Saturday, July 31, 2010

West Ham Reject £9 Million Bid for Cole

According to The Daily Mirror Argentinian club Rosario Central are hopping mad that West Ham played Milton Caraglio in the friendly against MK Dons without permission.

The club say that Caraglio was in London for talks with the clubs and a possible medical and West Ham did not have permission to play him in a competitive friendly match.

By all accounts Caraglio was far from impressive in the match.


The Daily Star claim that West Ham are considering a formal complaint to the Premier League about Tottenham's £7m bid for Scott Parker.

The Sun claim West Ham have turned down a £9 million bid for Cole from Stoke.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Parker Upset with West Ham

The Daily Express and The Guardian both claim to know that Scott Parker is upset with West Ham for not consulting him about Sp#rs' transfer offer.

Neither paper has direct quotes from Parker but both claim to know that he would welcome the move as his last chance to play Champions League football. To know Parker's thoughts in that much detail the papers would need to have spoken to the player so it is strange they don't quote him directly.

What might add credence to the rumour is that Parker has only just returned from a holiday with Jamie Redknapp. Surely Harry Redknapp wouldn't stoop to use his son to tap up another team's player.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Scott Parker Not For Sale - No Way

West Ham have put an official statement up on the West Ham website saying that the club have turned down a bid from T#ottenham for Scott Parker. The statement says in unequivocal terms that Parker is not for sale.

David Sullivan is quoted directly in the statement saying,

"I made a promise that I would not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to the West Ham supporters. Scott is not for sale at any price, to anyone.

West Ham supporters, for far too long, have had owners that sell their best players and promise one thing and do another. This is a new era. We are building a bigger, better West Ham and when we make a promise, we honour it.

The statement also says that "Scott Parker has three years left on his contract and the club has opened talks with his agent over a new five-year deal."

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

West Ham Appoint New Assistant Manager

KUMB are reporting that Zeljko Petrovic will be named Avram Grant's assistant manager later this week.

Petrovic has been a coach at Feyenoord, manager of Boavista and Waalwijk and assistant to Martin Jol at Hamburg and Ajax.

KUMB also claim that Petrovic has told the Dutch press that Miralem Sulejmani is set to join him at West Ham on loan. The Ajax winger has apparently fallen out with manager Martin Jol. Reports say he could join West Ham on loan for the season with an option to buy for €6.25million next summer.


The Mail say Sp#rs want Scott Parker for £8 million. I'm not saying the story isn't true but as West Ham have already told Villa that they can't afford Parker it seems unlikely that Sp#rs would even mention such a paltry sum.

Even more unlikely is the rumour repeated by The Guardian that Real Madrid are chasing Carlton Cole.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Daily Express Selling Cole & Parker

The Daily Express are selling Scott Parker and Carlton Cole. The Express are keen to offload Cole to Stoke for a reported £12 million. They also hope to sell Scott Parker to Aston Villa 'if the price is right'.

In the real world West Ham have repeatedly said that Scott Parker is not for sale.

The Express also claim that West Ham are hoping for £10m in a compensation payout for striker Dean Ashton. In another example of great reporting the Express don't report if this is from an insurance claim or a compensation claim to the FA.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

West Ham Get Ambitious

You have to hand it to the two Davids they certainly have been ambitious with their transfer targets this summer. The West Ham owners seem to have a plan of targeting big stars in the twilight of their careers. Already the owners have looked at Henry and Beckham this summer and now Ronaldinho is apparently on their radar.

According to The Daily Mail West Ham have "been linked with a sensational bid for Brazil star Ronaldinho, whose future at AC Milan remains in doubt". The Mail say Ronaldinho earns about £150,000 a week

It also appears that West Ham are keen to give David Beckham a role in their campaign to move to the Olympic stadium. David Gold told The Daily Express,

"David Beckham could play a massive part, because of his roots, in helping West Ham win the Olympic Stadium.

And maybe he can still play for us in the autumn of his career. For him to join a club like us and help us bring another dream to fruition would be perfect for everyone. We want him aboard."

Saturday, July 24, 2010

West Ham Keen on Silvestre

The Mirror and The Star say that Avram Grant is interested in signing former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. Silvestre is available on a free after being released by Arsenal.

The Mirror say that West Ham were forced to pull out of a deal for Tal Ben Haim after the Israeli failed a medical and are now keen on signing Silvestre.


The Sun claim West Ham are losing the battle to cling on to star midfielder Scott Parker. They point at supposed interest from Villa and T#ttenham and even have a made up quote from an 'Upton Park insider',

"There is growing anxiety that Parker is seeing all the attention and that it will unsettle him. The owners believe Scott is best staying put but outside forces might be turning his head."

Friday, July 23, 2010

Stoke to Bid High for Cole

The Sun say David Sullivan has flown back to France to try and finish negotiations with Nice over Loic Remy.

Various newspapers are saying that Stoke are preparing a £12 million (or £14 million depending on which paper your read) bid for West Ham's Carlton Cole.

The Mirror have caught up with the news that West Ham are trialling Algeria World Cup keeper Rais M’Bolhi. Sky say however that West Ham have also got their eye on Leicester keeper Chris Weale.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Parker Still Not for Sale

With rumours still circulating that West Ham's owners plan to sell Scott Parker, David Sullivan has repeated that the midfielder is not for sale.

Parker has been linked with a move to Aston Villa for most of the summer but Sullivan has told the Birmingham Mail,

"Nothing has changed. Aston Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott Parker. He really is not for sale."


The Daily Mail report that Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi has been training with West Ham in Germany. The Mail say that the keeper, who was with Slavia Sofia last season and played against England during the World Cup, could be offered a contract with West Ham after impressing during training.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Caraglio Agrees Terms with West Ham

Whilst certain papers suggest that West Ham have again upped their bid for Remy of Nice Sky claim West Ham have agreed the signing of Argentine striker Milton Caraglio.

Sky claim "Caraglio is thought to have agreed personal terms on his switch to Upton Park and is awaiting the necessary paperwork before making the move to England."

Caraglio currently plays for Rosario Central. Sky say West Ham have agreed a fee in the region of £5million for the 22-year-old.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I'm Back

I got a very late booking to the Open Championship at St Andrews, so I have been away for a week. Following Sod's Law whilst I was away West Ham actually signed some players.

Of the two signings Pablo Barrera looks to be the most promising. Barrera has two good feet, pace and can score. Lets just hope he adjusts to the Premier League quickly. Frederic Piquionne is a less exciting proposition but does have experience of the Premier League and provides West Ham with reasonable cover up front.

Avram Grant obviously knows Piquionne well. Whilst I haven't been overly impressed with the little I've seen of the striker I'm willing to concede that Avram Grant knows the player and the game a lot better than I do.

For the last week I've been completely out of touch with news at West Ham. In the announcement of Barrera's signing the club said that they would also announce the signings of two more players in the next few hours. However the Piquionne signing was the only one to emerge.

West Ham obviously were very close to signing someone else. I'm guessing it must have been Remy. Some of you must know who we missed out on.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Remy Getting Impatient

Many of the newspapers are reporting on the differences between West Ham and Nice over the valuation of forward Loic Remy. Loic Remy for one seems a little impatient about the length of the negotiations,

"I have always liked the Premier League and I have always dreamed of playing in England. When a club like West Ham is tempted, it is always exciting. But nothing is done, the clubs have to find an agreement and Nice are asking for a lot of money.

Without setting any ultimatums, I would like to know my future quite soon."


The Daily Mirror says that Pablo Barrera arrives in London today.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Is Scott Parker for Sale?

Over the weekend one of the two Davids, in an answer to a reporter's questions, said something along the lines of if a club offered over £100 million for Scott Parker then they might think again about the no sale policy.

The media are now interpreting that to mean West Ham will listen to offers for Parker. For example today Sky say "West Ham United co-owner admitted every player has his price." Sky of course make no mention of the fact that the club's owners actually said if someone offered over £100 million then they might think again about selling Parker.


The Daily Mirror claim David Sullivan has flown to France to try and thrash out the £12 million deal for Nice striker Loic Remy. The sticking point seems to be how often and how big the transfer fee instalments will be made.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

West Ham Closing in on Remy

The Daily Mail say that West Ham are closing in on a deal for striker Loic Remy of Nice.

The paper claim that West Ham's latest bid is close to £11.5m. The sticking point, according to The Mail is that West Ham want to pay less than £3.5m up front, with the rest spread over the next four years. Nice want £7.5m now with the rest in 12 months.

West Ham to Get New Owner?

The News of the World claim that "Russian billionaire Len Blavatnik is poised to make a £30 million offer to buy into West Ham." The paper say that Blavatnik is after a 35% share.

However the paper has no direct quotes or sources for the claim. In fact the paper don't even refer to any indirect sources for the story. The paper also say:

"Blavatnik has an interest in West Ham but may want a much bigger stake in the club."

Are they claiming that Blavatnik already owns a stake in West Ham. If so that's the first I've heard of it.

Or by 'interest' do they mean he has an interest in buying into the club. If so the NoW are saying Blavatnik is 'interested' in buying into West Ham but may want a bigger stake than he is interested in. - Which is just nonsense.

Finally, and the clincher for me, is the paper say Blavatnik "has yet to make contact with Hammers joint-owners David Sullivan and David Gold".

So Blavatnik has not made an offer for the club and News of the World have no sources to say he is interested in West Ham.

Mind you it would be nice if it was true.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Pumas Agree Deal for Barrera

The president of Pumas, Victor Mahbub, has said that the club and Pablo Barrera have agreed his transfer to West Ham.

"We have just finished the negotiations for transferring Pablo Barrera to West Ham. We and the player are satisfied with the arrangement that we have done with West Ham," Mahbub told Mediotiempo.

The fee is rumoured to be in the region of £4 million. However Mahbub also suggested that Barrera wouldn't be staying at West Ham permanently.

"Barrera will be signing a four-year contract, then in two or three years be transferred to another team."

Barrera himself said,

"I have been informed during the afternoon on Friday that my transfer to West Ham has been arranged.

"Now I am starting to get very anxious about travelling to England so I can join my new team, know my team-mates, the stadium, the city, everything."

Friday, July 09, 2010

Barrera Confirms His Move to West Ham

Well it seems that the newspapers are right for a change.

Pablo Barrera has been speaking toady and has confirmed that he has more or less agreed terms with West Ham.

Barrera said that the transfer 'could happen very soon." He went on to say,

"I'm going with the mentality to succeed, I know it's a difficult league but it is also a challenge. If I want to be great I need go to a big league."

All he needs now it seems is a work permit.

West Ham Close to Signing Velthuizen

Dutch football magazine Voetbal International say West Ham are close to signing goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen. The 23-year-old Dutch keeper is currently at Vitesse Arnhem.


The Daily Mirror say that Pablo Barrera has agreed to join West Ham but may not automatically get a work permit. The Mirror say Barrera's international appearance record over the past two years is below the necessary level for an automatic work permit.


The Daily Mirror has twisted what Avram Grant said in his press conference yesterday into a warning to Matthew Upson. They claim Grant has told Upson to 'sign a new deal or go'. Avram Grant said no such thing in the press conference.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Avram Grant Press Conference

Avram Grant this afternoon held a press conference at West Ham.

Avram Grant said,

"I am happy to be here (West Ham). It's a good club with a good squad. We have a vision. Our targets are not just for next season but for the following seasons."

On being asked about who was responsible for signing players, himself or the two Davids, he replied,

"I'm the manager. I pick the players not the Davids. We are looking to make the club stronger. It's not easy in the current financial climate but I'm sure we will meet most of our targets."

Grant refused to answer any questions about specific targets.

Pumas Near to Agreement on Barrera

Pumas say they have received offers to buy winger Pablo Barrera from West Ham, Everton and Espanyol. The club say there is one bid that stands out from the others, which most of the media are suggesting is West Ham's.

Pumas director of sport Mario Trejo said that "we are very near to reaching an agreement." Sky say West Ham are also interested in Barrera's team-mate Efrain Juarez but Pumas say they have had no 'official' enquiries about the player.


Sky are also claiming that West Ham have made a third bid for West Brom's Graham Dorrans. having had a £4.5million offer turned down last week Sky say West Ham have made a new bid in the region of £5.5million.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

West Ham Keen to Keep Green

The Mail report that West Ham have not signed German international Miroslav Klose. I wonder who else West Ham haven't signed this week.

The Mail also report that West Ham, Sunderland and Newcastle are all chasing Dan Gosling. Gosling is available on a free as Everton have failed to get the player to sign a new contract.


David Sullivan says that West Ham are keen to keep hold of Robert Green.

"I hope [Robert] does have a long-term future at West Ham," Sullivan told The Guardian.

"We've got a fantastic new goalkeeping coach [David Coles, who has joined from Portsmouth] who I think will improve him dramatically. You're never too old to learn and I think he'll learn a lot."

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Piquionne Undergoing Medical Today

The Daily Mail, at the bottom of an article that is mainly an exercise in calling Benni McCarthy fat, says that Frederic Piquionne is on the verge of signing.

The Mail claim that Piquionne will undergo a medical today ahead of a £1 million move to West Ham from Lyon.

The Mail also say that Jermaine Pennant has been offered to West Ham by Real Zaragoza.


The Sun claim that Pumas are set to accept a £5 million bid from West Ham for Mexico winger Pablo Barrera.

Monday, July 05, 2010

First Day Back at Work & with New Boss

West Ham's players reported back for pre-season training today. Avram Grant had his first chance to meet the players with an 11am meeting at Chadwell Heath.

It was also the first chance for new senior coach Paul Groves and new goalkeeping coach David Coles to meet the players.

West Ham are due to play a friendly at Peterborough United on Wednesday 14 July. Two days later the squad will fly to Germany. West Ham will be training in Germany from 16 to 24 July.

Whilst in Germany West Ham will play VfL Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday 17 July and Greek side Panathinaikos FC on Friday 23 July. A third game and all venues are yet to be confirmed.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

West Ham in the Sunday Papers

The Sunday Express say that West Ham are still keen on buying Brazilian striker Neymar from Santos and may increase their £12 million bid. However The Express say the deal is complicated by third party ownership rules.

Neymar is 40 per cent owned by an investment group, with a £28.4 million release clause. To comply with the new third party ownership rules West Ham need to buy Neymar outright, which means negotiating with both Santos and the investment group.

West Ham however have denied that the the plan is to allow Chelsea to sign him and loan him out for one season to acclimatise to Premier League football.


The Star say West Ham are front runners to sign Mexican winger Pablo Barrera. They say West Ham are closing in on a £3 million deal with his club Pumas. The Star also claim that Frederic Piquionne is also talking terms with West Ham.


The News of the World say West Ham may hijack Steve Sidwell's planned move to Fulham. Sidwell is reconsidering now that Hodgson has left Fulham

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Benni's New Slimming Plan

West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Paul Groves and David Coles (both formerly at Portsmouth) to the club's backroom staff.

Paul Groves has been appointed senior coach (effectively replacing Steve Clarke) and Cole is West Ham's new goalkeeping coach.


The Sun report that Benni McCarthy is keen to make a fresh start at West Ham. They say the striker reported back two weeks early and has been working hard on his fitness.

"I still have loads to prove to the West Ham fans. I wanted to make a fresh start — what I couldn't do then, I want to be able to do now."

However The Sun point out he may have a lot to do to impress Avram Grant who they say is looking at £10m Nice striker Loic Remy and highly-rated Brazil Under-17 international Neymar.

The Mail say West Ham have held a video conference with Neymar's agent Wagner Ribeiro.

Friday, July 02, 2010

West Ham Improve Offer for Remy

"Skysports.com understands" that West Ham have made an improved bid for French forward Loic Remy.

West Ham's new offer is said to be £11.1million. Remy however is thought to be keen on a move to Arsenal.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

West Ham Suddenly in the Money

Sky claim that West Ham have had a £12 million bid turned down for 18 year old Brazilian striker Neymar. According to The Mail Neymar scored an incredible 27 goals in 30 games for Santos last season.

Santos sporting director Luiz Nunes Pedro Conceicao has confirmed that the club have turned down a £12 million offer for Neymar. Sky now say West Ham are preparing to return with an offer of £20 million.

Both Sky and The Mail also seem to be hinting that West Ham have some kind of dodgy deal with Chelsea that if they sign the player he would move to Chelsea after a season at West Ham.

It is very hard to see how West Ham can afford to spend £20 million on one player.


Sky also claim that West Ham are once again trying to sign West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans. They say West Ham had a £4 million bid turned down in April and have now upped their offer to £4.5.

Add to Google Add to My Yahoo!