By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
Another potential transfer deal for West Ham looks set to crumble after the agent of Inter Milan star Zdravko Kuzmanovic played down talk of a move.
Marko Naletilic told calciomercato.it: "Zdravko remains at Inter, he's training with the team, he's part of the coach Mazzarri's plans and he has not been put on the market."
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce earlier this week confirmed his interest in the Serbia international, saying that Kuzmanovic is 'a player I like.'
Showing posts with label Sam Allardyce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Allardyce. Show all posts
Friday, 19 July 2013
Hammers keen on Kebe even as midfielder extends Reading stay
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is weighing up a move for Reading midfielder Jimmy Kebe as he aims to strengthen his midfield options.
The Irons chief has long been an admirer of the Mali international, who impressed with five goals in 16 appearances in the Premier League last season.
Reading star Kebe today penned a new contract at the Madjeski Stadium but this has not put off the Irons, who could well pounce for the goalscoring midfielder according to Sky Sports.
Kebe is unpopular with Hammers fans after a show of gamesmanship led to West Ham midfielder Jack Collison being sent off as Reading defeated the Irons 3-0 the season before last, with both sides being promoted from the Championship in May 2012.
However, such considerations are likely to be beneath the ever-abrasive Allardyce, who admitted recently that he tried to bring the controversial former Bolton and Rangers winger El Hadj Diouf to Upton Park.
Norwich boss Chris Hughton has also been credited with an interest in Kebe.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is weighing up a move for Reading midfielder Jimmy Kebe as he aims to strengthen his midfield options.
The Irons chief has long been an admirer of the Mali international, who impressed with five goals in 16 appearances in the Premier League last season.
Reading star Kebe today penned a new contract at the Madjeski Stadium but this has not put off the Irons, who could well pounce for the goalscoring midfielder according to Sky Sports.
Kebe is unpopular with Hammers fans after a show of gamesmanship led to West Ham midfielder Jack Collison being sent off as Reading defeated the Irons 3-0 the season before last, with both sides being promoted from the Championship in May 2012.
However, such considerations are likely to be beneath the ever-abrasive Allardyce, who admitted recently that he tried to bring the controversial former Bolton and Rangers winger El Hadj Diouf to Upton Park.
Norwich boss Chris Hughton has also been credited with an interest in Kebe.
Irons in fresh link to QPR star
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham have once more been linked to France striker Loic Remy, who is reportedly desperate to leave QPR after Premier League relegation.
The skilful forward has a release clause in his R's contract- previously reported to have been £8m but understood to be a figure which is 'significantly lower' than the one previously quoted.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is keen to sign another striker, with Mobido Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te the only fit senior strikers at the club and major doubts over Andy Carroll's chances of being fit for the first game of the new season, which starts in less than a month.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham have once more been linked to France striker Loic Remy, who is reportedly desperate to leave QPR after Premier League relegation.
The skilful forward has a release clause in his R's contract- previously reported to have been £8m but understood to be a figure which is 'significantly lower' than the one previously quoted.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is keen to sign another striker, with Mobido Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te the only fit senior strikers at the club and major doubts over Andy Carroll's chances of being fit for the first game of the new season, which starts in less than a month.
Trejo rejects Irons
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham will not be signing Sporting Gijon forward Oscar Trejo after the Argentine snubbed the Hammers in favour of a move to French side Toulouse.
The Spanish side's official website confirmed the deal last night, saying: "Sporting have reached an agreement with the French side Toulouse for the transfer of Oscar Trejo. The deal was finalised this afternoon."
Irons boss Sam Allardyce was reported to have put in a £1.8m bid for the 25 year old but Trejo will be playing his football in France next season after Toulouse agreed a £1.7m deal with Sporting.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham will not be signing Sporting Gijon forward Oscar Trejo after the Argentine snubbed the Hammers in favour of a move to French side Toulouse.
The Spanish side's official website confirmed the deal last night, saying: "Sporting have reached an agreement with the French side Toulouse for the transfer of Oscar Trejo. The deal was finalised this afternoon."
Irons boss Sam Allardyce was reported to have put in a £1.8m bid for the 25 year old but Trejo will be playing his football in France next season after Toulouse agreed a £1.7m deal with Sporting.
Southend eye move for Hammers defender
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham full back Jordan Spence looks set to leave the Boleyn Ground this summer, with several clubs including League Two outfit Southend interested.
The Shrimpers are said to be in pole position to sign Spence, with boss Phil Brown having watched a commanding defensive display from the right back as West Ham's U21 side thrashed Swansea U21s 4-0.
The 23 year old made his Irons debut in May 2010 but has only managed 6 competitive appearances since and manager Sam Allardyce is not thought to see the Academy graduate as part of his first team plans.
Spence has thus far taken in highly productive loan spells at Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe and, most recently, Bristol City and it is thought that the Robins are considering a move for the versatile young defender after he impressed in two separate loan spells at the club before relegation from the Championship last season.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham full back Jordan Spence looks set to leave the Boleyn Ground this summer, with several clubs including League Two outfit Southend interested.
The Shrimpers are said to be in pole position to sign Spence, with boss Phil Brown having watched a commanding defensive display from the right back as West Ham's U21 side thrashed Swansea U21s 4-0.
The 23 year old made his Irons debut in May 2010 but has only managed 6 competitive appearances since and manager Sam Allardyce is not thought to see the Academy graduate as part of his first team plans.
Spence has thus far taken in highly productive loan spells at Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe and, most recently, Bristol City and it is thought that the Robins are considering a move for the versatile young defender after he impressed in two separate loan spells at the club before relegation from the Championship last season.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Hammers to pull plug on Zapata deal over work permit problems
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham will not be signing Duvan Zapata and will look at other options after the forward's application for a work permit ran into difficulties.
The Hammers last week agreed a £6.7m fee with the Colombian U20 international's club Estudiantes and it is understood that it is the fact that Zapata is not yet a full international that has hampered the club's bid to get their man a work permit- despite the fact that Colombia sit 3rd in the FIFA world rankings and the 20 year old is widely considered to be a shoe-in for a place in the country's squad for next summer's World Cup.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will now focus on other targets, such as Sporting Gijon's Oscar Trejo, who the club were reported to this afternoon have made a £1.8m bid for.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham will not be signing Duvan Zapata and will look at other options after the forward's application for a work permit ran into difficulties.
The Hammers last week agreed a £6.7m fee with the Colombian U20 international's club Estudiantes and it is understood that it is the fact that Zapata is not yet a full international that has hampered the club's bid to get their man a work permit- despite the fact that Colombia sit 3rd in the FIFA world rankings and the 20 year old is widely considered to be a shoe-in for a place in the country's squad for next summer's World Cup.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will now focus on other targets, such as Sporting Gijon's Oscar Trejo, who the club were reported to this afternoon have made a £1.8m bid for.
West Ham to miss out on Inter star as Malaga close in
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
Spanish side Malaga are the favourites to sign Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, according to reports coming in from Italy this afternoon.
Malaga are keen to sign a central midfielder after the sale of Isco to La Liga rivals Real Madrid and have more of a transfer budget than West Ham, who want to sign players on the cheap after a £16m outlay on England striker Andy Carroll.
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce confirmed over the weekend that he was interested in the Serbian international and was believed to be ready to make a bid in the region of £7m for Kuzmanovic, but now looks set to be trumped by the La Liga outfit.
Italian giants AC Milan are also interested in Kuzmanovic and are rumoured to be ready to swap Italy star Antonio Nocerino in return for the midfielder from their city rivals. An unnamed German side are also said to be keen on the Serbian international, who earnt his move to Inter in January after an impressive spell at Bundesliga side Stuttgart.
@alexshilling on Twitter
Spanish side Malaga are the favourites to sign Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, according to reports coming in from Italy this afternoon.
Malaga are keen to sign a central midfielder after the sale of Isco to La Liga rivals Real Madrid and have more of a transfer budget than West Ham, who want to sign players on the cheap after a £16m outlay on England striker Andy Carroll.
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce confirmed over the weekend that he was interested in the Serbian international and was believed to be ready to make a bid in the region of £7m for Kuzmanovic, but now looks set to be trumped by the La Liga outfit.
Italian giants AC Milan are also interested in Kuzmanovic and are rumoured to be ready to swap Italy star Antonio Nocerino in return for the midfielder from their city rivals. An unnamed German side are also said to be keen on the Serbian international, who earnt his move to Inter in January after an impressive spell at Bundesliga side Stuttgart.
Irons in for Kalou
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.
@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.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Bramble keeping options open- Irons deal still possible
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
A deal for Titus Bramble at West Ham could still be on as the defender said today that he has a few offers open to him.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I'm not ruling anything out, there are a few options. The main thing is for me to stay fit ahead of wherever I may end up."
The ex Sunderland man has been training with the Hammers and started the recent friendly against Cork City as he aims to keep his fitness levels up ahead of the new season, sparking speculation that the Irons are set to offer the defender a contract.
However, Bramble last night turned out for hometown club Ipswich, for whom he made his professional debut in 1998 as they triumphed 2-1 over League 1 side Gillingham.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was earlier said to be mulling over whether to sign Bramble or not, and there has been no official confirmation from either Allardyce or the Hammers that the 31 year old has left the club and contrary to reports yesterday, no final decision has been made by the Upton Park club on Bramble.
@alexshilling on Twitter
A deal for Titus Bramble at West Ham could still be on as the defender said today that he has a few offers open to him.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I'm not ruling anything out, there are a few options. The main thing is for me to stay fit ahead of wherever I may end up."
The ex Sunderland man has been training with the Hammers and started the recent friendly against Cork City as he aims to keep his fitness levels up ahead of the new season, sparking speculation that the Irons are set to offer the defender a contract.
However, Bramble last night turned out for hometown club Ipswich, for whom he made his professional debut in 1998 as they triumphed 2-1 over League 1 side Gillingham.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was earlier said to be mulling over whether to sign Bramble or not, and there has been no official confirmation from either Allardyce or the Hammers that the 31 year old has left the club and contrary to reports yesterday, no final decision has been made by the Upton Park club on Bramble.
No midfield signings needed says Allardyce amid Dorrans speculation
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans will not be heading to the Boleyn Ground after Irons boss Sam Allardyce rejected reports he is preparing a bid.
Speaking after last night's 2-1 friendly win over Colchester, Allardyce said: "We have no interest in Graham Dorrans."
"He is a midfield player and you saw how many midfielders we had out there tonight."
The Hammers lost a versatile midfielder in May after Gary O'Neil opted to reject a new deal at Upton Park but with the emergence of youngster Ravel Morrison and a rapidly healing relationship between Allardyce and Alou Diarra after a bust-up between the pair last season which saw the Frenchman move on loan to Rennes in January, the club seemingly have no need to strengthen their midfield ranks.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans will not be heading to the Boleyn Ground after Irons boss Sam Allardyce rejected reports he is preparing a bid.
Speaking after last night's 2-1 friendly win over Colchester, Allardyce said: "We have no interest in Graham Dorrans."
"He is a midfield player and you saw how many midfielders we had out there tonight."
The Hammers lost a versatile midfielder in May after Gary O'Neil opted to reject a new deal at Upton Park but with the emergence of youngster Ravel Morrison and a rapidly healing relationship between Allardyce and Alou Diarra after a bust-up between the pair last season which saw the Frenchman move on loan to Rennes in January, the club seemingly have no need to strengthen their midfield ranks.
Downing 'not considering' Hammers switch
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
Stewart Downing will not be joining West Ham this summer after the Liverpool winger stated that he had no interest in a move.
He said: "It's not something I am going to consider. I think there have been a couple of rumours going around and maybe that's because I was told last season that I could leave."
"But I have spoken to the manager and he's said that he's happy for me to stay. As far as I see it I'm here to play- if I'm not in the team and not playing then that's a discussion we'll have then but at the minute I have absolutely no reason to leave."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce earlier today ruled out a move for the England man, telling the Sun that he didn't 'think we could afford' Downing.
@alexshilling on Twitter
Stewart Downing will not be joining West Ham this summer after the Liverpool winger stated that he had no interest in a move.
He said: "It's not something I am going to consider. I think there have been a couple of rumours going around and maybe that's because I was told last season that I could leave."
"But I have spoken to the manager and he's said that he's happy for me to stay. As far as I see it I'm here to play- if I'm not in the team and not playing then that's a discussion we'll have then but at the minute I have absolutely no reason to leave."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce earlier today ruled out a move for the England man, telling the Sun that he didn't 'think we could afford' Downing.
We can't afford Downing: Allardyce
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham will not be signing Liverpool winger Stewart Downing because of budget restrictions, according to Irons boss Sam Allardyce.
"I wouldn't have thought we could afford Stewart, unfortunately," the West Ham manager told the Sun.
The Hammers were first linked with the England international last week and West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald admitted an admiration for Downing but said that no approach had been made for the player and described the reports that the club were set to bid for the former Middlesbrough star as 'paper talk.'
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham will not be signing Liverpool winger Stewart Downing because of budget restrictions, according to Irons boss Sam Allardyce.
"I wouldn't have thought we could afford Stewart, unfortunately," the West Ham manager told the Sun.
The Hammers were first linked with the England international last week and West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald admitted an admiration for Downing but said that no approach had been made for the player and described the reports that the club were set to bid for the former Middlesbrough star as 'paper talk.'
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Hammers in late surge to snatch Super Hooper
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham are poised to snatch Gary Hooper away from under the noses of Norwich and QPR, according to the Scottish Sun this evening.
Hoops boss Neil Lennon this afternoon resigned himself to losing his prized asset, telling the Daily Mail that he believed it would be 'hard' for him to convince Hooper to stay at Parkhead and that he doesn't 'know where his [Hooper's] head is at.'
The striker had looked set to join either big spending Norwich or Championship side QPR but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, who has thus far distanced himself from any of the transfer talk surrounding the former Scunthorpe man, is said to be plotting a late bid, with QPR having made an improved offer for Hooper last night.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham are poised to snatch Gary Hooper away from under the noses of Norwich and QPR, according to the Scottish Sun this evening.
Hoops boss Neil Lennon this afternoon resigned himself to losing his prized asset, telling the Daily Mail that he believed it would be 'hard' for him to convince Hooper to stay at Parkhead and that he doesn't 'know where his [Hooper's] head is at.'
The striker had looked set to join either big spending Norwich or Championship side QPR but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, who has thus far distanced himself from any of the transfer talk surrounding the former Scunthorpe man, is said to be plotting a late bid, with QPR having made an improved offer for Hooper last night.
Bramble on trial at Ipswich
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
Former Sunderland defender Titus Bramble will turn out for Ipswich tonight in their friendly against Gillingham, the Tractor Boys have confirmed.
The club tweeted: "BREAKING NEWS: Titus Bramble to play for Town against Gillingham this evening as a trialist."
The centre half has spent some time with West Ham as he aims to improve his fitness after being released by Sunderland in May and, to many fans' fury, was being considered as a possible signing by boss Sam Allardyce and scored for the Irons in their 6-2 friendly win over Cork City recently.
However, Bramble returned to Portman Road where he began his career as a youngster- suggesting that Allardyce has not offered him a deal at the club, although the Hammers have not yet confirmed that Bramble has left the club.
Irons in cut price move for Albion's Dorrans
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham are set to renew their long-term interest in West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans, according to the Sun this morning.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to sign a central midfielder following Gary O'Neil's departure last month and has been linked for moves for Inter Milan's Zdravko Kuzmanovic and free agent Orlando Engelaar, who is currently on trial at the club.
However, Scotland international Dorrans is unwanted by the Hawthorns club and could be available for as little as £3m, which would represent an attractive deal for the Irons who are keen to sign players on the cheap after a £16m outlay on England striker Andy Carroll.
Allardyce is thought also to want to sign a strike partner for Carroll and a back up centre forward, with question marks still hanging over the former Liverpool man's fitness as he battles to recover fro a heel injury.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham are set to renew their long-term interest in West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans, according to the Sun this morning.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to sign a central midfielder following Gary O'Neil's departure last month and has been linked for moves for Inter Milan's Zdravko Kuzmanovic and free agent Orlando Engelaar, who is currently on trial at the club.
However, Scotland international Dorrans is unwanted by the Hawthorns club and could be available for as little as £3m, which would represent an attractive deal for the Irons who are keen to sign players on the cheap after a £16m outlay on England striker Andy Carroll.
Allardyce is thought also to want to sign a strike partner for Carroll and a back up centre forward, with question marks still hanging over the former Liverpool man's fitness as he battles to recover fro a heel injury.
Monday, 15 July 2013
Irons prepare Kuzmanovic offer
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham's pursuit of Inter Milan's Zdravko Kuzmanovic has gathered pace after reports in Italy that the Hammers are about to bid for the Serbian international.
Kuzmanovic is not thought to be part of the Nerazzurri's first team plans for the coming season and Irons boss Sam Allardyce is said to be readying a bid in the region of £7m as he aims to secure a central midfield signing after the departure of Gary O'Neil last month.
Allardyce today confirmed his interest in the player, telling reporters that Kuzmanovic 'is a player I like' but that 'it would be inappropriate for me to comment.'
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham's pursuit of Inter Milan's Zdravko Kuzmanovic has gathered pace after reports in Italy that the Hammers are about to bid for the Serbian international.
Kuzmanovic is not thought to be part of the Nerazzurri's first team plans for the coming season and Irons boss Sam Allardyce is said to be readying a bid in the region of £7m as he aims to secure a central midfield signing after the departure of Gary O'Neil last month.
Allardyce today confirmed his interest in the player, telling reporters that Kuzmanovic 'is a player I like' but that 'it would be inappropriate for me to comment.'
No Hammers offer for Chadli, say Twente
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
Dutch club FC Twente have today confirmed that no English clubs have made an offer for their Belgium international winger Nacer Chadli.
West Ham, along with London rivals Tottenham and Capital One Cup winners Swansea were all linked with the player last week but according to the Dutch side, only the Swans have made an offer for Chadli- which he rejected.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Twente chairman Joop Munsterman said today: "So far only Swansea and Shakhtar [Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk] have made concrete offers, and are still options, even though Nacer has opted not to go to them. We hope for some clarity this week."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was reported to have made an inquiry for Chadli but nothing more and the Irons' chances of landing the player seem distant as it is understood that the young Belgian is holding out for a move to Spurs, with the attraction of European football a consideration.
@alexshilling on Twitter
Dutch club FC Twente have today confirmed that no English clubs have made an offer for their Belgium international winger Nacer Chadli.
West Ham, along with London rivals Tottenham and Capital One Cup winners Swansea were all linked with the player last week but according to the Dutch side, only the Swans have made an offer for Chadli- which he rejected.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Twente chairman Joop Munsterman said today: "So far only Swansea and Shakhtar [Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk] have made concrete offers, and are still options, even though Nacer has opted not to go to them. We hope for some clarity this week."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was reported to have made an inquiry for Chadli but nothing more and the Irons' chances of landing the player seem distant as it is understood that the young Belgian is holding out for a move to Spurs, with the attraction of European football a consideration.
Allardyce to decide on Engelaar by end of week
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will make a decision in the next few days on whether or not to sign Dutch trialist Orlando Engelaar.
The 31 year old appeared as a substitute in Saturday's friendly win over Championship side Bournemouth and is currently without a club, following his release by PSV in May.
The Hammers boss wants to sign a central midfielder after Gary O'Neil rejected a new deal at the club and was linked on Friday with a move for Inter Milan's Zdravko Kuzmanovic, but is considering the signing of Holland international Engelaar as well and, according to TalkSport, will make a decision on the midfielder in the coming days, likely by the end of the week.
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will make a decision in the next few days on whether or not to sign Dutch trialist Orlando Engelaar.
The 31 year old appeared as a substitute in Saturday's friendly win over Championship side Bournemouth and is currently without a club, following his release by PSV in May.
The Hammers boss wants to sign a central midfielder after Gary O'Neil rejected a new deal at the club and was linked on Friday with a move for Inter Milan's Zdravko Kuzmanovic, but is considering the signing of Holland international Engelaar as well and, according to TalkSport, will make a decision on the midfielder in the coming days, likely by the end of the week.
Friday, 12 July 2013
QPR to pounce for Irons target
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
West Ham could miss out on two strikers in one day, with QPR ready to bid for Celtic's Gary Hooper, according to the Daily Mail.
The Hammers were earlier today reported to have been knocked back by Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian was assured of his first team future and Stamford Bridge and could now lose out on another striking option.
Golden Bhoy Hooper is on Sam Allardyce's radar, with the signing of a strike partner for Andy Carroll the club's top priority, but no bid has yet been made by the Irons.
Championship side QPR look likely, however, to beat the East London side to the signing of Hooper and are said to be ready with a £5m bid.
Norwich were reported to have had three bids knocked back by the Glasgow giants during the January transfer window and are understood to be watching the R's courting of Hooper and any future developments.
@alexshilling
West Ham could miss out on two strikers in one day, with QPR ready to bid for Celtic's Gary Hooper, according to the Daily Mail.
The Hammers were earlier today reported to have been knocked back by Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian was assured of his first team future and Stamford Bridge and could now lose out on another striking option.
Golden Bhoy Hooper is on Sam Allardyce's radar, with the signing of a strike partner for Andy Carroll the club's top priority, but no bid has yet been made by the Irons.
Championship side QPR look likely, however, to beat the East London side to the signing of Hooper and are said to be ready with a £5m bid.
Norwich were reported to have had three bids knocked back by the Glasgow giants during the January transfer window and are understood to be watching the R's courting of Hooper and any future developments.
QPR join Hammers in hunt for free agent Saviola as transfer triangle with Celtic emerges
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
A complex transfer triangle involving West Ham, QPR and Celtic has manifested itself after reports that the R's want to sign ex Barcelona star Javier Saviola.
The Hammers and Scottish champions Celtic were linked on Monday with a move for the 31 year old Saviola, who is a free agent after leaving Spanish side Malaga at the end of the season and Irons chief Sam Allardyce was said to be readying a bid.
However, a source close to the Argentina international told Sky Sports in the last hour that Saviola 'is more than keen' on linking up with QPR boss Harry Redknapp and the challenge of helping the club bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking is 'genuinely appealing' to the player.
The twist is that Celtic's star striker Gary Hooper is a target for both West Ham and QPR and the chase to sign the former Scunthorpe man now appears to be a two horse race between the two London sides after Hull dropped out of the race to sign Hooper on Wednesday night. The Bhoys' pursuit of Saviola has already fuelled speculation that the Glasgow side are acting pre-emptively to replace the 25 year old.
@alexshilling
A complex transfer triangle involving West Ham, QPR and Celtic has manifested itself after reports that the R's want to sign ex Barcelona star Javier Saviola.
The Hammers and Scottish champions Celtic were linked on Monday with a move for the 31 year old Saviola, who is a free agent after leaving Spanish side Malaga at the end of the season and Irons chief Sam Allardyce was said to be readying a bid.
However, a source close to the Argentina international told Sky Sports in the last hour that Saviola 'is more than keen' on linking up with QPR boss Harry Redknapp and the challenge of helping the club bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking is 'genuinely appealing' to the player.
The twist is that Celtic's star striker Gary Hooper is a target for both West Ham and QPR and the chase to sign the former Scunthorpe man now appears to be a two horse race between the two London sides after Hull dropped out of the race to sign Hooper on Wednesday night. The Bhoys' pursuit of Saviola has already fuelled speculation that the Glasgow side are acting pre-emptively to replace the 25 year old.
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