By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham are set to beat Premier League rivals West Brom to the signing of former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou, Blowing Bubbles understands.
The Ivory Coast international has long had a fan in Hammers manager Sam Allardyce and the club are believed to be currently in talks with Kalou and his representatives with a view to a move. The striker's French club, Lille, are understood to be willing to do business for a fee in the region of £3m.
West Brom had previously looked favourites to land the skilful forward but this late move by Allardyce, made just as Albion looked to seal the deal, is said to have pushed the East London side into pole position in the race to sign Kalou.
Showing posts with label Chelsea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chelsea. Show all posts
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Friday, 12 July 2013
Lukaku rejects Hammers loan deal
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
West Ham's search for a second striker continues after Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku turned down the chance to join the club on a season long loan.
The Hammers' hopes of convincing the 20 year old, who scored 17 times on loan at West Brom last season, to sign at Upton Park took a big knock yesterday afternoon after Lukaku was included in Chelsea's 25-man squad for their tour of Thailand.
Now all hopes of signing him appear dashed after Blues boss Jose Mourinho promised the Belgium international that he would get his chance at Stamford Bridge next season.
Irons boss Sam Allardyce, having inquired about Lukaku's availability in early May, made a firm offer to the West London club this week but was knocked back and will now pursue other targets. It is thought that the 57 year old still has slim hopes of bringing Lukaku's teammate Demba Ba back to the club where he scored seven goals in 12 games at the end of 2010/2011 season, despite reports last week that the Senegal international rejected a loan move to the Boleyn Ground.
@alexshilling
West Ham's search for a second striker continues after Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku turned down the chance to join the club on a season long loan.
The Hammers' hopes of convincing the 20 year old, who scored 17 times on loan at West Brom last season, to sign at Upton Park took a big knock yesterday afternoon after Lukaku was included in Chelsea's 25-man squad for their tour of Thailand.
Now all hopes of signing him appear dashed after Blues boss Jose Mourinho promised the Belgium international that he would get his chance at Stamford Bridge next season.
Irons boss Sam Allardyce, having inquired about Lukaku's availability in early May, made a firm offer to the West London club this week but was knocked back and will now pursue other targets. It is thought that the 57 year old still has slim hopes of bringing Lukaku's teammate Demba Ba back to the club where he scored seven goals in 12 games at the end of 2010/2011 season, despite reports last week that the Senegal international rejected a loan move to the Boleyn Ground.
Thursday, 11 July 2013
Bony switch to Swansea confirmed
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
West Ham's small hopes of landing Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony have been dashed after the Welsh club confirmed his signing earlier today.
"This move has been talked about for some time so I am delighted it has all been completed," the 24 year old told the Swans' official website.
The Hammers were among a whole host of clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham to be linked with the Ivory Coast international over the last couple of months, and held talks with the forward in London before the end of last season, but after agreeing a deal earlier this week, Bony's move to South Wales has now been confirmed.
"I believe it's the right step for me, the perfect move," the striker said.
"I had a lot of offers from all over the world but I considered everything and Swansea came out on top."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is still reportedly keen on signing a striker partner for Andy Carroll and has been linked with moves for Celtic's Gary Hooper and Lille's Salomon Kalou as well as agreeing a fee for Colombia U20 international Duvan Zapata.
@alexshilling
alex@blowing-bubbles.co.uk
West Ham's small hopes of landing Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony have been dashed after the Welsh club confirmed his signing earlier today.
"This move has been talked about for some time so I am delighted it has all been completed," the 24 year old told the Swans' official website.
The Hammers were among a whole host of clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham to be linked with the Ivory Coast international over the last couple of months, and held talks with the forward in London before the end of last season, but after agreeing a deal earlier this week, Bony's move to South Wales has now been confirmed.
"I believe it's the right step for me, the perfect move," the striker said.
"I had a lot of offers from all over the world but I considered everything and Swansea came out on top."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is still reportedly keen on signing a striker partner for Andy Carroll and has been linked with moves for Celtic's Gary Hooper and Lille's Salomon Kalou as well as agreeing a fee for Colombia U20 international Duvan Zapata.
@alexshilling
alex@blowing-bubbles.co.uk
Fresh Irons bid for Lille's Kalou
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
West Ham have made a new attempt to sign Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou from Lille, say the Times today.
The Hammers were repeatedly linked with the former Chelsea forward towards the end of the season and were encouraged after Kalou was quoted as saying that he was 'crazy' about the Premier League and would be open to a return.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce originally tried to sign the 28 year old last summer after promotion to the Premier League and is understood to have lodged his interest in the player once again. West Brom are also interested in Kalou, who could be available for as little as £2.6m.
The only stumbling block to any move is that the forward has asked for 'guarantees' from any prospective new club that he will play as a central striker. Allardyce is known for his preference for a lone striker up front and that role is currently taken by Andy Carroll, who the club have just splashed out £16m on. Thus, any new striker that the Irons were to sign would likely be expected to play off Carroll, acting as a foil for him- rather than leading the line.
@alexshilling
alex@blowing-bubbles.co.uk
West Ham have made a new attempt to sign Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou from Lille, say the Times today.
The Hammers were repeatedly linked with the former Chelsea forward towards the end of the season and were encouraged after Kalou was quoted as saying that he was 'crazy' about the Premier League and would be open to a return.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce originally tried to sign the 28 year old last summer after promotion to the Premier League and is understood to have lodged his interest in the player once again. West Brom are also interested in Kalou, who could be available for as little as £2.6m.
The only stumbling block to any move is that the forward has asked for 'guarantees' from any prospective new club that he will play as a central striker. Allardyce is known for his preference for a lone striker up front and that role is currently taken by Andy Carroll, who the club have just splashed out £16m on. Thus, any new striker that the Irons were to sign would likely be expected to play off Carroll, acting as a foil for him- rather than leading the line.
@alexshilling
alex@blowing-bubbles.co.uk
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Irons' Lukaku move hangs in balance as Blues chase reinforcements
West Ham's pursuit of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is still very much on- but will depend on the West London side's own success in the transfer market.
The Hammers were told by the Blues in May, when they first inquired about Belgium international Lukaku, that no decision on the player's future would be made until a new permanent manager was installed at the club.
Jose Mourinho has since returned for a second spell in the Stamford Bridge hotseat, but it is understood that he is unwilling to let the 20 year old leave the club, either on loan or on a permanent basis, until a replacement has been signed.
Chelsea are currently chasing two strikers; Edinson Cavani of Napoli, and Christian Benteke of Aston Villa. The latter handed in a transfer request at Villa Park on Monday night, but the Blues face a transfer wrangle with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Spurs for the powerful frontman's signature. As both of these deals seem likely to drag on all summer long, it seems unlikely that any deal for the Hammers to bring Lukaku to E13 will materialise until the end of August.
West Ham are, meanwhile, losing their battle to bring another Chelsea forward in Demba Ba to the club. The former Iron is believed to have rejected both the Hammers and West Brom and now could be set for a lucrative move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Friday, 24 May 2013
Out of Luk: Irons likely to miss out on Chelsea hotshot
West Ham look set to be one of a host of Premier League clubs who will miss out signing Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, according to the Sun.
The Hammers were reported to have inquired about the 20 year old's availability and were told by Chelsea that no decision will be made on Lukaku's future until a new permanent manager is appointed to the Stamford Bridge hotseat.
However, the Sun claim today that Lukaku, who notched 14 goals on loan at West Bromwich Albion this season, is keen on a move to German outfit Borussia Dortmund.
The Bundesliga side finished 2nd in the league this season and face a Champions League final showdown with rivals Bayern Munich later this month, and with German football in the ascendancy, Lukaku is said to feel that his best opportunities may be abroad and looks likely to snub the Irons, as well as Swansea, Everton, Fulham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
The Hammers were reported to have inquired about the 20 year old's availability and were told by Chelsea that no decision will be made on Lukaku's future until a new permanent manager is appointed to the Stamford Bridge hotseat.
However, the Sun claim today that Lukaku, who notched 14 goals on loan at West Bromwich Albion this season, is keen on a move to German outfit Borussia Dortmund.
The Bundesliga side finished 2nd in the league this season and face a Champions League final showdown with rivals Bayern Munich later this month, and with German football in the ascendancy, Lukaku is said to feel that his best opportunities may be abroad and looks likely to snub the Irons, as well as Swansea, Everton, Fulham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Carlton departs
Striker Carlton Cole will leave West Ham this summer, it was understood last night after what were believed to be unsuccessful contract negotiations between the England striker's representatives and the club.
The 29 year old tweeted last night, saying 'Life is filled with ups & downs today is a down but i'll be back! Carlton Cole/CFC as I have been called has left the building #UNDERCHUFFED'.
The striker went on to thank the West Ham fans, saying 'i want to thank the West Ham fans for their support especially the 1's (sic) who made the away games feel like a home 1 #COYI.. i came to East London not knowing what to expect but i'm glad i did the last 7 years i've met a lot of good honest decent people #THANKYOU'.
Cole signed from London rivals Chelsea for £2m in summer 2006 and after Academy graduate Mark Noble, was the Hammers' longest serving player. The big striker went on to score 47 goals in 206 appearances in a West Ham shirt and made his England debut, against Spain in 2009, while at the club.
The powerful number nine has always divided opinion amongst Hammers fans, but earnt respect from many by turning down offers from Stoke and Galatasary and taking a 50% wage cut following relegation from the Premier League in 2011. Cole went on to enjoy his most prolific season in claret and blue last term, notching 15 goals, including the opening goal in the 2-1 victory over Blackpool in the Championship play off at Wembley that sealed the club's immediate return to the top flight.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted as well last night and wished Cole good luck for the future, saying 'Good luck @CarltonCole1 one of the nicest men I've ever met in football.'
Championship side Crystal Palace, who face a date with Watford at Wembley later this month for Premier League football next season, have been linked with the striker in recent weeks, as have newly-relegated Reading.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
The 29 year old tweeted last night, saying 'Life is filled with ups & downs today is a down but i'll be back! Carlton Cole/CFC as I have been called has left the building #UNDERCHUFFED'.
The striker went on to thank the West Ham fans, saying 'i want to thank the West Ham fans for their support especially the 1's (sic) who made the away games feel like a home 1 #COYI.. i came to East London not knowing what to expect but i'm glad i did the last 7 years i've met a lot of good honest decent people #THANKYOU'.
Cole signed from London rivals Chelsea for £2m in summer 2006 and after Academy graduate Mark Noble, was the Hammers' longest serving player. The big striker went on to score 47 goals in 206 appearances in a West Ham shirt and made his England debut, against Spain in 2009, while at the club.
The powerful number nine has always divided opinion amongst Hammers fans, but earnt respect from many by turning down offers from Stoke and Galatasary and taking a 50% wage cut following relegation from the Premier League in 2011. Cole went on to enjoy his most prolific season in claret and blue last term, notching 15 goals, including the opening goal in the 2-1 victory over Blackpool in the Championship play off at Wembley that sealed the club's immediate return to the top flight.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted as well last night and wished Cole good luck for the future, saying 'Good luck @CarltonCole1 one of the nicest men I've ever met in football.'
Championship side Crystal Palace, who face a date with Watford at Wembley later this month for Premier League football next season, have been linked with the striker in recent weeks, as have newly-relegated Reading.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Friday, 17 May 2013
Bony chase on: striker to meet with three Premier League sides next week
The speculation surrounding the future of Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony has hotted up today as one of the Ivory Coast's international's agents has today confirmed that his client is currently 'in good demand' and that they will be holding talks with a number of clubs in the coming weeks- starting with an unnamed London club next weekend.
The powerful forward stated last weekend that he believed he had played his last game for Vitesse and left speculation about his future wide open.
West Ham were reported to have held talks with the pacy frontman in March and are still very much on his tail, but will have to fight off stiff competition if they want to land him, Bony's agent has said today.
Francis Cacou today told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: "We have had more than one conversation with Anzhi [Makhachkala, Russian side who tried to sign Bony earlier in the season] and we now know what approximately they want to pay. After wages, bonuses and commission we will talk again."
"I have to say we also spoke with a German side last week and the next weekend we will be at a London side."
Sky Sports are reporting that Bony and his representatives will meet with 'at least three' Premier League sides next week- Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton and Fulham as well as the Hammers have all been linked with the 24 year old in the two months.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
The powerful forward stated last weekend that he believed he had played his last game for Vitesse and left speculation about his future wide open.
West Ham were reported to have held talks with the pacy frontman in March and are still very much on his tail, but will have to fight off stiff competition if they want to land him, Bony's agent has said today.
Francis Cacou today told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: "We have had more than one conversation with Anzhi [Makhachkala, Russian side who tried to sign Bony earlier in the season] and we now know what approximately they want to pay. After wages, bonuses and commission we will talk again."
"I have to say we also spoke with a German side last week and the next weekend we will be at a London side."
Sky Sports are reporting that Bony and his representatives will meet with 'at least three' Premier League sides next week- Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton and Fulham as well as the Hammers have all been linked with the 24 year old in the two months.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Striker search Lukaking up- Irons inquire about permanent deal for Chelsea striker
After 24 hours of speculation about the future of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, West Ham's interest in the striker has been confirmed as the club have been in touch with the Blues over a permanent move to bring the Belgium international to East London.
Premier League rivals Swansea were this morning reported to be 'close' to sealing a loan move for the 20 year old and, realising that they risked being left behind in the race for the pacy forward, the Irons have this afternoon become the second club to enter negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club over Lukaku, who has spent this season on loan at West Brom.
However, the Daily Mail report that the inquiry was met by an insistence from Chelsea that no decision would be made over the future of the striker until a new manager is appointed, with interim boss Rafa Benitez's short-term deal due to expire at the end of the season.
Benitez himself has said this afternoon that he expects the Blues to 'spend £100m and sign three or four players,' and praised the young players currently at the club such as Oriel Romelu, Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses but did not mention Lukaku, thus raising serious questions about the powerful striker's future at the club.
The Hammers are said to have asked Chelsea to keep them informed with any future developments regarding the player's future.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Premier League rivals Swansea were this morning reported to be 'close' to sealing a loan move for the 20 year old and, realising that they risked being left behind in the race for the pacy forward, the Irons have this afternoon become the second club to enter negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club over Lukaku, who has spent this season on loan at West Brom.
However, the Daily Mail report that the inquiry was met by an insistence from Chelsea that no decision would be made over the future of the striker until a new manager is appointed, with interim boss Rafa Benitez's short-term deal due to expire at the end of the season.
Benitez himself has said this afternoon that he expects the Blues to 'spend £100m and sign three or four players,' and praised the young players currently at the club such as Oriel Romelu, Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses but did not mention Lukaku, thus raising serious questions about the powerful striker's future at the club.
The Hammers are said to have asked Chelsea to keep them informed with any future developments regarding the player's future.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Swanning about: Welsh side close to deal for Hammers target Lukaku
Swansea are close to a season-long loan deal for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, the Daily Mail are reporting this morning.
Reports yesterday linked West Ham with a move for the Belgium international, but the Capital One Cup winners look set to gazumph a whole host of clubs including Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle and seal a move for the exciting 20 year old.
Lukaku has lit up the Premier League this season with an impressive 14 goals on loan at West Brom and looks set for another move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with the newly-crowned Europa League champions expected to spend big on another striker in the summer.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Reports yesterday linked West Ham with a move for the Belgium international, but the Capital One Cup winners look set to gazumph a whole host of clubs including Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle and seal a move for the exciting 20 year old.
Lukaku has lit up the Premier League this season with an impressive 14 goals on loan at West Brom and looks set for another move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with the newly-crowned Europa League champions expected to spend big on another striker in the summer.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Hammers eye £15m move for Chelsea star Lukaku
Reports this afternoon are linking West Ham with a big money move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, amid speculation about the Belgium international's future at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku has been in red hot form for West Brom this season, for whom he has spent the season on loan, scoring 14 goals and firing the Baggies to a first-ever top half Premier League finish and is reportedly being watched by the Irons, Fulham, Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
The news comes after widespread reports this morning that the Hammers are in negotiations with Liverpool over the permanent transfer of on-loan Reds striker Andy Carroll, and so the future of any deal for Lukaku, and of any deal for Wilfried Bony, Gary Hooper or Jordan Rhodes, all of whom the club have been linked with in recent days, is almost certain to be dependent on the progression of the talks with the Anfield club over Carroll, as the new Premier League financial regulations mean that signing the England striker would take a huge chunk out of the club's transfer budget this summer.
Chelsea striker Lukaku is expected to hold showdown talks with the West London outfit next week as he considers the next step in his career.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Lukaku has been in red hot form for West Brom this season, for whom he has spent the season on loan, scoring 14 goals and firing the Baggies to a first-ever top half Premier League finish and is reportedly being watched by the Irons, Fulham, Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
The news comes after widespread reports this morning that the Hammers are in negotiations with Liverpool over the permanent transfer of on-loan Reds striker Andy Carroll, and so the future of any deal for Lukaku, and of any deal for Wilfried Bony, Gary Hooper or Jordan Rhodes, all of whom the club have been linked with in recent days, is almost certain to be dependent on the progression of the talks with the Anfield club over Carroll, as the new Premier League financial regulations mean that signing the England striker would take a huge chunk out of the club's transfer budget this summer.
Chelsea striker Lukaku is expected to hold showdown talks with the West London outfit next week as he considers the next step in his career.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Ciao Carlton: striker set for Boleyn Ground farewell on Sunday
West Ham striker Carlton Cole will make his last appearance in a Hammers shirt this Sunday against Reading, according to the Sun.
Irons boss Sam Allardyce hinted yesterday of his desire to trim the West Ham squad ahead of next season, and ex Chelsea forward Cole, 29, looks set to be the first to go.
The newspaper claims that the striker, who has been at Upton Park since 2006, rejected a new contract last season after taking a 50% wage cut to stay at the East London club following Premier League relegation in 2011.
Cole's representatives, meanwhile, last month denied that there had been any contact from the club over a new deal for the former England striker after reports that the club had offered the big number nine a new contract, with a deadline of the final day of the season.
Crystal Palace are said to be interested in signing Cole and may well make an approach for the out of contract striker if they win their upcoming Championship play-off final against Watford on May 27.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Irons boss Sam Allardyce hinted yesterday of his desire to trim the West Ham squad ahead of next season, and ex Chelsea forward Cole, 29, looks set to be the first to go.
The newspaper claims that the striker, who has been at Upton Park since 2006, rejected a new contract last season after taking a 50% wage cut to stay at the East London club following Premier League relegation in 2011.
Cole's representatives, meanwhile, last month denied that there had been any contact from the club over a new deal for the former England striker after reports that the club had offered the big number nine a new contract, with a deadline of the final day of the season.
Crystal Palace are said to be interested in signing Cole and may well make an approach for the out of contract striker if they win their upcoming Championship play-off final against Watford on May 27.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Monday, 13 May 2013
Wilf on his way out: striker says he has played his last game for Vitesse
Reported West Ham target Wilfried Bony has told Dutch newspaper NU Sport that he has played his last game for Vitesse Arnhem and now he will consider his next move carefully.
"I hope I have played my last game here," the forward said after the game this weekend.
"Where do I go now? I don't know. First, I need to rest and think."
The 24 year old captained his side to a 1-0 defeat in their last game of the season and finished the Eredivisie season with 31 goals to his name- and will be in much demand over the summer, with the Hammers, Chelsea and AC Milan all among his suitors.
It is likely to cost at least £12m to land the Ivory Coast international and Blowing Bubbles understands that Sam Allardyce's top transfer target this summer is on loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, but that Bony is still very much in his mind, and the club held talks in London with the striker's representatives in March.
"I hope I have played my last game here," the forward said after the game this weekend.
"Where do I go now? I don't know. First, I need to rest and think."
The 24 year old captained his side to a 1-0 defeat in their last game of the season and finished the Eredivisie season with 31 goals to his name- and will be in much demand over the summer, with the Hammers, Chelsea and AC Milan all among his suitors.
It is likely to cost at least £12m to land the Ivory Coast international and Blowing Bubbles understands that Sam Allardyce's top transfer target this summer is on loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, but that Bony is still very much in his mind, and the club held talks in London with the striker's representatives in March.
Friday, 3 May 2013
Benayoun to leave Chelsea in May in search of "expression"- Irons on red alert
Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun has told the Evening Standard that he will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and will be looking for a club where he can "express" himself more.
The Israel captain took in a loan spell at the Boleyn Ground earlier in the season, his second spell with West Ham, but had to return prematurely to West London after picking up an injury.
"There's nothing concrete at the moment," Benayoun told the Standard.
"Agents are talking about offers from America, Spain, Russia and England and I'm looking for a team where I can express myself more. Perhaps if I wanted to stay I could, but I want a team where I can express myself more."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is a big fan of the skilful playmaker and admitted in March that Benayoun would be on his transfer target list in the summer.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
The Israel captain took in a loan spell at the Boleyn Ground earlier in the season, his second spell with West Ham, but had to return prematurely to West London after picking up an injury.
"There's nothing concrete at the moment," Benayoun told the Standard.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is a big fan of the skilful playmaker and admitted in March that Benayoun would be on his transfer target list in the summer.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)