Tuesday's gossip includes west ham

[cockney hammer]

inside futbol

AC Milan tracking West Ham Duo

Tuesday 25th Aug


According to France Football AC Milan are considering a move for West Ham’s French winger Julien Faubert. The San Siro club are thinking of offering Massimo Oddo in exchange for Faubert and believe the Premier League club may be open to that deal. Oddo spent last season on loan with Bayern Munich and is clearly available. The 33 year-old defender has 34 international caps for his country.


The report also states that Milan are interested in Faubert’s team-mate Valon Behrami. The Serie A side are well aware of Behrami’s capabilities after observing him playing for both Lazio and Genoa in Italian football. At the moment however Faubert seems more of a priority for coach Leonardo especially as the deal could prove inexpensive.

jndependant

West Ham step up pursuit of Marouane Chamakh and Alessandro Diamanti
West Ham United have stepped up their efforts to sign two strikers before the transfer window closes.





A £7 million deal to secure Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh is already in place and on Monday West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury travelled to Italy to conduct negotiations over a deal for Livorno's highly-rated Alessandro Diamanti.

Duxbury flew to Italy at the invitation of Livorno president Aldo Spinelli which has encouraged West Ham – who have been chasing Diamanti for some time – that a deal can finally be struck. The Serie A side rate Diamanti, who has been identified by West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola as one of the most exciting talents in Italy, at £7 million but he could initially move to east London on loan.

So far, so good. However there are major snags for West Ham to overcome if they are to sign one or, ideally, both of their main targets. The club need to sell before they can buy which has presented Zola with, potentially, some difficult decisions to make.

West Ham are desperately short of strikers – as the manager openly admitted after Sunday's 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur – while the new non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt made clear, again, in his programme notes that there will not be a fresh injection of cash from CB Holdings, the company that now runs the club following the financial collapse of the former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

Zola spoke candidly about how he has eight defenders at his disposal at present but, in Carlton Cole, just one senior striker. A deal to offload James Collins to Stoke City for £5 million collapsed last week, after the defender failed to agree terms for his departure, while there is also fresh interest in Matthew Upson who West Ham have rated at £15 million.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was at Upton Park to run the rule over both players and held talks after the match with West Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani. No bid has yet been submitted by O'Neill, who is also considering other options, such as Wigan Athletic's Paul Scharner and Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin, but a dialogue has now been opened.

Similarly Everton are believed to have expressed an interest in signing either Upson or Collins in the wake of their deal allowing Joleon Lescott finally to move to Manchester City. Again, Everton manager David Moyes is considering other targets and they include David Wheater – who Middlesbrough don't want to sell although they would part with Robert Huth – and Bolton Wanderers's Gary Cahill.

West Ham were in talks to sell Upson to Liverpool for £15 million but that deal collapsed after the Merseyside club's bankers refused to sanction such expenditure. It was a significant reason for Rafael Benitez's frustration last week and Liverpool have since signed Sotiris Kyrgiakos for just £2 million.

Selling Upson is by no means certain, although if West Ham could get the fee they want it means they could buy both Chamakh and Diamanti. Even if a deal is agreed the final decision rests with Zola.

However Zola may be tempted to cash in on the 30 year-old former Arsenal defender, who has just two years left on his contract and is resisting attempts to negotiate an extension, if it means he can spend elsewhere. If West Ham could have sold Dean Ashton, Luis Boa Morte and Calum Davenport this summer, as it is understood they had hoped to do, the situation would have been different. West Ham fiercely reject suggestions that other players are for sale.

The dilemma for Zola is that if West Ham cannot sell Upson or, as is more likely, Collins, he may miss out on his strikers. He's unlikely to sell both. In the meantime West Ham will carry on negotiating for Diamanti even though Livorno's director of sport Nelso Ricci claimed that he expected the 26 year-old, who has also interested Parma, to be offered a new contract. It could be that if West Ham fail to raise the funds to buy Diamanti they will try and take him on loan with a view to a permanent deal, similar to the one they negotiated with Inter Milan for Luis Jiménez.

West Ham have no intention of selling Julien Faubert, who is understood to be wanted by AC Milan, who are considering offering Massimo Oddo in exchange, while the club are not interested in Lazio striker Goran Pandev.

West Ham defender Calum Davenport’s career could be under threat after he was allegedly stabbed in both legs, a court heard on Monday. The 26 year-old, who was reportedly on the verge of a move to Peterborough, is in a stable condition in intensive care after being attacked at his mother’s home on Saturday. Worrell Whitehurst, 25, his sister’s boyfriend, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

Robert Huth and Sylvain Distin are being lined up as Joleon Lescott's replacement at Everton, while West Ham are chasing Alessandro Diamanti.

DAILY MIRROR

Manchester United star Anderson has been told he can leave Old Trafford after a furious bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester City insist Joleon Lescott represents "good value" after splashing out £24million on the Everton defender.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has flown out to Italy to complete a deal for Livorno striker Alessandro Diamanti.

Atletico Madrid want to land Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique in a cut-price £3million deal.

Everton boss David Moyes has placed Middlesbrough's Robert Huth at the top of his shopping list as he looks for a replacement for Joleon Lescott.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has made a £2million move for Le Mans centre-half Gregory Cerdan.

DAILY EXPRESS

Joleon Lescott is finally on the verge of making a £24million switch to Manchester City after completing a medical.

Carson Yeung has promised to splash £5million of his own money on players for Birmingham.

Roy Hodgson will go in for another centre back before the transfer window closes, with Philippe Senderos a target.

David Moyes has swiftly moved to finalise a deal for Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin to replace Joleon Lescott at Everton.

DAILY MAIL

Nemanja Vidic has assured Sir Alex Ferguson he has no plans to leave Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger is ready to step up his pursuit of St-Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

Manchester City have signed Brazilian defender Sylvinho on a one-year contract.

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy is a target for Ajax.

Sol Campbell has turned down Premier League clubs to join Sven Goran Eriksson's Notts County revolution as a player-coach.

Tottenham are giving a week's trail to Honduras defender Osman Chavez.

West Ham defender Jack Collison is dealing with the devastating news that his father died in a motorcycle accident on the way to watch him play against Tottenham on Sunday.

THE SUN

Portsmouth boss Paul Hart has finally broken his transfer duck by signing Aruna Dindane for £4million from Lens.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Benfica's talented trio Angel Di Maria, David Luiz and Fabio Coentrao.

Bolton boss Gary Megson will step up his chase for Leeds hitman Jermaine Beckford.

DAILY STAR

The Joleon Lescott transfer saga hit an 11th-hour snag on Monday night - leaving Manchester City embarrassed and Everton furious.

Mike Ashley has been accused of misleading Newcastle supporters and blatant delaying tactics after the latest false dawn in his botched sale bid.

DAILY RECORD

Abou Diaby has dismissed Celtic's Champions League hopes and revealed cocky Arsenal are already talking about winning Europe's greatest prize.

Mark McGhee admitted sacking his pal Jim Leighton as Aberdeen's goalkeeping coach was the toughest decision of his managerial career.

Frustrated Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo has emerged as a shock candidate for the manager's job at German outfit Hannover.



Bolton Wanderers have offered £6.9m for Real Betis' 27-year-old Cameroon midfielder Achille Emana. (Spanish newspaper AS)

Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi says he is confident coach Peter Reid will not quit, despite reports linking Reid with the assistant manager's job at Stoke City. (Bangkok Post)



Brazilian midfielder Anderson has been told he can leave Manchester United after reacting badly to being omitted from the starting line-up for the Community Shield defeat by Chelsea.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal have made a fresh move for St Etienne's Blaise Matuidi, although the French side want £6m for the midfielder.
Daily Mirror

Manchester City have completed the £24m signing of England defender Joleon Lescott from Everton.
The Sun

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Benfica's talented trio - Angel di Maria, who plays in midfield, defender David Luiz and winger Fabio Coentrao.
The Sun

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has flown out to Italy to complete the signing of Livorno striker Alessandro Diamanti.
Daily Mirror

Burnley manager Owen Coyle is trying to tempt Tottenham into selling £1m-rated goalkeeper Ben Alnwick.
The Sun

Everton are preparing a £5m bid for Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth. They may be put off bidding for Bolton's Gary Cahill (£10m) and Stoke's Ryan Shawcross (£12m) as their clubs will hold out for big sums.
Daily Mirror

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has made a £2m move for Le Mans centre-back Gregory Cerdan, 27, as well as making a £3m bid for Almeria's Nigerian striker Kala Uche.
Daily Mirror

Hodgson faces competition from Blackburn for Cerdan - Rovers boss Sam Allardyce will make his move after selling defender Stephen Warnock to Aston Villa.
Daily Mail

Everton are closing in on a season-long loan deal for Valencia's Argentine midfielder Ever Banega.
The Independent

Bolton boss Gary Megson will step up his chase for Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford.
The Sun

Portsmouth boss Paul Hart has finally signed a player - Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane has joined the south-coast club from French side Lens for £4m.
The Sun

Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin has stunned the club by handing in a transfer request, with Aston Villa, Everton and Sunderland interested.
The Sun

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy is on Ajax's hit-list - the South African started his career with the Dutch giants.
Daily Mirror

Tottenham are keen to sign Honduras defender Osman Chavez, 25, for £1.5m after a tip from his fellow countryman Wilson Palacios.
Daily Mirror

Ex-Fulham winger Hameur Bouazza has quit Turkish club Sivasspor after after only five days. Sheffield United, Plymouth and Preston are keen on him. (Various)

Atletico Madrid want to sign Newcastle's Spanish left-back Jose Enrique in a cut-price £3m deal.
Daily Mirror

Leeds are set to offer League One rivals Oldham £500,000 for winger Chris Taylor, 22. (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace are expected to sign Derby defender Claude Davis and former Millwall winger Ryan Smith. (The Independent)



Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, linked this summer with Barcelona, has pledged his immediate future to the Old Trafford club.
Daily Star

Ipswich boss Roy Keane has axed several members of his first-team squad and told them they will never play for him again.
Daily Mail

Newcastle businessman Barry Moat is close to completing his £80m takeover of the Magpies.
The Sun

Hong Kong tycoon Carson Yeung will complete his takeover of Birmingham City in the next 48 hours.
The Sun

Outgoing Birmingham chairman David Gold is deciding whether to try to buy West Ham, which could cost him £150m.
The Guardian

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, 30, says he is ready to finish his career at Stamford Bridge.
The Sun

Portsmouth keeper David James has told England boss Fabio Capello he will be fit to play in the World Cup qualifier against Croatia next month, despite a knee injury.
The Independent



Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has paid tribute to a new slimline Andy Reid after the midfielder lost 9kg and 22mm of body fat in the summer. Reid celebrated by scoring twice in the 4-1 Carling Cup win over Norwich on Monday.

[west ham15]

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has flown out to Italy to complete a deal for Livorno striker Alessandro Diamanti.

I hope he make's it back in time for tonight's match

[Jarvo]

Thanks CH

[dapablo]

Cheers CH

[Denbighammer]

Outgoing Birmingham chairman David Gold is deciding whether to try to buy West Ham, which could cost him £150m.

Fine work as usual sir. Although you did miss this one.

[Henry Wilt]

Thanks CH

[SirStoneyOfBow]

Nice work CH, as always.

What a week this is turning out to be for a Hammer.

[Tommy B]

cheers ch

[cockney hammer]

The 10 biggest transfers to watch out for before the summer window closes



With the transfer window set to slam shut at 5pm on September 1, clubs now have a race against time before FIFA calls a halt on their lavish summer spending spree.

A staggering £325million has already changed hands out since the window opened in July, and chairmen are poised to splash out even more over the next seven days.

Here Football Spy supremo Darren Lewis runs the rule over the 10 biggest deals that could still happen this week.

1) Frank Ribery (Bayern Munich to Chelsea)
Despite Ribery's public commitment to the Bayern cause, speculation remains rife that the Blues are set to lodge a bid for the 26-year-old France star. With Carlo Ancelotti having overseen the arrival of Ross Turnbull, Daniel Sturridge and Yuri Zhirkov, the Italian is still keen on adding a marque signing to his squad.

Football Spy verdict: The one that could go to the very last day. Bayern wont sell but Chelsea could still make them an offer they cant refuse.

2) Steven Taylor (Newcastle to Everton)
David Moyes needs defensive reinforcements following the departure of Joleon Lescott to Manchester City. Taylor who was expected to lead the exodus from St James' Park following Newcastle's relegation, is available - but he'll cost a cool £10million.

Football Spy verdict: The Toffees will offer him a route out of a sticky situation at Newcastle.

3) Blaise Matuidi (Saint-Étienne to Arsenal)
With captain Cesc Fabregas an injury concern for Arsene Wenger, the Gunners bosswill redouble his efforts to land this French U-21 international, dubbed 'the new Makele', as his stand-in.

Football Spy verdict: The man to provide the silk to the Gunners' steel.

4) Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid to Arsenal)
Following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso, the Dutch playmaker has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu. That may allow Arsene Wenger to launch an audacious bid for the former Ajax star who will be keen to justify his selection for Holland ahead of next summer's 2010 World Cup.

Football Spy verdict: Every deadline day needs its surprise deal - and this could well be it.

5) Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth to Aston Villa or Everton)
Having reportedly handed in a transfer request, Distin is set for a move away from Fratton Park. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Midlands, but Everton have cash to splash following Joleon Lescott's big money move to Man City.

Football Spy verdict: Relegation-haunted Pompey or a Villa side that have just beaten Liverpool? Hmmmm.

6) Stephen Warnock (Blackburn to Aston Villa)
The defender was left out of Rovers' squad for their 2-1 defeat at Sunderland and boss Sam Allardyce has reportedly set a deadline for Aston Villa to match his £8m valuation of the former Liverpool defender. And, as we all know, Big Sam is a hard man to move.

Football Spy verdict: Warnock is nailed on for a spot in the Villa back line.

7) Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux to West Ham)
The striker initially mooted as Emanuel Adebayor's replacement at Arsenal has now emerged as a prime West Ham target. Gianfranco Zola has lodged a £7m move for the Moroccan international, who he hopes to spearhead the Irons attack alongside Carlton Cole.

Football Spy verdict: A headline writer's dream. Fleet Street is praying that the Hammers can make this happen.

8) Alessandro Diamanti (Livorno to West Ham)
If the Hammers fail in their attempt to lure Chamakh, Zola will turn his attention to Italian hot-shot Diamanti instead - whose 16 goals last year, helped Livorno to promotion from Serie B. The Italian club's president Aldo Spinelli has claimed "It's practically a done deal."

Football Spy verdict: The East End will get its new Paolo Di Canio

9) James Collins (West Ham to Stoke or Aston Villa)
Tony Pulis is confident of luring the defender to the Britannia stadium despite the fact he's started both West Ham games so far this season. Zola is reported to be holding out for £5m for the Welsh centre-half.

Football Spy verdict: A tricky one this. Villa like him a lot as well. Could go either way.

10) Luke Young (Aston Villa to Hull)
The former Middlesbrough and Charlton full-back is now on Phil Brown's radar. And, having lost his starting place to Habib Beye, Young is reportedly resigned to a move away from the Midlands.

[Cookedskunk]

Cheers CH

[cockney hammer]

Diamanti deal 'practically done'



Livorno president Aldo Spinelli claims striker Alessandro Diamanti is on the verge of a move to West Ham.

The 26-year-old scored 16 goals last season in Serie B, including a vital three strikes in the promotion play-offs.

"It's practically a done deal," said Spinelli.

"It was right to give the player the possibility to test himself in a different environment.

"After several years at Livorno, he deserves the chance to take a step forward in his career."

Diamanti joined Livorno in the summer of 2007 and is under contract with the Tuscan outfit for a further four years.

On Monday the player said that a transfer to Upton Park would "change my life and make me take a leap in quality".

[cockney hammer]

Tottenham are busy lining up a move for unsettled Bayern Munich wing-back Christian Lell before the window slams shut.

The 24-year-old German international has fallen-out with new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal and wants first-team football to stake a claim for Germany's 2010 World Cup party to South Africa.
Christian Lell

London calling: Spurs are said to be tracking Bayern Munich star Christian Lell

* Sol Campbell has signed a five-year £60,000-per week contract as new player-coach at ambitious League Two outfit Notts County (read more).
* Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has rubbished reports that Victor Moses is set for a £4m move to Wigan only to be instantly loaned back to Selhurst Park.
* Liverpool have allowed Hungarian youngsters Krisztian Nemeth and Andras Simonto to leave the club on loan for the rest of the season. Nemeth, 20, will join Greek giants AEK Athens and Simon, 19, will gain first team experience at Spanish club Cordoba CF.
* Aston Villa are leading the three club chase to sign Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.The former Manchester City stopper issued a 'come and get me' plea to Villa, Everton and Sunderland after handing in a transfer request to stunned Fratton Park officials on Monday.
* Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen is set to rival former boss Jose Mourinho for Argentine ace Angel Di Maria. The Blues are also interested in Di Maria's Benfica team-mates David Luiz and Fabio Coentrao (read more).
* Manchester United have alerted a host of elite European clubs to the availability of bad boy Brazilian midfielder Anderson following his fall-out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this month (read more).
* West Ham are on the brink of signing 26-year-old Italian striker Alessandro Diamanti after Livorno president Aldo Spinelli confirmed the deal, worth £5.7m across three years, is almost done (read more).
* Luka Modric has denied reports is will leave Spurs for Manchester United, saying he wants to extend his stay in north London. The Croatian playmaker had been linked with a sensatuional £10m swap deal with United's Michael Carrick heading back to White Hart Lane (read more).

Luka Modric
Michael Carrick

Swap deal: Manchester United are reportedly planning a £10m bid plus Michael Carrick to tempt Tottenham to part with Croatia international Luka Modric (L)

* AC Milan right-back Massimo Oddo has confirmed West Ham are interested in securing his services after the 33-year-old was linked in a possible exchange deal with French full-back Julien Faubert heading to the San Siro on Monday.
* Meanwhile, The Mirror understands that the Hammers are ready to listen to offers for £9m German flop Savio as the lightweight striker struggles to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
* Dutch giants Ajax want Blackburn Rovers attacker Benni McCarthy to an emotional return to the club where he started his career, according to The Mirror.
* Pavel Nedved is being coaxed out of retirement by United Arab Emirates champions Al Ahli, who claim negotiations to lure former Juventus midfielder reached an 'advanced stage', according to SkySports.com.
* Bolton have launched a £6.9m bid for Real Betis' 27-year-old Cameroon midfielder Achille Emana, suggest Spanish daily AS.

On his way: Spurs want to bring in Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin (R) on loan with a view to a permanent deal

On his way: Spurs want to bring in Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin (R) on loan with a view to a permanent deal

* Tottenham have lodged a loan bid for Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin, according to French daily L’Equipe. The 23-year-old impressed Harry Redknapp after spending a week-long trial at White Hart Lane last week (read more).
* Hertha Berlin have abandoned their pursuit of re-signing out-of-favour Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin, says German website Spox.
* Wolves are set to make a £2m approach for Reading midfielder James Harper, despite concerns over a troublesome groin problem, according to reports.
* Everton have completed the undisclosed signing of Russia midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov on a five year-deal from Lokomotiv Moscow (read more).
* Sunderland defender Paul McShane is set to join Hull City in a £2m deal, having spent part of last season out on loan at the KC Stadium (read more).
* Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Charles Itandje, who was suspended following his shameful behaviour during a Hillsborough memorial service at Anfield earlier this year, is set to join Sporting Gijon on loan, say French daily L'Equipe.
* The Sun say Leeds want to sign 22-year-old winger Chris Taylor from League One rivals Oldham as Bolton mull over a bid for striker Jermaine Beckford.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z0PDUuxPSI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Buckson]

Thanks for the Updates CH!

[Denbighammer]

* Sol Campbell has signed a five-year £60,000-per week contract as new player-coach at ambitious League Two outfit Notts County (read more).

Tis' a weird world that in the midst of a massive recession a 4th Division side commits itself to 15.6million quid in wages on a bloke who is 34....

* AC Milan right-back Massimo Oddo has confirmed West Ham are interested in securing his services after the 33-year-old was linked in a possible exchange deal with French full-back Julien Faubert heading to the San Siro on Monday.

Tis' a weird world when I'm a little disappointed that we might lose a bloke I would have happily kicked down Green St. only a few weeks ago...

* Meanwhile, The Mirror understands that the Hammers are ready to listen to offers for £9m German flop Savio as the lightweight striker struggles to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

Tis' a weird...I'll stop that now.

At last we know how much Savio cost us - thanks Daily Mirror!