Hammers target Figueroa out for season

Blowing Bubbles understands that Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa will miss the rest of the season after a groin operation.

The Hammers were strongly linked with a move for the pacy defender in February and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admitted his intention to sign Figueroa, who is out of contract at the end of the season. It is not yet clear how long the Honduras international will be out of action for, but this doesn't sound like good news for any potential move.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Macca reveals Allardyce motivational methods and expects 'tough' game on Saturday

West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground, and says that the players are raring to go in the penultimate home game of the season.

"I think we've had a fantastic season so far- we'd have snapped both your hands off [to be in the league position the team are currently in] and to be in a position where you're almost safe is great."

"Andy Carroll is really looking forward to the game. He and Kevin Nolan have some fantastic memories from their time at Newcastle and they're really looking forward to the game."

McDonald remained cagey on Carroll's England future, however, refusing to directly answer a question regarding reports this morning that the striker will be under keen observation from England manager Roy Hodgson's coaching staff on Saturday.

"I think they should [keep a close eye on Carroll.] He's in good goalscoring form and and his contribution to our play and interlink play has been really good and I think that's reflected in our results."

The assistant manager, however, could confirm that the Irons have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game, stating that "we've almost got a fully fit squad to choose from, there's nothing new, so there's good competition for places."

The main revelation of the press conference related to manager Sam Allardyce methods of motivating the players. McDonald revealed that Allardyce has used the 'carrot' incentive method in recent weeks.

"He's done that once this season [telling the players that if they win on Saturday, they don't have to train until Thursday] and we had a fantastic response, physically their [the players'] levels, their workrate and intensity, go up, so it does work. As long as they're not abusing their bodies, to have a little break means they come back fresh."

On Winston Reid's new contract, McDonald waxed lyrical about the defender.

"It's a brilliant boost. He's been our most consistent defender this season and he thoroughly deserves his new contract. From when we came here two years ago, there has been a vast improvement in all aspects of his game. Maybe he could get a few more goals from set pieces, but on the whole he's been tremendous."

The assistant manager's verdict on Saturday's opponents was that despite their poor season, Saturday will be no cakewalk for the Irons.

"They're on the verge of getting involved in the relegation battle but I think they'll come here, try and keep a clean sheet and snatch a goal on the counter attack. Personally I think they've got enough points [to stay up]; they're going through a little sticky patch at the moment and I'm sure they'll come through it, just after Saturday!"

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Irons ready to smash transfer record for £14m Carroll

West Ham are prepared to up their bid for on loan striker Andy Carroll to £14m, Sports Direct News are reporting today.

The word on the street had previously been that the Hammers hierarchy would offer Carroll's parent club Liverpool a take-it-or-leave it offer of £10m, but a highly-placed club source has told the newspaper that the club's "ultimate limit" would be "around £14m."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Good Ideye! Irons keeping tabs on Nigerian star

West Ham are poised to make a summer move for Dynamo Kiev striker Brown Ideye, according to the Daily Mail.

The Nigerian international has had a fine season in Ukraine, capped by winning the African Cup of Nations in January with his country, and is valued at £9m by Kiev. Ideye's goals in the Champions League this season have caught the eye of Europe's top clubs and the Hammers will have to fight off the interests of Premier League rivals Stoke, Swansea and Newcastle if they want to land the striker.

The big frontman's preferred destination is said to be Newcastle but no contact has yet been made between the two clubs, so this one is wide open.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hammers set for summer swoop to sign £3.5m Olsson

West Ham are eyeing up West Brom defender Jonas Olsson and will be able to land him on the cheap this summer, after a £3.5m release clause in the Sweden international has become apparent, the Daily Mirror are reporting this morning.

The 29 year old last month stated a desire to play in London, and was the subject of interest from both the Hammers and QPR during the last two transfer windows. However, with the R's relegation from the Premier League being confirmed last weekend, the Upton Park club are now in pole position to sign the experienced defender.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Play well on Saturday and you're back in the squad! Hammers hitman set for England recall

West Ham striker Andy Carroll will be recalled to the England squad by manager Roy Hodgson- if he can impress on Saturday against a floundering Newcastle side not yet safe from relegation, the Sun and the Daily Mail are both reporting this morning.

Hodgson is under pressure, with the Three Lions sitting two points behind Montenegro in World Cup qualifying Group H, having played the same number of games and have just four games to decide their fate. It has not escaped the attention of the England manager that his side have lacked a physical presence in the final third in recent games and it is understood that he sees Carroll as the solution to his striking problem.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce blasted Hodgson last month for his neglect of the big striker and accused the England manager of being "scared" of the negative press which would come with selecting the 24 year old, so will likely be placated by this news.

Assistant manager Ray Lewington will be at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to run the rule over the on loan Liverpool striker as he aims to impress against his former Magpies teammates and a good performance will see him included in Hodgson's party for the end-of-season friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Bah Bony! Striker wants England move- but only to a Champions League club

Wilfried Bony has told BBC Sport that he is still keen on a move to England, but has put a dent in West Ham's hopes of signing him by stating his desire for Champions League football.

Speaking last night, the Vitesse Arnhem hitman said that "for me, the Premier League is the top league in Europe. England would be perfect, I'm very interested in the league and the atmosphere in England."

Bony went on to state his desire for top class European football, saying that "it would be great for me to move to a club in the Champions League- it's the only competition I haven't played in yet."

The 24 year old reiterated his previous statements that there is nothing concrete with any English club club, despite the Hammers having reportedly held talks with the player's representatives in March. 

West Ham's Premier League rivals Chelsea, Fulham, Newcastle and Arsenal have all been credited with an interest in the player in recent weeks, and Chelsea now appear to be the new frontrunners in the race to sign the Ivory Coast international.

Bony concluded his comments by saying that "I've heard the rumours about Chelsea being interested, there's nothing concrete in that. We'll see at the end of the season."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling