saturday's gossip includes west ham

[cockney hammer]

the mirror



West Ham new boy Alessandro Diamanti was recommended to Gianfranco Zola by Fabio Capello



Fabio Capello is the man who recommended new West Ham signing Alessandro Diamanti to Gianfranco Zola it has emerged.

The east Londoners were last night delighted to have landed the Livorno marksman on a five-year deal for around £4million including add-ons.

But the man tipped Diamanti up to Zola was the England boss and his no.2 Franco Baldini, after the striker filled his boots to help his club gain promotion.

Diamanti scored 18 goals in 37 league and cup matches last season as Livorno went up to Serie A.

He is set to form a mouthwatering partnership alongside a reborn Carlton Cole, after being described to many at Upton Park as 'the new Paolo Di Canio'.

Diamanti is said to possess the ability to run at players and has also impressed in dead ball situations.

But Capello could yet court controversy by recommending a non-English player to a Premier League club after himself in the past remarking on the small pool of players available for England squad.

Diamanti, meanwhile, has insisted he is desperate to start working with Zola.

He said: "I am very happy to be at West Ham. This is a big club and I want to give everything for the supporters.

"I chose West Ham because the club have the tradition of playing great football. Also, because the West Ham fans are really passionate and that is the way I am."


daily express


ZOLA IN PLEA FOR FA TO PLAY FAIR



WEST HAM manager Gianfranco Zola has pleaded with the FA not to throw the book at West Ham for Tuesday night’s Carling Cup violence believing that would penalise those fans who had done nothing wrong.

“A good way would be to punish those who did invade, did cause problems and, yes, you should be hard on them,” said Zola. “But to punish the club and the good ones would be unfair.

“We have 35,000 supporters who turn up to watch us and don’t want the actions of a few thousand to represent West Ham.”

The club are facing sanctions following large-scale disturbances which saw one fan stabbed before the game and several pitch invasions during the match.

“We are going to stand by the FA investigation,” added Zola. “But you have to be very balanced.

“If the punishment is too hard then you also penalise the genuine supporters and hurt those who support football in the right way.”

He also claimed the fixture should be viewed as a one-off.

“It was a very difficult game with a lot of history,” said Zola.

“Many people who came to the match don’t come normally. If people are there just to fight then it’s very difficult to stop.”

Zola is delighted to have landed Livorno forward Alessandro Diamanti, 26, although the Italian will not be considered for the trip to Blackburn today.

“He’s a classical No10,” said Zola.

“He plays in the hole or on either side and is a free-kick specialist. How good he’ll be is up to him.”

Zola claims he is also pursuing other forward targets.

“We’re still looking for cover for Carlton Cole so we’ll see what happens,” he said.

the guardian




West Ham will accept the FA's punishment, says Gianfranco Zola

• Zola hopes only those involved will be punished
• West Ham manager expresses disgust at racist abuse



West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola wants the culprits responsible for crowd violence punished. Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Chris Brunskill / BPI

Gianfranco Zola says West Ham will accept whatever punishment the Football Association decides to impose on them following the violence that marred Tuesday's Carling Cup tie against Millwall, though he appealed for the authorities not to be too harsh.

The FA is reportedly contemplating the temporary closure of Upton Park, with options such as a hefty fine also under consideration. The club, the FA and the police are investigating the incidents that took place on the night, and West Ham say they have already identified many of the people who invaded the pitch. They will only pass on the names of those who they believe did so with sinister motives, however, reasoning that some people may have entered the fray to escape trouble in the stands.

"I am not the person to judge what happened because I am the West Ham manager and have an emotional management," said Zola. "So we will accept whatever the FA decides to do because they act in the interests of football. I think the people who did it should be punished hard but I hope the punishment is not so strong that it also punishes our very many wonderful fans because that would be unfair."

Zola also expressed his disgust for the racist chants aimed at Carlton Cole by some Millwall supporters, saying: "It's down to ignorance. Racism is stupidity. If I got abuse on the pitch it would push me even more because that is the only way to shut them up."

Happier news for the club was that Calum Davenport has been moved out of an intensive care unit and into a general ward following the stabbings he suffered last week, though Zola said it is still to early to ascertain whether the player will be able to resume his career. "His situation is improving," said Zola. "The next step is to assess the damage but the important thing is that he's progressing well."

Meanwhile, Zola completed the signing of the striker Alessandro Diamanti from the Italian side Livorno for a fee in the region of £5m.

"He could be a superstar," said Zola of the 26-year-old who scored 18 goals in 37 games last season to help his club to promotion into Serie A. "He is a classic No10, very skilful."

West Ham are still seeking another striker before the transfer window shuts, and Zola admitted he is "very interested" in Bordeaux's Maraoune Chamakh.


Everton's bid to complete a loan deal for Valencia's Argentine midfielder Ever Banega has hit problems because his club cannot find a replacement for the 21-year-old.
Daily Mail

But Moyes is set to seal a £5m deal for Atletico Madrid's 25-year-old Dutch defender John Heitinga, who arrives hot on the hels of £5.3m signing Sylvain Distin.
The Sun

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will swoop for Derby striker Rob Hulse to boost his forward line after Tuncay's departure to Stoke. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham have told Zenit St Petersburg they are ready to accept £10m for striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Daily Mail

Everton will ask Tottenham about taking winger David Bentley after being quoted £15 for the former Blackburn winger last week.
Daily Mirror

Bolton could swoop for Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford for £3m, who would be free to leave Elland Road for nothing in the summer.
Independent

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has given his blessing for Andriy Shevchenko to leave the club before the close of the transfer window with the Ukrainian striker expected to rejoin his former club Dynamo Kiev.
Timesl

Newcastle want Everton striker James Vaughan on loan because Shola Ameobi faces a month on the sidelines with a foot injury. (The Sun)

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is believed to have offered Nyron Nosworthy and Daryl Murphy as part of a deal for Hull defender Michael Turner.
Daily Mail

Wigan have launched an audacious bid to take Celtic's Australian striker Scott McDonald on loan for the rest of the season.
Daily Record


Arsene Wenger has accused UEFA of a witch-hunt after they charged Eduardo with diving in the Champions League clash with Celtic.
The Sun

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned midfielders Anderson and Michael Carrick their places in the Manchester United squad are not guarenteed and they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.
The Times

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is the likely choice to boss Great Britain's 2012 Olympic team and and is becoming a serious contender to succeed Fabio Capello when he leaves the England job.
Daily Mirror

Fenerbahce's veteran Brazil defender Roberto Carlos has revealed he would like to team up with countryman Ronaldo at Corinthians once his contract at the Turkish club ends.
Goal.com


Such is the condition of Ledley King's knees, the only way the Spurs captain can keep fit is by cycling in the gym and having a 20-minute run-out in training the day before a match.


Jim Gannon is determined to keep the youngsters who have caught the eye for Motherwell so far this season.

Plymouth striker George Donnelly has joined Blue Square Premier side Luton on loan.

Jamie O'Hara has joined Portsmouth on loan but has also committed his long-term future to Tottenham by signing a new deal at White Hart Lane.

Hearts have bolstered their ranks with the loan signing of Lithuanian midfielder Marius Cinikas.

Sunderland have signed John Mensah on a season-long loan from Lyon, with the option of a permanent deal.

Sky Sports News sources understand that Dynamo Kiev are in negotiations to sign Andriy Shevchenko.
Mark Hughes is relishing the prospect of seeing new striker Carlos Tevez firing on all cylinders for Manchester City.

Manuel Pellegrini has admitted he was reluctant to let Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder leave Real Madrid.
It has been a very busy couple of days for Portsmouth and they have now strengthened their squad further with the signing of Kevin-Prince Boateng from Tottenham.

Portsmouth have swooped to sign Ivorian forward Aruna Dindane on loan from Lens, with a view to a permanent move.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish insists there has got to be 'respect' over transfers if Carson Yeung takes over the club.
New Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos thinks his title-winning experience can aid the Reds' bid for Premier League glory.
Macclesfield Town have signed Leicester forward Ricky Sappleton on loan until the end of December.

Atletico Madrid have strongly denied rumours in the Spanish press that defender Johnny Heitinga is the subject of a bid from Everton.

Martin O'Neill expects Richard Dunne to complete his transfer from Manchester City to Aston Villa within the next 24 hours after the two clubs agreed a fee.

Bolton boss Gary Megson believes retaining the services of key men represented his most astute business this summer.

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has conceded bolstering his back-line is now his highest priority.

Skysports.com understands that Watford have expressed an interest in Stoke striker Richard Cresswell.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists he wants to keep unsettled striker Roman Pavlyuchenko at White Hart Lane.

Hull City boss Phil Brown says he will do everything he can to stop defender Michael Turner leaving the club.

Stoke City have completed the signing of Middlesbrough forward Tuncay.

Stamford Bridge misfit Andriy Shevchenko has been told he can leave Chelsea.

Portsmouth have agreed a fee of around £4million for Tottenham's Kevin-Prince Boateng, while also asking to take Jamie O'Hara on loan.

West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has extended his stay at the Hawthorns by signing a new deal.

Hamilton's summer rebuilding programme shows no sign of slowing down, with Gary Mason the latest to arrive from St Johnstone.

Everton have completed the signing of French centre-back Sylvain Distin from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.

Portsmouth have signed Wigan Athletic midfielder Michael Brown.
Preston boss Alan Irvine has dismissed reports linking him with a move for Hameur Bouazza.
Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Arjen Robben from Real Madrid.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has rejected reports linking Maynor Figueroa with a move to Sunderland.
Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley has revealed the Championship table-toppers have offered him a new deal to stay at the club.
Darren Byfield has returned to his native West Midlands for a second stint with Walsall.

Real Madrid have announced that they have sold Wesley Sneijder to Inter as they continue their summer rebuilding programme by off-loading another unwanted star.
South Korea international Ki Sung-yong has claimed to have agreed a January move to Celtic.
Sky Sports understands Sunderland have rejected a bid from Portsmouth for Nyron Nosworthy.

Derby have signed Paul Dickov on loan from Championship rivals Leicester City.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed Michael Brown is in talks with Portsmouth about a possible move.

Real Betis have rejected Bolton's offer for Cameroon international midfielder Achille Emana.
Uli Hoeness insists that Bayern Munich were never prepared to swap Franck Ribery for Arjen Robben.

Vladimir Romanov insists manager Csaba Laszlo is to blame for Hearts' lack of transfer activity.

Rumours in Russia are suggesting Spartak Moscow 'keeper Stipe Pletikosa has emerged as a potential replacement for the injured Heurelho Gomes. The Croatian international has fallen down the pecking order at Spartak Moscow and would be available on loan.
Norwich have swooped to sign Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster on loan.

[cockney hammer]

Arsenal will only know they have fended off Barcelona's interest in Cesc Fabregas for the summer once he turns out for them in their Champions League qualifier against Celtic, thus making him cup-tied for European competition. Barcelona have offered £27 million so far but Arsenal value the player at £40 million. (Sun)

Miguel Veloso's agent has hinted that Arsenal are interested in signing the Sporting Lisbon midfielder, along with Manchester City and Bolton.

Read all the latest Arsenal transfer news here...

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Aston Villa

Everton will beat Aston Villa to the £5million capture of Sylvain Distin. (Sun)

Villa will instead turn to Richard Dunne, having agreed a £6million fee with Manchester City for their captain. (Mail)

Martin O'Neill is being linked with making a £6m move for Newcastle defender Steven Taylor. (Mirror)

O'Neill has reignited his interest in Tottenham Hotspur pair Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley. (Guardian)

Read all the latest Aston Villa transfer news here...

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Birmingham

Birmingham's owner-in-waiting Carson Yeung has personally contributed to help City sign Michel from Sporting Gijon. The Spanish midfielder, 23, is set to complete a £3million transfer this week. (Mirror)

Alex McLeish is monitoring Tottenham's James O'Hara as a back up option should the deal for Michel fall through. (Mail)

Birmingham's hopes of signing Arsenal fullback Armand Traore on loan by the start of the season have been dashed after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger declared he would not make a decision until the end of the transfer window.

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Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is making a shock £1.5 million swoop for Tottenham's unhappy Pascal Chimbonda - as he opens the door for Steven Warnock to join Aston Villa. (Mirror)

Sam Allardyce has told chairman John Williams to sign Spanish legend Michel Salgado - as he wins a battle for more cash. (Mirror)

Blackburn manager Allardyce is on the verge of signing Paris St Germain's Jerome Rothen for £2million. (Sun)

Striker Franco Di Santo has joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

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Bolton Wanderers

Bolton manager Gary Megson has made a £6million move for Real Betis midfielder Achille Emana. (Mirror)

Bolton are fighting Manchester City for the signature of Miguel Veloso from Sporting Lisbon. (Sun)

Lee Chung-yong's agent has claimed the South Korean international is moving to the Reebok for a fee in excess of £2m. (Guardian)

Meanwhile, Bolton are set to swoop for Portsmouth Trialist Modeset M'Bami, as they attempt to steal him from right under their nose. (Mail)

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Burnley

Owen Coyle is interested in signing reserve keeper Ben Alnwick from Spurs (Sun)

Coyle is close to agreeing the £2.8 million signing of Reading defender Andre Bikey. (Mirror)

Burnley have signed signing Ecuador winger Fernando Guerrero on a season-long loan from Independiente del Valle.

Coyle has renewed his interest in Norwich midfielder Darel Russell after he had a failed bid in 2008. (Sun)

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Chelsea

Manager Carlos Ancelotti has been advised by Chelsea's sporting director, Frank Arnesen to make a move for Feyenoord midfielder Jonathan de Guzman. (Guardian)

Ancelotti has also told Andriy Shevchenko he can leave Chelsea.

Chelsea continue their efforts to land Alexandre Pato from AC Milan for £40 million but will not complete the deal until next summer. (Mirror)

If Chelsea intend to pay Atletico Madrid £50m for Sergio Aguero, they have 24 hours to do so. (Sun)

Read all the latest Chelsea transfer news here...

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Everton

David Moyes has had his £6m offer for David Wheater rejected by Middlesbrough and will now turn his attentions to Atletico Madrid defender Johnny Hettinga and Celtic midfielder Scott Brown. (Times)

Everton have beaten off competition in the race to sign Sylvain Distin from Portsmouth. The 31-year-old joined on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Moyes is also making a £12 million double raid for Tottenham's David Bentley and Scottish international team-mate Alan Hutton. (Mirror)

Read all the latest Everton transfer news here...

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Fulham

Roy Hodgson is lokoing to sign Kosice's £2m-rated Slovakian striker Jan Novak. (Mirror)

Damien Duff is contemplating a move to Fulham having rejected the chance of moving to Olympiakos. (Mail)

Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign Mark Viduka after the veteran striker flew into London for talks. (Mail)

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Hull City

Hull are hoping to complete the signing of Sunderland defender Paul McShane.The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international has completed a medical after both clubs agreed a fee. (Mirror)

Phil Brown is set to miss out on another transfer target with Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo ready to join Real Zaragoza, (Mirror) and will instead make a move for David Nugent. (Sun)

Phil Brown has revealed that the club have recieved an offer for prized asset Michael Turner, a bid believed to be from Liverpool.

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Liverpool

Cash strapped Liverpool have made a £2million swoop for AEK Athens centre-half Sotiris Kyrgiakos. (Sun)

Albert Riera, Liverpool's Spanish winger, is a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Mirror)

With a defensive crisis on the horizon, Rafael Benitez is looking to sign Ryan Shawcross and Bilbao's £10m-rated central defender Fernando Amorebieta. (Sun)

Read all the latest Liverpool transfer news here...

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Man City

City have completed the signings of Joleon Lescott from Everton and former Arsenal left-back Sylvinho, from Barcelona. (Sun)

Miguel Veloso's agent has hinted that Man City are interested in signing the Sporting Lisbon midfielder, along with Arsenal and Bolton (Tribal Football)

Read all the latest Man City transfer news here...

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Manchester Utd

Manchester United will launch a deadline-busting bid to sign Arjen Robben from Real Madrid. (Sun)

Anderson has been told he can leave United after falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson. (Mirror)

United's on going defensive crisis could force Sir Alex Ferguson back into the transfer market prompting suggestions that the club will swoop for Ryan Shawcross. (Mail)

Read all the latest Man United transfer news here....

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Portsmouth

Wigan midfielder Michael Brown has joined Portsmouth for a nominal fee. The club has also secured the signature of Tottenham midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng.

Watford have revealed they have accepted an offer from Portsmouth for striker Tommy Smith. (Mirror)

Portsmouth have been linked with making a move for Bolton centre-back Danny Shittu and Gavin McCann. (Sun)

The club is also thought to be preparing bids for Nantes' midfielder Aurelien Capouem and Algerian midfielder Hadj Issa.

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Stoke

Stoke have confirmed the signing of Middlesbrough's Turkey international striker Tuncay Sanli for £5million.

James Collins has rejected a £5million move from West Ham to Stoke. (Sun)

Stoke appear ready to relieve Portsmouth of troublesome striker David Nugent after he fell out of favour with management at Fratton Park.

Tony Pulis has asked for assurances over Dean Ashton's ankle injury before he decides to make a bid for the injury ravaged striker.

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Sunderland

Sunderland have made enquiries about Hull's Michael Turner. While negotiations take place Ghana defender John Mensah will arrive at the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan. (Guardian)

Bruce also has his eye on Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa. (Mail)

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce wants to sign three more players with Premier League experience - Portsmouth pair David James and Sylvain Distin plus West Ham contract rebel Lucas Neill. (Mirror)

Darren Bent has completed a £12 million move from Tottenham to Sunderland, the club has also signed Wigan's Lee Cattermole for £6 million.

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Tottenham

Harry Redknapp is prepared to use Jermaine Jenas as bait in a bid to sign Sulley Muntari from Inter Milan. (Sun)

Roman Pavlyuchenko has changed his mind on leaving White Hart Lane. Following talks with Redknapp the Russian is eager to prove himself worthy of a starting place. (Mail)

Kevin Prince Boateng is on his way to Portsmouth for a fee of £4million.

Tottenham have opened talks with Internacional over £15m-rated Brazilian midfielder Sandro. (Mail)

Read all the latest Tottenham transfer news here....

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West Ham

West Ham United have completed the £6 million signing of Alessandro Diamanti in a bid tol solve their striker crisis.

It looks like Eidur Gudjohnsen's season-long loan move to West Ham could now go ahead. (Sun)

James Collins has rejected a £5million move from West Ham to Stoke. (Sun) The club are instead said to be eager to complete Collins' move to Aston Villa in order to sign Marouane Chamakh before their match against Tottenham on Sunday. (Mirror)

Read all the latest West Ham transfer news here....

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Wigan

Wigan are also close to finalising a £3 million deal for Crystal Palace's Victor Moses but the deal would involve the winger staying at Selhurt Park for the remainder of the season. (Mirror)

Spanish side Rayo Vallecano have confirmed that Mohamed Diame has completed a move to Wigan depsite his medical reportedly showing a problems with his heart. (Sky Sports)

Wigan have signed winger Scott Sinclair on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

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Wolves

Wolves and Everton have made enquiries about unsettled Middlesbrough striker Tuncay. The Teessiders want around £8m for the Turkish international, but will accept £6m. (Independent)

Wolves are in talks with Reading midfielder James Harper over a possible move. (Tribal Football)

Wolves have settled on a fee of £2m for Hamilton and Ireland U-21midfielder James McCarthy. The club have also made an offer to Serb strker Marko Pantelic, who was released by Hertha Berlin this summer. (Mail)

[orpingtonhammer]

Out of interest CH, which paper did that comment about Motherwell come from?

[cockney hammer]

Out of interest CH, which paper did that comment about Motherwell come from?

took me ages to find that it is of the sky sports website just in with a load of other stuff
you have pm

[cockney hammer]

Arsene Wenger accused UEFA of a witch-hunt after European football's governing body charged striker Eduardo with deceiving the referee.

Also: Harlequins chairman Charles Jillings last night resigned and accused suspended wing Tom Williams of trying to blackmail the club over the Bloodgate affair.

Tom Williams accused of blackmail over 'Bloodgate' as Harlequins chairman Charles Jillings resigns
Dive storm: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hit out at UEFA for charging Eduardo for his alleged dive against Celtic

Dive storm: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hit out at UEFA for charging Eduardo for his alleged dive against Celtic

THE SUN

Patrice Evra lit the fuse on today's Arsenal showdown by claiming they tried to kick him off the park.

DAILY START

David James will get an England recall at the expense of Paul Robinson tomorrow.

DAILY MIRROR

Roy Hodgson is the likely choice to boss Great Britain's 2012 Olympic team - and could even succeed Fabio Capello as England manager.

DAILY EXPRESS

Sylvain Distin has painted a bleak picture of life at Portsmouth after revealing he fears for the future of the troubled club.

THE GUARDIAN
Back in the fold: Porstmouth No 1 David James has won an England recall

Back in the fold: Porstmouth No 1 David James has won an England recall

Arsene Wenger has warned of looming chaos in the European game as he digested what he described as the 'complete disgrace' of UEFA's decision to charge his striker Eduardo with cheating.

THE TIMES

Arsene Wenger launched a fierce attack yesterday on UEFA's decision to charge Eduardo da Silva with misconduct after his apparent dive in Arsenal's win over Celtic in the Champions League play-off round.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Sir Alex Ferguson knew what he was doing in treading a neutral line over the Eduardo affair.

THE INDEPENDENT

Arsene Wenger yesterday launched a blistering attack on UEFA for what he called the 'witch-hunt' mentality that has led to a potential two-match ban for Eduardo da Silva for his dive against Celtic.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/articl ... z0PYdLErRt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[orpingtonhammer]

David James will get an England recall at the expense of Paul Robinson tomorrow.

Don't they mean at the expense of Green?

[Galwayman]

Everton will ask T*ttenham about taking winger David Bentley after being quoted £15 for the former Blackburn winger last week.
Daily Mirror

If £20 would get him, we should go for it.......

[Iron-ic x]

Quote: West Ham new boy Alessandro Diamanti was recommended to Gianfranco Zola by Fabio Capello

Fabio Capello is the man who recommended new West Ham signing Alessandro Diamanti to Gianfranco Zola it has emerged.




Does anyone know how much we are paying our new scout :lol:

Infact I have noticed him alot at our games!

[OsloHammer]

James Collins has rejected a £5million move from West Ham to Stoke. (Sun) The club are instead said to be eager to complete Collins' move to Aston Villa in order to sign Marouane Chamakh before their match against T*ttenham on Sunday. (Mirror)

Read all the latest West Ham transfer news here..

Que? We're playing them again?

[cockney hammer]

i see that as well mate i had to re check the date and it was from today's paper

[Memorial Ground]

They're not doing themselves any favours lately are they.

[Jarvo]

Does anyone actually buy the Mirror - I think they're testing this by including incorrect facts in order to see how many people write in :lol:

Thanks for round up CH

[wivenhoetim]

Bolton going in for Darren Beckford 3m from Leeds - still think he would be perfect for us.Still a bit young and raw but a real goalscorer

[nobleforengland]

cheers as always CH

[cockney hammer]

Everton have agreed a £5million fee with Atletico Madrid for Holland defender John Heitinga, while Spurs' Roman Pavlyuchenko could join Zenit.

DAILY MAIL

Everton have agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid for Holland defender John Heitinga, believed to be around £5million.

Tony Pulis reckons landing Middlesbrough striker Tuncay proves Stoke's ambition to become a force.

Portsmouth have agreed a £4million three-year deal for Spurs' Kevin-Prince Boateng and a five-month loan for clubmate Jamie O'Hara.

Newcastle have asked about Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili amid fears they may lose Steven Taylor to Aston Villa.

Tottenham have told Zenit St Petersburg they are ready to accept £10.5million for unsettled Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Hull City manager Phil Brown has warned he will not accept 'other club's rejects' in place of Sunderland target Michael Turner.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has stepped up his bid to sign Rapid Vienna's giant Austrian striker Stefan Maierhofer on loan.

DAILY EXPRESS

Sylvain Distin has painted a bleak picture of life at Portsmouth after revealing he fears for the future of the troubled club.

Everton were last night trying to seal a £6million deal for Holland international John Heitinga.

Paul Hart admitted his initial reaction was on of surprise when he heard Arab property tycoon Sulaiman Al Fahim had won the takeover battle at Portsmouth.

Martin O'Neill has hit back at accusations that he left it late to find defensive replacements for Martin Laursen and Zat Knight.

DAILY STAR

David James will get an England recall at the expense of Paul Robinson tomorrow.

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his Manchester United stars to restore lost pride against their biggest rivals.

Gianfranco Zola is tipping his £6million signing Alessandro Diamanti to be a Premier League hit.

Mark Hughes has warned it is only a matter of time before a team feels the full force of his £110million strikers.

Stephen Warnock is set to make his debut for Aston Villa against Fulham tomorrow hoping his £8million move sets him on the World Cup trail.

Delighted David Moyes last night sealed the £5million capture of centre-half Sylvain Distin from Portsmouth.

THE SUN

Patrice Evra lit the fuse on today's Arsenal showdown by claiming they tried to kick him off the park.

Sam Allardyce looked back on a week of wheeling 'n dealing and boasted: 'Just call me the money-maker'.

Carlton Cole has escaped punishment for his alleged gestures towards Millwall fans in Tuesday's Battle of Upton Park.

Chelsea flop Andriy Shevchenko will get the chance to revive his career at old club Dynamo Kiev.

The Black Cats have signed John Mensah from Lyon on a season-long loan.

Harry Redknapp insists he wants Ledley King to go with England to the World Cup next year.

[Marky]

In the Karen Brady column she alludes to Gold and Sullivan buying the club I really can see that coming as well

[cockney hammer]

do not think they have enough money

[Jarvo]

do not think they have enough money

I think they have enough to afford the club, but don't know if they have the stones to take the risk

[cockney hammer]

jarvo i agree i reckon they have the money to buy the club but where would the other money come from for transfers etc??

[Jarvo]

jarvo i agree i reckon they have the money to buy the club but where would the other money come from for transfers etc??

I'm certain I read somewhere that they're worth £450m or something (or maybe that's just Gold) but they seemed to be able to provide funds for Birmingham, certainly more than CB Holdings can for us anyway! :lol:

To be honest, I think Gold/Sullivan would be good owners, even if they can't take us to the next level in terms of investment, they can provide better support for Zola/Nani/Duxbury etc in terms of moderate funding. Perhaps this could put us in the shop window again, for a richer owner to take us to the next level (Euro qualification?) Or, if we can be run 'self-sufficiently'/within our means, we can push forward as a club with liquid owners