Remy speculation heightens

By Michael Matthews

@Matthews_Journo on Twitter

The Loic Remy to West Ham rumours have been turned up a notch after further reports today linking him with a move to East London.

Having missed out on signing Colombian forward Duvan Zapata owing to work permit difficulties, West Ham have turned their attention to Remy, who scored six goals in the Barclays Premier League last season for QPR after arriving at Loftus Road in January.

The R's have admitted they may sell the French forward this summer, with an early figure believed of £7 million being touted, with the exact figure of Remy's release clause not yet known. Newcastle are also thought to be interested in the striker.

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.

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