Thanks, Thanks Alan
Paper Talk
Manchester United are set to make a move for Barcelona forward Pedro, who has also been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Nicolas Otamendi was left out of Valencia's kit launch amid reports he will complete a move to Manchester United next week.
Sunderland are set to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to the signature of Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu.
Southampton are edging towards a deal with former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar after Lazio withdrew from a move for the Dutchman over medical concerns.
Manchester United are considering boosting their £150million forward line still further by bidding for Barcelona star Pedro.
Chelsea will go back to Everton with a £26million bid for England defender John Stones, as well as offering him the number six shirt.
Watford are in talks with AZ Alkmaar over a £3.25million move for winger Steven Berghuis.
Arsene Wenger hopes Yaya Sanogo can begin to flourish at Ajax under the tutelage of Gunners greats Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp.
Paul Pogba's agent claims the midfielder will join Barcelona if Joan Laporta wins the club's presidential election, which takes place on Friday.
Chelsea will table a new £25million offer for Everton defender John Stones.
Manchester United will battle with Chelsea to land Barcelona striker Pedro.
David de Gea is set to stay with Manchester United but only for one more season.
Bournemouth want to sign former England midfielder Scott Parker.
Robbie Brady's £7million Norwich move is on after he snubbed a new Hull deal.
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster fears he could miss all of this season as he overcomes an horrific knee injury.
Chelsea are still leading the race to sign Everton defender John Stones, but Manchester City and United are also monitoring the England youngster.
Fabian Delph's decision to join Manchester City has provoked anger from Aston Villa fans a week after he said he was committed to staying at the Midlands club.
Robbie Brady has turned down a new contract with Hull City and looks set to join Norwich City if the clubs can finally agree a fee.
Newcastle are set to miss out on Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after Porto matched their £12.5million offer.
West Brom are looking at Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry as a possible target for a season-long loan move.
Liverpool's move for Christian Benteke has been forced because boss Brendan Rodgers cannot rely on the fitness of star striker Daniel Sturridge.
QPR are set to sign Dutch midfielder Tjaronn Chery from FC Groningen.
Liverpool will put Christian Benteke through a medical on Monday.
As well as Porto, Chelsea are keeping an eye on Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as Jose Mourinho looks to add to his forward options.
Chelsea could be forced to groundshare at Wembley with Tottenham while their new stadiums are being developed.
Arsenal remain interested in Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, but are yet to submit an official offer for the French international.
Bournemouth have launched a £3.5million bid for Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray amid fears they will lose Callum Wilson.
Watford are closing in on the £3.5million capture of Dutch winger Steve Berghuis.
The Premier League will block any attempt by Tottenham to use Wembley and Milton Keynes while White Hart Lane is being redeveloped.
Chelsea are prepared to make Everton's John Stones the most expensive English defender in history by going beyond the £30million Manchester United paid Leeds for Rio Ferdinand.
BBC
Chelsea, who have had one £20m offer turned down, are set to make an improved bid for 21-year-old John Stones - but Everton are holding out for a British record fee for a defender. (Daily Mirror)
However, Everton have told Chelsea to forget about trying to sign former Barnsley player Stones after insisting he is not for sale. (Liverpool Echo)
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp says Stones should "stay put at Everton and keep on learning". (Kicca.com)
Manchester United are planning a £22m move for Barcelona forward Pedro, 27, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile, Manchester United target Nicolas Otamendi, 27, has told Valencia he wants his future sorted by the time pre-season begins on 27 July. (Independent)
Angry Aston Villa fans have made their feelings towards Fabian Delph known with a banner outside Villa Park after the 25-year-old midfielder changed his mind and signed for Manchester City. (Birmingham Mail)
Former Villa striker Stan Collymore has branded Delph's U-turn as an "absolute disgrace". (Talksport)
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 22, will ignore interest from Manchester City and join Barcelona - if Joan Laporta wins their presidential election on Saturday. (Sun - subscription required)
Arsenal's 65-year-old manager Arsene Wenger, who celebrates 19 years in charge in September, could be at the club for years to come, according to chief executive Ivan Gazidis. (The Straits Times)
Meanwhile, Wenger says he is surprised Manchester United let former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, 31, leave Old Trafford for Fenerbahce. (Telegraph)
It looks increasingly unlikely that 34-year-old Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso will sign a new Leicester City contract. (Leicester Mercury)
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has dismissed reports he will be signing defender Jonny Evans, 27, from Manchester United and has reiterated his desire to keep 24-year-old James McCarthy, who has attracted interest from Manchester City and Tottenham. (Daily Star)
Hull City winger Robbie Brady, 23, has turned down a new contract and is close to joining Norwich City for £7m. (Daily Mirror)
Sunderland, fresh from signing winger Jeremain Lens, 27, and defender Younes Kaboul, 29, are in the early stages of talks with their remaining transfer targets. (Sunderland Echo)
West Ham defender James Tomkins, 26, has urged the club's fans to be patient with new manager Slaven Bilic after some sections vented their frustration at the team during the Europa League win over Birkirkara. (London Evening Standard)
Frank Lampard's New York City debut will be delayed by another week with a calf injury suffered in training ruling the 37-year-old out of this week's clash with New England Revolution. (Daily Mail)
Bournemouth want to sign Fulham midfielder Scott Parker, 34 - the brother-in-law of Cherries midfielder Harry Arter, 25. (Sun - subscription required)
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, 37, has been offered a contract to play in Major League Soccer, but a Qatari club also want to sign him. (ESPN)
Blackpool's pre-season preparations are on the verge of collapsing, with Accrington Stanley considering cancelling their planned 31 July game because of policing costs after a recent abandonment. (Blackpool Gazette)
The owner of Israel's Beitar Jerusalem has announced he is selling up out of "shame" at fans' aggressive behaviour during a Europa League qualifying game in Belgium. (Guardian)
Best of social media
Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney might be thousands of miles away from home as his club continue their pre-season preparations in the United States. But the boxing fan still intends to watch Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg in action when they fight in Manchester later. "Good luck tomorrow to @ant_crolla and @scottquigg. Will be watching in Seattle. Come on lads," tweeted Rooney.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson congratulated James Milner on his first Reds goal. "Another good pre-season game for the team. Well done Milly on his first goal for Liverpool. Support was incredible once again," wrote the midfielder on Instagram following Liverpool's 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar.
Tottenham and England defender Kyle Walker has thanked former Spurs team-mate Younes Kaboul, who has joined Sunderland. "All the best @YounsKabs4, thanks for all the help and advice over the years. See you during the season," Walker tweeted.
Non-league Newcastle Town went ahead with a friendly against Crewe Alexandra on Friday despite a burglary at the club hours before the game. "Not the news we want to hear, but the club was broken into this morning. Things were smashed and stolen. Game is still going ahead tonight," the club tweeted.
And finally
Injuries have forced Championship club Cardiff City to call off Sunday's planned friendly at Haverfordwest leaving officials of the non-league side feeling "embarrassed". (Wales Online)
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure, 34, is struggling to get to grips with Australia's wildlife during the club's tour down under, telling staff: "I'm sorry, I can't do it," when offered a chance to hold a koala bear. (Liverpool Echo)
The Charlton Athletic Supporters' Trust
West Ham and the Olympic Stadium
By Alexandra Clarke
As many of you will be aware, the Trust has a major project underway to seek a review of the terms of West Ham’s rental agreement for the Olympic Stadium. We won’t repeat the detail of our position, which was set out in our article here on 24 April. But, since we’ve seen a welcome increase in media coverage in the last couple of weeks, we thought you might like a round up of this coverage, and other interesting facts which we have unearthed recently; and an idea of what to expect from us in the weeks ahead.
Last week in the Guardian, their reporter Owen Gibson – with whom we are in close contact – reported that the total cost of the Stadium has risen to £701m, of which £272m is now the bill just for converting it for West Ham’s use.
Then the BBC’s Dan Roan chipped in with a useful summary of the sorry story so far, followed by coverage of Barry Hearn’s comments that the details of the deal should be made public.
We of course agree with Hearn’s comments, because we are still fighting to have the full contract released under Freedom of Information law. The Information Commissioner is still in discussion with the London Legacy Development Corporation about our complaint that the LLDC have failed to comply with the law; they had sent us a copy of the contract which is a sea of black ink, a document redacted to within an inch of its life.
Finally today, the issue reached the House of Commons. John Whittingdale’s excuse for not releasing the contract details is wholly inadequate, but the issue was discussed. It was a breakthrough moment for our campaign.
Freedom of Information is our friend
Careful perusal of the contract document, in between the black ink, revealed that West Ham’s rental is an “all-in” deal. Costs which a club like Charlton have to meet are included in the already derisory rental. West Ham do not pay extra for:
- utilities
- costs related to the pitch, both capital and maintenance (a spanking new pitch is being provided for West Ham, free of charge. Compare that to the £1m that Roland Duchatelet had to invest to make our pitch playable)
- operational and admin staff
- match day staff including ticket office, catering and stewarding
Basically, West Ham just print the tickets, turn up, play, and bank the money. And that means a lot of current Upton Park staff will lose their jobs. This all happens because there is another private company involved: E20 Stadium LLP. This company rents the stadium from LLDC, and then sub-lets it to West Ham, and to others who wish to use the stadium. The architect Steve Lawrence, one of our allies, used FOI law to obtain the contract between LLDC and E20 Stadium. But of course, the most important detail, the rent E20 pay, was redacted. Steve Lawrence assumes it is a peppercorn rent, so that E20 can still make money on the derisory rent West Ham pay.
Meanwhile our friends at Orient have concentrated on monitoring and lobbying local politicians. Partly as a result of their efforts, questions were asked of the Mayor’s office at Question Time on 21 May. Although the questions are fairly bland, they revealed an important nugget of information. In an answer to Jenny Jones the Mayor listed the sources of funding for the Stadium transformation. Newham Council’s contribution was given as £45m. That’s a £5m increase on all previously quoted figures. Of course we know that the costs keep increasing and everyone has to chip in to ensure West ham will be comfortable, but £5m is a lot of money for Newham borough, the poorest in the capital. Have its citizens agreed to cough up more, or is the figure a product of Boris’s cavalier approach to trifling details? Well there is a way to find out – via Freedom of Information. We have asked Newham to explain themselves, and you can track their answer here.
We have also asked the LLDC under FOI law to inform us which contracts for the Stadium rebuild still have not been signed; we‘ve done this because “contracts still outstanding” are one of the excuses used by the LLDC not to release the rental contract. It seems odd that a major contract still hasn’t been signed when the Stadium will already be partly in use later this year.
What next?
We expect further developments between now and the beginning of the new season which will result in more media coverage. If the Information Commissioner insists on fuller disclosure of the rental contract, this will be scrutinized by the media. There are other media interested in the issue whom we believe may show their hand soon. The importance of such coverage is that it shows politicians that the issue is not a narrow pre-occupation of fans of one club. It is matter of importance to taxpayers throughout the country, and to clubs in the EU. When politicians realise this, there is a real chance they will decide to do something about it. We saw the first signs in the House of Commons today.
You can help us. Please join us, or renew your membership and encourage friends and family to do so too. You can also very easily write to John Whittingdale and express your concerns as a taxpayer. This website makes it very easy to do.
Enjoy the summer, but keep an eye on our website. There is more to come on this story!
West Ham and the Olympic Stadium – the heat is turned up
ESPN
West Ham need striker reinforcements to manage multiple competitions
By Peter Thorne
West Ham's turgid and unconvincing 1-0 win over Maltese side Birkirkara in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday sounded an early warning to new boss Slaven Bilic.
With only James Tomkins' late winner to show for an evening of dominating possession, the board will now surely increase their attempt to sign QPR's Charlie Austin. On this showing, West Ham will struggle in Europe and the Premier League if they are forced to play without either Diafra Sakho or Andy Carroll. In a night that mirrored last season's post-Christmas form, the Hammers looked solid defensively but lacked the creativity needed to break down a stubborn defence.
With new players like Dimitri Payet still to make their debut for the club, it's hardly necessary to press a panic button yet. But there are clear signs already that the Hammers are still unable to convert the chances that come their way and it's a pattern that seems ominously similar to the latter half of last season.
The irony of course is that last season's problems in front of goal were largely put down to the tactics of Sam Allardyce. The former manager often bemoaned the lack of a striker to convert the chances that were created, but Sam's insistence on relying on the often injured Andy Carroll and the labouring Kevin Nolan were seen as a shortcoming in his managerial style.
West Ham's close win over BirkirKara on Thursday was concerning because it was eerily similar to the style that former manager Sam Allardyce employed.
Bilic is seen by fans as a new broom to sweep out the negativity, but the team that took the field against Birkikara looked every inch like an Allardyce selection and the result was depressingly familiar. A second-half pass back to goalkeeper Adrian from the half-way line was even greeted by boos; the former manager will undoubtedly stifle a smile
It's always a moot point as to when some early season signs of weakness become a crisis issue later on. Supporters tend to only remember when their initial concerns were later found to be right and there's still plenty of time in the transfer window to sort things out. Also, European matches though they may be, these qualifying games are still very much pre-season affairs and team selections may not always be the best available. Nevertheless, the closer the season gets, the more difficult it usually becomes to get the top targets in and there's already a suggestion that Bilic would dearly love to introduce another forward to his European campaign.
As far as the Birkirkara tie goes, the manager is unlikely to worry too much for the second leg next week. The Maltese side barely worried the Hammers defence and with Birkirkara needing to attack at home, that should mean more room to exploit the opposition. The owners would dearly like the lucrative option of the Europa group stage though, and that hope becomes more difficult while the striker issue continues. However, a recent transfer deal may help in recruiting a forward to the side.
Stewart Downing's transfer to his home club Middlesbrough is something of a surprise all around. Many fans at both West Ham and his former club Liverpool believe that Downing is a paradox; often drifting out of games and only looking good in patches.
Although he showed the best form of his life at the head of a diamond formation last season, Downing suddenly looked lost when asked to play his natural position out wide. Although it was never spoken about publicly, you sensed Allardyce's frustration. When news broke that the player might be moving back to his home town in the North-East, it was assumed that Bilic had similar reservations.
Interestingly though, the new boss has been quoted as saying that he wanted to work with Downing and was disappointed at him leaving. While playing for your hometown club is always a lure for any player, it seems surprising that the winger was keen to return at such a time when factoring in that his new club is in the English Championship. Considering his Hammers performances earned him an England recall last November, Downing's decision feels like that of a man coming to the end of his career. Odd for a player who is only 30-years-old.
Undoubtedly, Downing may feel vindicated if he is able to help Middlesbrough back to the Premier League and it's been reported that the Hammers fee will rise by some £1.5m if that happens. Nevertheless, some supporters are seeing Downing's decision to drop down to the Championship and turn his back on potential England caps as an indicator that the player is something of an enigma who has never really settled anywhere.
Regardless of the sale, West Ham do seem to have adequate cover in midfield though, so don't be surprised if Bilic uses the £5 million from Boro toward trying to push through a deal on a striker. Money invested in a forward now may well pay dividends later in the season.
Peter Thorne is the author of a regular column at the East London Guardian.
HITC
Italian press: West Ham pursue Andrea Ranocchia, Crystal Palace also make enquiry
Crystal Palace and West Ham are reportedly interested in Italian defender Andrea Ranocchia.
Olly Dawes
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are both interested in signing Inter Milan centre back Andrea Ranocchia.
Ranocchia, 27, has been a regular for Inter over the last five years, racking up over 150 appearances for the Italian giants in the process.
However, Roberto Mancini's men have now snapped up two centre backs this summer, bringing in Jeison Murillo and Miranda from Granada and Atletico Madrid respectively, pushing Ranocchia down the pecking order at the San Siro.
Subsequently, Ranocchia could leave this summer - and TMW report that both Crystal Palace and West Ham have made contact with Inter over a potential move for the centre back.
An Italian international with 20 caps to his name, Ranocchia has plenty of pedigree - whilst also possessing great size and aerial ability.
West Ham move looks unlikely
West Ham are certainly splashing the cash this summer, and have signed two Serie A stars already in Angelo Ogbonna and Pedro Obiang, meaning the Hammers could well look to Italian football for reinforcements again.
However, having already landed Ogbonna to partner Winston Reid, it seems unlikely that West Ham would splash out for another centre back, especially with James Tomkins, James Collins and Reece Burke also in contention.
A move to Palace is far more plausible, given that Alan Pardew may seek a long-term partner for Scott Dann in the heart of his defence - and having snapped up Yohan Cabaye already this summer, the Eagles may be ready to open their wallet again for Rannocchia.
OS
Preview - Southend United
The Background
West Ham United’s busy pre-season continues with their second game in less than 48 hours with a trip to newly promoted Southend United.
The Shrimpers, under the stewardship of experienced manager Phil Brown, gained promotion back to League One via a sudden-death penalty shootout at Wembley in May.
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic is set to name a squad mixed of new arrivals and highly rated youth prospects.
Both Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna are in line to make their Claret and Blue debuts, while Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, who missed Thursday night’s victory over Birkirkara FC through suspension, will both return to action.
The history
Southend United were formed in May 1906, before joining the Football League in 1920. The Essex club have competed mainly in the lower leagues of English football, however they have enjoyed recent success winning the Football League Trophy in 2012-13 before winning promotion back to League One last season.
The Shrimpers play at Roots Hall Stadium, which has a capacity of just over 12,000 seats.
Team news
Southend United
Saturday’s hosts have a near to full squad available. Captain John White and David Worrall are both expected to feature as is highly rated goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.
New signings David Mooney and Anthony Wordsworth will want to make a good impression in front of their new home fans.
West Ham United
As the Hammers prepare for the second out of four games in a week, including an imminent trip to Malta, Slaven Bilic will have to reshuffle his pack.
French international Dimitri Payet is in line to make his Hammers debut after completing a summer move from Marseille. A lot has been made of the creative midfielder’s vision and technical ability, so fans of both teams will be eagerly watching his every move.
Similarly Angelo Ogbonna is likely to get some minutes as the Italian regains match fitness ahead of his first season in the Premier League.
Out of the youngsters available, Bilic could use Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen, Lewis Page, Djair Parfitt-Williams and Amos Nasha, all of whom made their senior competitive debuts against FC Lusitans.
The Hammers will be without Andy Carroll who is recovering from injury, while Carl Jenkinson is still away and Enner Valencia only returned from holiday this week following his participation in the Copa America.
Match facts
• The last time these two teams played competitively was back in August 2004 in the League Cup. West Ham ran out 2-0 winners at the Boleyn thanks to a brace by Marlon Harewood. That game featured a very young Mark Noble.
• Southend were victorious the last time the two sides met at Roots Hall. Just the one goal was enough to separate the sides in the old Division One way back in the spring of 1993.
• Despite their relatively close vicinity, the two teams have only played each other seven times competitively.
• Since his appointment as West Ham United manager, Slaven Bilic’s men are unbeaten in four games, scoring eight goals.
Tickets, Travel, Weather & TV Coverage
• Tickets purchased on matchday are priced at £12 Adults and £6 for Over-65 and Under-21s.
• whufc.com will carry live updates throughout the match, with live text commentary, photos, stats and reaction. The Club's official Twitter feed will also have updates.
• At present, a good service is also anticipated on Greater Anglia and c2c services out of Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street respectively. A regular service will run throughout the day.
• A cloudy day with sunny intervals are expected around time of kick-off, with temperatures of 16C/61F.
