43 day's to go
Iron man: Duvan Zapata looks to be on his way to West Ham
West Ham close to signing Duvan Zapata to be Andy Carroll's new strike partner
West Ham have agreed a £6.7million fee to sign hot Colombian prospect Duvan Zapata.
The Hammers have met the $10m valuation of the striker's Argentinian club, Estudiantes, but now the 22-year-old needs to get a work permit.
The powerful 6ft 2in forward starred for Colombia U-20s as they won the Toulon Tournament in 2011 and has scored 14 goals in 23 games this season for Estudiantes.
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, strengthening a squad that finished 10 last season on their return to the top flight, sanctioned the bid after receiving rave reviews from scouts.
Big Sam hopes to unleash Zapata with new signing Andy Carroll, once the £15m England striker is fit after a heel injury.
West Ham are offering Zapata a four-year contract, with a two-year option, if they get a work permit later this month.
It would be a coup for the Londoners given Lyon of France, Portuguese pair Benfica and Porto and Italy's Udinese are all keen.
Zapata hopes to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Radamel Falcao, who moved from Argentina to Europe and became a goal-scoring superstar.
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Hot property: Duvan Zapata, right, is wanted by West Ham
Hammers go Colombian! Striker Zapata on Allardyce's wishlist for new season
West Ham have opened talks over a deal for Estudiantes striker Duvan Zapata.
The 22-year-old Colombian is valued at around £8m but Sam Allardyce is hoping to get a deal on reduced terms.
West Ham have already signed forward Andy Carroll from Liverpool for £15.5million this summer but have released striker Carlton Cole so will be looking to bolster their attacking options.
In addition to Carroll's arrival, Romania captain Razvan Rat has also signed on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 31-year-old full-back signed a one-year deal and has spent the last 10 years in Ukraine, winning 15 trophies in total and has 88 international caps.
Ready for action: Mark Noble is excited about West Ham's future after securing the Olympic Stadium
Steeped in history: West Ham will occupy this sporting cauldron in 2016
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what a very sad day it will be that will be my lot
Noble makes Hammers history as he becomes first player to kick a ball at Olympic Stadium
Mark Noble has made history by becoming the first West Ham player to kick a ball in their new home - the Olympic Stadium.
The English midfielder, brought up in Canning Town and with family roots steeped in Hammers history, is certain that for the club to become a top side they needed to move to Stratford from Upton Park.
West Ham will take control of the venue in 2016 and it will become a 54,000 all-seater stadium.
Noble, who regularly takes penalties, strode up to take the first spot kick in the stadium.
He said: 'It's a privilege to be the first West Ham player to kick a football inside the Olympic Stadium and as a lifelong West Ham fan it was great fun to film the video.
'Hopefully I will be one of those players walking out of the tunnel soaking in the atmosphere, with 54,000 West Ham flags and banners waving.
'The noise is going to be amazing and it's going to be a fantastic stadium to play in. 2016 just can't come quick enough.'
Ambrosini has opted for Fiorentina over West Ham
WEST HAM FAIL TO SIGN FORMER AC MILAN MIDFIELDER MASSIMO AMBROSINI
WEST HAM have been beaten by Fiorentina to the signing of former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini.
Birmingham's Ravel Morrison at the end of a game
Birmingham's Ravel Morrison celebrates a goal with the Nathan Redmond
Lee Clark's hopes of Ravel Morrison return are fading
Talented 20-year-old midfielder determined to force his way into the reckoning at Sam Allardyce’s West Ham United
Blues’ chances of securing Ravel Morrison on loan for another season are receding.
The midfielder is determined to force his way into the reckoning at Sam Allardyce’s West Ham United.
Morrison believes he is ready to step up into the Premier League after his campaign in the Championship at St Andrew’s.
Allardyce will assess the 20-year-old during the pre-season period before any decision on his future is made.
But Morrison is certain that his experience with Blues will stand him in good stead.
Lee Clark has gone on record stating he would like Morrison back.
He has maintained dialogue with Allardyce and the Hammers about the former Manchester United youngsters.
And if West Ham decide not to include him in their fold, then Blues will be at the head of the queue for his services.
Clark’s handling of Morrison last season was shrewd. He got the best out of such an enigmatic talent.
But he also administered tough love.
Morrison revealed he appreciated the approach, and the stint at Blues.
“It was really good. I think I needed the year out and I think it went well, because I enjoyed my year at Birmingham a lot,’’ he said.
“I missed West Ham a lot but it was still good in the Championship.
“It was different to the Premier League, obviously, but it was a good challenge.
“Lee Clark is a great manager and he helped me through a lot. He talked me through my rights and wrongs and he helped me through the season.”
Morrison added: “I probably enjoyed the game against Millwall the most, when we came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3. That was probably the best game because the whole team worked hard.
“I also scored a couple of good goals.”
West Ham United to play hard ball over Hall switch to Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers face a battle with West Ham United over the amount of compensation they will have to pay for youngster Rob Hall.
Hall turned down an offer from the Hammers, choosing instead to join Wanderers, the club he was on loan at last season.
It is now expected that the fee will be settled by a tribunal.
Wanderers boss Freedman appears unconcerned about the situation, choosing instead to concentrate on what Hall can bring to the party.
He told Bolton News: “I can see him developing into a fantastic player for this football club.
“Is he one for right now? Maybe not. He might prove me wrong on that front.
“But I believe with the tools he has, if he listens, he could prove to be a really exciting player.
“As a 19-year-old who wants to prove a point to people – I will sign them all day long if they have the tools, which he certainly has.
“I think he will be a fantastic buy in time.”
Viva Zapata!
There are reports this morning that West Ham have opened talks with Argentinian club, Estudiantes over a deal for the services of their striker Duvan Zapata. The 22-year-old Colombian international is officially valued at around £8m but West Ham are allegedly hoping to strike deal for a reduced fee of c.£6.5m. The deal would then ultimately be dependant upon the player being issued a work permit to play in England.
Could it be that West Ham have abandoned their attempts to sign Wilfred Bony or Demba Ba and struck out in an entirely different direction? If so, Zapata looks a good prospect, having scored 14 goals in 23 appearances in the Argentinian league and at 6 foot 2 inches he possesses the physical attributes to cover for Andy Carroll in a 4-3-3 (or 4-5-1 as some maintain!) formation, as well as the ability to also play alongside him in a 4-4-2.
Viva Zapata? Lets wait and see?
SJ. Chandos.
Chelsea's hopes of signing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 31, have been given a massive boost with the Spanish side interested in signing Real Sociedad player Asier Illarramendi, 23, as a replacement.
Daily Star
Everton and Tottenham look set to battle it out as they attempt to sign Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu, 19, on loan.
Independent
Hull manager Steve Bruce wants to sign 28-year-old South Africa striker Katlego Mphela - nicknamed Killer because of his lethal finishing - from Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Sun
West Ham have agreed a £6.7m fee to sign Colombian striker Duvan Zapata, 22, from Argentine club Estudiantes.
Daily Mirror
Napoli will move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, 27, if they miss out on top target Stevan Jovetic, of Fiorentina.
Daily Express
Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, 26, is in advanced talks over a move to Chelsea.
Daily Express
Queens Park Rangers are preparing a £4m offer for Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 25, who is also wanted by Norwich City.
The Sun
Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is ready to join the chase for Blackburn Rovers forward Jordan Rhodes, 23, after making a firm inquiry about the Scottish international.
Daily Telegraph
Manchester City are set for talks with Roma with a view to buying 27-year-old striker Pablo Osvaldo.
Manchester Evening News
Swansea City have stepped up their efforts to sign striker Wilfried Bony, 24, from Vitesse Arnhem with an improved £13.7m package.
Daily Mirror
Loic Remy, 26, could play for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship next season as other clubs show little interest in the France striker.
London Evening Standard
Spanish club Levante want to sign Arsenal's 29-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh.
Daily Mail
Manchester City's pre-season tour of South Africa could be thrown into chaos because of Nelson Mandela's continued ill health.
Daily Mirror
Chelsea defender John Terry, 32, has revealed how Roman Abramovich's arrival at Stamford Bridge left him fearing for his place in the side - but says the Russian's desire to win trophies has transformed the club.
Daily Mail
Everton's new assistant manager Graeme Jones believes Roberto Martinez faces a challenge to change the Toffees' style of play.
Sky Sports
The jacket of the ball boy "kicked" by Eden Hazard last season during Chelsea's League Cup semi-final clash with Swansea is being sold for charity.
Daily Mail
CARDIFF have pulled the plug on their bid to sign Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama.
City boss Malky Mackay decided the Kenyan is not worth Celtic’s £12million price and will now focus on his £8m move for Blackpool’s Tom Ince.
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has backed Cardiff’s £8.5m record signing Andreas Cornelius to be a Premier League hit.
Manchester United legend Solskjaer said: “He has the qualities to play at the top level.”
BOLTON will hand David Wheater, 26, a new deal to head off interest from his old club Middlebrough.
The Redcar defender fancies regular first-team football in the north.
LIVERPOOL’S hopes of landing top target Henrikh Mkhtaryan, 24, look set to be thwarted as German giants Borussia Dortmund are ready to pay £26million for the Armenian star.
LUKE MOORE may quit Swansea after being left out of their pre-season tour of Holland.
The striker, 27, interests Stoke, Hull and Crystal Palace.
Moore’s agent Peter Morrison said: “We’ve had enquiries from a number of clubs.”
EVERTON coach Alan Stubbs says the Toffees could send their youth stars to Sheffield United next season.
The League One side are bossed by ex-Evertonian David Weir. Stubbs said: “It will be a great experience for them.”
MILLWANK will step up their bid to sign Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow, 28, as Liam Trotter will miss the start of the season.
Lions midfield star Trotter has had knee surgery and could be sidelined for six weeks.
WATFORD are to secure the permanent signatures of four of last season’s loanees.
Marco Cassetti, Joel Ekstrand and Almen Abdi are set to join from Italians Udinese, along with Ikechi Anya from Granada.
CHELSEA confirmed the signing of Marco van Ginkel from Vitesse Arnhem for around £9million.
The 20-year-old Holland midfielder has penned a five-year deal with the Stamford Bridge club.
CHRIS SAMBA is rejoining Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala after six months at QPR.
The Hoops receive a club-record £12million fee for the Congo defender, 29. QPR said: “We wish Chris all the best.”
IPSWICH have launched a bid to sign Notts County goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski.
The 6ft 4in Pole, who turns 26 today, has also played for Southampton and Barnsley.
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kin hell over a hour and half to do who is going get ch a breakfast lol
