedia entry Reid is described as a centre back and although born in New Zealand has lived in Denmark since the age of 10.

3news seem pretty sure of their facts and have already broadcast the news on TV in New Zealand. You can view a video of the broadcast on their website here.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Tal Ben Haim Signs for West Ham on Loan

West Ham have confirmed the loan signing of Tal Ben Haim from Portsmouth until January. The official West Ham website says that the club are also close to securing another 'international player'.

West Ham say that they,

"hope to have the deal finalised within the next 72 hours. The potential recruit is a young international, who represented his country with distinction at the 2010 FIFA World Cup."

City's New Signing

Bloody Hilarious!

Tal Ben Haim Set to Sign

According to Portsmouth's manager Tal Ben Haim is set to sign for West Ham, if he can agree personal terms and pass a medical.

Steve Cotterill said,

'I think he's on his way to West Ham and he will go there. I feel sorry for Tal. One minute he's here and the next he's not. There's a lot of to-ing and fro-ing going on with his terms, though.'

The Mail say that the Israeli defender was set to sign last week but the move was delayed amid fears of a troublesome groin injury.

Monday, August 02, 2010

Crouch for Parker?

Various reports claim that Parma chief Pietro Leonardi has said that Diamanti is on their shopping list in the event they fail to strike terms with Juventus for Sebastian Giovinco.


The Mirror says that Dyer believes his injury nightmare is over. The Mirror also claim that Peter Crouch could be offered by Sp#rs in part exchange for Scott Parker.


Stoke manager Tony Pulis has rubbished claims that he is after Carlton Cole.

Sunday, August 01, 2010

West Ham in the Sunday Papers

The Mirror believe Liverpool are about to join Sp#rs in bidding for Scott Parker. However they say that Robert Green is keen to stay at West Ham and that talks will start soon with Matthew Upson about signing a new contract.


The News of the World say that Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani is close to signing for West Ham on a season-long loan. Sulejmani is unhappy with Ajax manager Martin Jol. The NoW quote the player saying,

"Jol wants to destroy my career. I don't understand. West Ham would be a new start for me at a new club."


The People say that Fulham want to sign Robert Green.


The Star claim that West Ham are about to make a renewed bid for Everton striker Yakubu. The Star say he is one of Avram Grant’s top targets.

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