West Ham look set to sign another striker, with reports coming from Argentina that negotiations with Estudiantes for the forward Duvan Zapata are at an advanced stage.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is an admirer of the 22 year old, who has attracted interest from the likes of Porto, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund in recent months, and last week agreed a £6.7m fee with the Argentine side for the young Colombian.
Zapata moved to Estudiantes in 2011 from Colombian outfit America de Cali, and last season scored 13 times in 31 appearances.
The only stumbling block to a move for the Colombia U20 international is securing a work permit later this month. Once that has been confirmed, it is believed that the East London side will offer Zapata a four-year contract with an option of two further years.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Monday, 8 July 2013
Allardyce to continue summer spending and eyes one more star signing to 'make a real difference'
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will continue with his spree of summer spending as he looks to add to his squad ahead of the new season.
The 57 year old today told West Ham TV that the success of his signings made last summer have shown him the importance of strengthening his side to maximum effect in the summer.
He said: "We will look to add one more player at least- you always want that little bit more and you are never satisfied as a manager."
"What I want in that one player is top quality. I want that player coming in to challenge the players already here for their place immediately and keep it."
"The players we brought in [last season] made a massive difference. That took us to the next level and led to us having a fantastic season and finishing 10th. If we can secure that one player, that will probably be it."
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Swans target lunchtime Bony deal as Hammers look set to miss out
Swansea look set to wrap up the signing of Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony today after agreeing a fee in the region of £13.7m with his club, Vitesse Arnhem.
A whole host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham had been linked with the 24 year old hitman but the Welsh side's chairman, Huw Jenkins, today told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that there 'are only a few details' to finalise now.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold last week stated his intention to sign Bony, telling Sports Direct News that he was eager to end the "selling club" image that has dogged the club in recent years.
The Swansea squad are currently in Holland on a pre season training camp and negotiations have been progressing swiftly as the side prepare for the new season.
Jenkins said: "Until it is signed we cannot speak about an agreement, but there are only a few details now."
"We want it done by lunchtime [on Monday or so. We have the last few details to sort out with his representative but that won't be a problem."
"He will have his medical in Holland before joining up with the team."
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Hammers 'hopeful' over Carroll
West Ham have high hopes of landing England striker Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool, according to co-chairman David Sullivan's 13 year old son.
Jack Sullivan tweeted this morning, 'There will not be a decision with andy Carroll for 2 weeks [sic] as he is on holiday but we are still very hopeful to sign him #COYI #WHU #whufc'.
Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday that the two clubs had agreed a fee for the 24 year old, believed to be an original £12m, which could rise to £15m depending on clauses, such as appearances made and goals scored.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, told the Guardian the same day that 'it's one of those situations where it will probably be resolved a lot quicker than that [than the situation over Carroll's future at the start of the season, culminating in the striker's loan move to Upton Park] for both parties.'
The newspaper also claimed that the former Newcastle hitman is having doubts about a permanent move to East London and would be potentially keener on a return to the North East. However, this may not be an option as the Magpies have yet to make a formal bid for the striker, and a player-plus-cash deal that could have seen Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa move to Anfield appears to no longer be on the cards, with Rodgers' interest in the France international having cooled.
Young Sullivan also revealed on Twitter that the Hammers are looking at a back up option, should Carroll turn down a permanent move to the club. In response to a tweet from a fan saying 'please tell me your dad is aware we need another striker, not just Carroll?' Sullivan replied 'yes a back up'.
The Irons have been linked with Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfried Bony, Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes in recent weeks.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Jack Sullivan tweeted this morning, 'There will not be a decision with andy Carroll for 2 weeks [sic] as he is on holiday but we are still very hopeful to sign him #COYI #WHU #whufc'.
Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday that the two clubs had agreed a fee for the 24 year old, believed to be an original £12m, which could rise to £15m depending on clauses, such as appearances made and goals scored.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, told the Guardian the same day that 'it's one of those situations where it will probably be resolved a lot quicker than that [than the situation over Carroll's future at the start of the season, culminating in the striker's loan move to Upton Park] for both parties.'
The newspaper also claimed that the former Newcastle hitman is having doubts about a permanent move to East London and would be potentially keener on a return to the North East. However, this may not be an option as the Magpies have yet to make a formal bid for the striker, and a player-plus-cash deal that could have seen Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa move to Anfield appears to no longer be on the cards, with Rodgers' interest in the France international having cooled.
Young Sullivan also revealed on Twitter that the Hammers are looking at a back up option, should Carroll turn down a permanent move to the club. In response to a tweet from a fan saying 'please tell me your dad is aware we need another striker, not just Carroll?' Sullivan replied 'yes a back up'.
The Irons have been linked with Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfried Bony, Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes in recent weeks.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Making his Mark: Saunderson appointed Ladies manager
West Ham Ladies have appointed former Crystal Palace Ladies and Fulham Ladies boss Mark Saunderson as their new manager.
Saunderson is one of the most respected names in women's football, having won the WPL Southern Division title with the Cottagers in 2008, before taking a sabbatical from the game after the birth of his daughter.
"I was lucky to be approached by a number of clubs but once West Ham made their interest known, it was an easy choice," Saunderson told shekicks.net.
"It's an honour to be considered for the role at the club and it's an easy fit when both the club and yourself see the way in which the game should be played in the same way."
"I am sure it will be a challenge at times but I see the potential and passion in the club and that is what makes it such an exciting proposition."
Following the club's end-of-season AGM, previous manager Julia Setford has moved upstairs into a Director of Football capacity, as well as assisting Saunderson.
"Basically, we have had a little change," Setford told whufc.com.
"Mark is going to be first team manager and I will be his number two and also fill the role of Director of Football. The changes will enable me to take a step back, but Mark has far more experience of management than I do and can really push us on."
"We need to boost our squad with more quality and believe that Mark is the manager to bring better players to the club."
"He has won the division we are in before so we know we are getting a manager with good pedigree and a respected name in women's football."
The Ladies will be wanting to improve on this season's showing in the WPL Southern Division, where they eventually finished a somewhat disappointing 6th and missing out on a place in the new Women's Super Premier League.
There is good news already for the Irons, however, as former England goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne and forwards Becky Merritt (who recently won the Blowing Bubbles Ladies Goal of the Season Award for her strike against Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies) and Hannah Gowland committing themselves to the club for next season, as well as a large amount of interest from potential new players.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Saunderson is one of the most respected names in women's football, having won the WPL Southern Division title with the Cottagers in 2008, before taking a sabbatical from the game after the birth of his daughter.
"I was lucky to be approached by a number of clubs but once West Ham made their interest known, it was an easy choice," Saunderson told shekicks.net.
"It's an honour to be considered for the role at the club and it's an easy fit when both the club and yourself see the way in which the game should be played in the same way."
"I am sure it will be a challenge at times but I see the potential and passion in the club and that is what makes it such an exciting proposition."
Following the club's end-of-season AGM, previous manager Julia Setford has moved upstairs into a Director of Football capacity, as well as assisting Saunderson.
"Basically, we have had a little change," Setford told whufc.com.
"Mark is going to be first team manager and I will be his number two and also fill the role of Director of Football. The changes will enable me to take a step back, but Mark has far more experience of management than I do and can really push us on."
"We need to boost our squad with more quality and believe that Mark is the manager to bring better players to the club."
"He has won the division we are in before so we know we are getting a manager with good pedigree and a respected name in women's football."
The Ladies will be wanting to improve on this season's showing in the WPL Southern Division, where they eventually finished a somewhat disappointing 6th and missing out on a place in the new Women's Super Premier League.
There is good news already for the Irons, however, as former England goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne and forwards Becky Merritt (who recently won the Blowing Bubbles Ladies Goal of the Season Award for her strike against Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies) and Hannah Gowland committing themselves to the club for next season, as well as a large amount of interest from potential new players.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Friday, 24 May 2013
Hammers close in on Hunt as Reading release Ireland winger
West Ham could seal a move for Republic of Ireland international Noel Hunt in the next week after Reading director of football Nick Hammond confirmed to Sky Sports this afternoon that the winger would not be offered a new contract at the Madjeski Stadium following relegation from the Premier League.
Hunt was one of five Reading players not to have been offered fresh terms by the Berkshire club, and director of football Hammond said today: "every one of the plaeyrs leaving this summer has played a part in the club's recent success and on behalf of the club I would like to wish them well for the future. Both on and off the pitch they have contributed massively to the team and now they move on to the next stage of their careers."
The Hammers were linked with a move for the 30 year old last month, and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is a big fan of the powerful winger, who is a self-confessed Irons supporter.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Hunt was one of five Reading players not to have been offered fresh terms by the Berkshire club, and director of football Hammond said today: "every one of the plaeyrs leaving this summer has played a part in the club's recent success and on behalf of the club I would like to wish them well for the future. Both on and off the pitch they have contributed massively to the team and now they move on to the next stage of their careers."
The Hammers were linked with a move for the 30 year old last month, and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is a big fan of the powerful winger, who is a self-confessed Irons supporter.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
'Proud' Potts looking forward to England action: defender and West Ham teammate Hall called up to U20 World Cup squad
After a lack of West Ham players in Stuart Pearce’s England U21 squad may have come as a disappointment, Dan Potts and Rob Hall have both been named in Peter Taylor’s provision U20 squad for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup this summer.
Taylor has named the two Hammers in the 35 man squad, but this will be cut down to just 21 on June 7th, so the young pair will have to impress in the training camp.
For Potts, this was an added bonus after initially being included in the U19 team for the UEFA European U19 Championship Elite Qualifying Round, but he will now be trying to impress at the next level.
The 19 year old defender told whufc.com: "I'm pleased to have been called-up, definitely... I'm very proud. It's a great experience. International football is a different kind of football. There is a lot to take in and you are representing your country at the end of the day.
"As much as it being a proud honour, you want to do your best for your country and the main objective is to do well.
"At the end of the day, as a young footballer you want to be at the top and it doesn't get much better than representing your country, that's for sure."
Potts also reflected on his season with the West Ham U21s and the first team, and he is pleased with his progress this season.
He said: "Looking back, I've got some good memories. I've had some good results and some bad results but it's all experience and a learning curve, so I take nothing but positives from them."
He also described his personal highlight from the season, singling out the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the FA Cup.
On that match, he said: "It was definitely up there with my best individual performances. You've got to take into account I was playing against the future champions of England. It was a great experience and now I just want to push on into next year."
Meanwhile, Rob Hall’s England experience at U17 level will hold him in good stead for this new challenge. After an impressive season on loan with Bolton and Birmingham, he will be hoping for a bigger opportunity at international level.
The U20 World Cup will be held in Turkey from June 21st and England will face Iraq, Chile and Egypt in Group E.
By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter
@lucy_whufc
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