WHO Poll
Q: 2023/24 Hopes & aspirations for this season
a. As Champions of Europe there's no reason we shouldn't be pushing for a top 7 spot & a run in the Cups
24%
  
b. Last season was a trophy winning one and there's only one way to go after that, I expect a dull mid table bore fest of a season
17%
  
c. Buy some f***ing players or we're in a battle to stay up & that's as good as it gets
18%
  
d. Moyes out
37%
  
e. New season you say, woohoo time to get the new kit and wear it it to the pub for all the big games, the wags down there call me Mr West Ham
3%
  



Alan 11:41 Sat Jun 15
Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
BBC

Derby manager Frank Lampard will be appointed the new Chelsea boss after Maurizio Sarri rejected a late plea to stay. Lampard wants former Blues team-mate Didier Drogba as part of his backroom staff, but not John Terry. (Sun)

Manchester United's France international Paul Pogba, 26, insists he wants to leave the club for Real Madrid. (Marca)

Crystal Palace's £50m-rated England Under-21 defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 21, would favour a move to Manchester United, but is not pushing to leave the Eagles. (Sky Sports)

Tottenham have ruled out a move for Sporting Lisbon's Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 24, who has been linked with Manchester United. (Mail)

Manchester United believe they can win the race to sign Leicester defender Harry Maguire because of Manchester City's reluctance to pay in excess of £80m for the 26-year-old England international. (Mail)

Chelsea's Brazil midfielder Willian, 30, is on the brink of signing a two-year deal to stay at Stamford Bridge. (Sun)

Manchester United are ready to make David de Gea, 28, an improved offer in a bid to keep him at Old Trafford beyond June 2020. (ESPN)

Arsenal are keen to sell 30-year-old German midfielder Mezut Ozil to fund other summer transfer targets. (Mirror)

Ajax will seek just over £30m for their Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech this summer. The 26-year-old has been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal. (Mirror)

Manchester United are favourites to sign Argentina international Giovani Lo Celso, 23, but Real Betis have put a £67m asking price on their midfielder, who has also been linked with Tottenham. (inews)

Liverpool have made an offer for Lille's Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe, 24. (Le10 Sport, via Daily Express)

And Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is willing to sell Egypt striker Mohamed Salah, 27, if Pepe comes to Anfield. (Le10 Sport - in French)

Fulham's Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been linked with West Ham, is on the verge of a move to Real Betis. (Star)

Liverpool and Croatia defender Dejan Lovren, 29, could be set for a move to AC Milan with his agent flying to meet with the Serie A side. (Star)

Arsenal are planning to offer Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 29, a huge new contract as they aim to ward off interest from the Chinese Super League. (Mirror)

Leeds will reject any interest from Tottenham in 18-year-old forward Jack Clarke and from Aston Villa for 23-year-old midfielder Kalvin Phillips. (Star)

The brother and agent of former Chelsea forward Gonzalo Higuain has appeared to end speculation linking the former Argentina international with a move to Roma by saying the 31-year-old wants to end his career at Juventus. (Mirror)

Lazio have valued Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha at 50m euros (£44.5m) The 24-year-old has been linked with both Arsenal and Tottenham. (Il Messaggero, via Football.London)

New Roma manager Paulo Fonseca is considering a bid for Manchester United's Brazil midfielder Fred, 26, this summer. (Metro)

England defender Kyle Walker is set to sign a new two-year contract extension at Manchester City. (Manchester Evening News)

Manchester United are convinced Sean Longstaff wants a move to Old Trafford - despite the 21-year-old midfielder publicly declaring his commitment to Newcastle. (London Evening Standard)

United want the English youngster in time for him to join the squad on their pre-season tour to Australia on July 7. (Star)

Brighton are in talks with Genk over a deal for the Belgian club's captain and winger Leandro Trossard, 24. (Sky Sports)

River Plate midfielder Santiago Sosa, 20, linked with a £13 move to Everton, could be granted an EU passport through his European ancestry, which would increase his chances of a move to the Premier League this summer. (Liverpool Echo)

Arsenal are preparing an offer for highly-rated Flamengo midfielder Reinier Jesus, 17, a Brazil Under-17 international. (Tuttomercatoweb, via Talksport)

Coventry are keen to sign Wolves striker Bright Enobakhare on a permanent basis, having had the 21-year-old Nigerian on loan last season, but the Premier League club are not expected to sell this summer. (Express and Star)

Former Arsenal midfielder Edu, 41, currently the national team co-ordinator at the Brazilian football federation, is on the brink of a return to the club as technical director. (Football.London)

Leicester are yet to agree a fee with Luton for defender James Justin, 21, but remain confident of striking a deal for the 21-year-old. (Leicester Mercury)

Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt's girlfriend and her mother have been spotted searching for property in Paris. The 19-year-old Netherlands international has been linked with Paris St-Germain. (De Telegraaf, via AS)

Newcastle's Spanish midfielder Ayoze Perez, 25, has urged the club's hierarchy to allow the Magpies to fulfil their potential and "play for something bigger" in the future. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Tottenham are spending £1m on upgrading their players' lounge at the new stadium - only two months after opening. (Sun)






West Ham United approach talented Turkish sensation: SWOT analysis

West Ham United have been linked with a move for VfB Stuttgart defender Ozan Kabak, as per reports.



The Hammers have made contact with the 19-year-old, who has also attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.

The former Galatasaray centre-back scored 3 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions during his six months period with the Bundesliga side, but his impressive performances weren’t enough to save the team from relegation.

What would Kabak bring to the table? Here is a detailed SWOT analysis of the Stuttgart centre-back.

Strengths

Kabak is a versatile player who predominantly features in the centre-back position but can also be used in a defensive midfield role because of his technical ability, and composure on the ball.

The Turkish defender, who stands in at 6ft 1in, possesses a strong tackling prowess and is hard to beat in an aerial duel.

His anticipation and reading of the game, especially in one on one situations, is unparalleled, and he will only get better considering he is just 19 years of age.

Weaknesses

The Turkish International doesn’t boast any significant weakness, but he is far from perfect seeing his inexperience at the bigger stage. His pace and decision-making are worries, but the latter will get better with time.

Opportunities

Manuel Pellegrini likes to play a possession-based attacking style of football. Kabak is known for being involved in the build-up play, thanks to his tremendous passing and solid distribution skills, which makes him a perfect fit for the system Pellegrini is trying to implement at the London Stadium.

Threats

The Turkish defender is fairly young and the expectations in the English top-flight can often get the better of young talents.

Kabak has only played half a season in one of the top five leagues in Europe which could be too small a sample size to calculate the chances of the teenager’s success in the English top-flight.

He is also unlikely to get a string of games, so he will have to make the most out of the handful of chances he gets, so the margin for failure will be very thin




The Footy Blog

Profiling West Ham United New Boy Pablo Fornals

West Ham United have announced the signing of twenty-three year old Spaniard Pablo Fornals from Villarreal.

The BBC have stated that The Hammers have tied the player down to a five year deal and will pay an initial £24m for Fornals.

The player himself told the club’s website that he was happy to be doing the Premier League outfit:

“I feel very good, very happy, and very grateful for the opportunity and to be part of West Ham,”

So what should the West Ham faithful expect from their latest signing?

Well Pablo is a creative playmaker who can play as a number ten, as a central midfielder or on either wing. I think he’s best suited as an attacking central midfielder and was at his most influential in that position for Villarreal.

West Ham played in a 4-2-3-1 formation ten times in the league in manager Manuel Pellegrini’s debut season, that could become the norm now the Chilean has Fornals in his squad.

He’s a player that has a keen eye for a key pass and can usually spot a great through ball into the forwards. Fornals also possesses good close control and isn’t scared to dribble the ball through the opposition’s half. The Spaniard is also able to keep calm in high pressured situations and has the ability to keep the ball in those tough areas too. He is an intelligent star who uses that intelligence to create for teammates.

I have no doubts that the younger attacking threat would’ve learned a lot from spending the past twelve months playing alongside Santi Cazorla and that should help him as he gets ready for life in England.

Even though he has a flamboyant and creative side, the Spanish international isn’t scared of tracking back and will work hard for his team. He possesses a durability that could be important in the Premier League.

According to Whoscored, only two players created more chances than Pablo’s twenty-six in last season’s Europa League.

The youngster played in fifty games for his club side during the last campaign, scoring five and creating six assists. He also made two appearances for the Spanish national side.

There could be a question mark about his physical style as he’s a bit slight but the English top flight is becoming more continental in style and the rough and tumble hasn’t hampered the likes of David Silva or Bernardo Silva.

Personally I think West Ham United have signed a possible gem in Pablo Fornals. If the playmaker is allowed to flourish in the number ten role then he can make the Hammers more fluid in attack and get the ball into the final third in a much quicker fashion, that will certainly suit Pellegrini’s style.

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In case like me you hadn't seen this new Youtube of Fornals:-

Almost Payetetesque



Cittaceleste

Lazio market, West Ham thinks of Immobile

ROME - West Ham is looking for a striker, a bomber that guarantees double figures. Pellegrini's team has missed a footballer with the characteristics of a finalizer. The Hammers are thinking of Lazio's Ciro Immobile.

Obviously from Lazio if the news were confirmed, a No No would come. Property for the Lazio region is non-transferable, Inzaghi's team is built on him and is at the center of the Lazio technical project. Ciro does not move!




Calciomercato

Atalanta, Percassi warns West Ham and Napoli about Zapata's future

Atalanta President Antonio Percassi spoke to media after Atalanta Primavera 1-0 win against Inter last night. Reporters of Calciomercato.com did also attend the game and asked some questions to Percassi about the transfer strategies of La Dea: "We want to confirm the best players. They are all very good and it's hard to say who will stay and who will go. If there will be offers that we can't refuse we'll have to look for replacements. We hope to do well, we want to sign 4-5 reinforcements. The Champions League is a big motivation. Petagna? He is a good player, I wish him a bright future".

ZAPATA - The Colombian striker, a transfer target of West Ham and Napoli is also one of the hottest names of the summer: "For now he is untouchable", Percassi said.




HITC

West Ham fans react to links with AC Milan winger Suso

Antony Martin

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing the Spanish ace.



West Ham are interested in signing AC Milan winger Suso, according to Italian media outlet Calcio Mercato, and some Hammers fans took to Twitter in reaction to the speculation.

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini seems as though he means business this summer, having already signed Pablo Fornals from Villarreal, and many will be expecting them to make a push for the top seven this season.

Despite having plenty of attacking options, it could be argued that West Ham need another top class winger, and Suso could be just the ticket for the east London outfit.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a decent campaign with Milan last season, racking up eight goals and nine assists in 41 appearances in all competitions, and he would be a decent acquisition for the Hammers.

Suso, who has four international caps for Spain to his name, has a £35 million release clause inserted into his current contract with Milan, according to the Mirror, and that might just represent decent value for money for West Ham.




Sky Sports

West Ham make £13m move for Eibar midfielder Joan Jordan

West Ham have launced a £13m bid for Eibar defensive midfielder Joan Jordan, Sky Sports News understands.

24-year-old Jordan has made 75 appearances for the La Liga club across two seasons, having begun his career with Espanyol.

The Hammers are targeting him for competition in midfield and he could be one of as many as four players to join from Spain this summer.

Having already completed the signings of Pablo Fornals for £25m from Villarreal and Espanyol goalkeeper Roberto on a free transfer, the East London club are set to move forward with a deal for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez after seeing a £29m offer accepted.

Valencia are also understood to have had the same offer accepted by their La Liga rivals, which includes add-ons.

The 22-year-old has been a target for the Hammers since last summer. Extensive talks were also held in January but the Spanish club wanted his £43.3m release clause met.

West Ham have also been bidding for Lorient and France U20 forward Alexis Claude-Maurice and held talks over a potential deal for Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson.

They had been bidding for Barcelona's Andre Gomes, but he is understood to prefer a move back to Everton, while the Hammers are also one of the clubs keen on a permanent deal for Nathaniel Clyne.


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Replies - Newest Posts First (Show In Chronological Order)

Sarge 12:07 Sun Jun 16
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Thanks Alan.

Welcome back.

The world is back on its axis.......... 😁

Mex Martillo 8:14 Sun Jun 16
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Also missed your newspapers (includes West Ham)
Thanks Alan

The Fonz 5:27 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Hardly comment on your newspaper post but I read them everyday.

Thanks Alan and I hope you had a good break.

thecockneyboy 4:47 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Good to have you back fella, I've missed the paper round up 👍🏻

Texas Iron 1:42 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Cheers...

Alwaysaniron 1:32 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Phew! Welcome back Al. Next time you’ll have to get a majority vote from the regulars before going (sick/ on holiday / or just plain lazy).

Thanks

Percy Dalton 1:27 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Thanks Alan and welcome back.

Alan 1:24 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Suso story added.

Crassus 1:04 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
'characteristics of a finalizer'

That made me snigger, would not say no to him and his finalizing - top player

Cicero 12:34 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Thanks, Alan.

Alan 12:30 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Thanks chaps. Yes indeed, a good break in the Lake District.

Immobile story added.

Far Cough 12:18 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
That very first goal Rabona, Payetesque indeed

Welcome back Alan, hope yer holiday went well ? :-)

Takashi Miike 12:12 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
thanks alan. fornals looks great, superb vision and touch

Mr. Burns 11:56 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Good to have you back Al.

Crassus 11:55 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Thanks Alan
trust that you had a good break, good to see you back and on top reporting form again

philj904 11:52 Sat Jun 15
Re: Saturday newspapers (includes West Ham)
Thanks Alan





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