tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
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tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Gyan my son: The Hammers are eyeing the Ghana striker
West Ham transfer target Asamoah Gyan plots January loan move back to England
Asamoah Gyan is still up for up for a January loan move to West Ham.
The powerful ex-Sunderland striker - now at UAE club Al Ain - responded to talk of a return to England last week by pledging his future to his current outfit.
But Mirror Sport understands Gyan is open to a move back to England and is set to hold talks with Al Ain within the next few days.
The marksman is a priority for the Hammers who are desperate to shoot themselves out of relegation trouble.
Gyan, confirmed as Ghana’s captain for this summer’s World Cup, has already helped Al Ain to the UAE title as top scorer.
He moved to the club from Sunderland on an initial loan deal in 2011 and made the move permanent last year, signing a lucrative five-year deal.
West Ham are already set to sell off several fringe players to free up cash on their wage bill for two new forwards.
They are also prepared to sacrifice talented midfielder Ravel Morrison should they receive a big offer for the talented 20-year-old.
Meanwhile Italian club Roma have emerged as rivals for Hammers target John Heitinga.
The east Londoners are keen on the 30-year-old Dutchman who is surplus to requirements at Everton.
January transfer window guide: What does YOUR Premier League club need next month?
WEST HAM
What they need A new striker. Possibly two of them. Desperately. All other positions are of secondary importance.
Who they have targeted The east Londoners have been working their way through a list of possible loan deals or permanent transfers for weeks. Ex-Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan - who moved to UAE club Al Ain two years ago - has already rejected them, but they could yet make him an offer that he cannot refuse. The likes of Everton’s Nikica Jelavic and Atletico Madrid’s Leo Baptistao are also possibles on loan.
Players that might be leaving Ravel Morrison is the surprising candidate - he could go to raise much-needed cash to fund the new signings. Morrison, 20, has been arguably West Ham’s most impressive player during the first half of the season, but his contract is complicated and the club believe strikers who can keep them up are a far bigger priority.
Comeback trail: Andy Carroll could be back in action in two weeks
Andy Carroll's West Ham comeback stepped up as striker eyes return for Man City League Cup clash
West Ham hope Andy Carroll will be back in action in a fortnight after coming through his first training session with the first team squad.
The England striker has not played since completing his record £15million signing in the summer - and broke down with a foot injury in his first comeback in September.
But in a rare piece of good news for the Hammers, Carroll has taken another big step on his long comeback trail - and could be back for the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City.
“It is very good news but it is slow progress,” said assistant manager Kevin McDonald.
“It is good that we have got him on the training field. That is a good sign but it is slow progress. When you have been out for seven months, you can’t rush anybody back.
“Obviously we are all desperate for him to come back and get back into the team as quick as we possibly can but we have to be sensible. He is getting closer.”
Sam Allardyce missed yesterday’s press conference as he had a telephone conference with co-owner David Sullivan to discuss new signings.
West Ham need at least one more striker and go into tomorrow’s relegation battle with Fulham without a recognised centre-back.
Co-chairman David Gold, who tweeted that Carroll “could be available in 2/3 weeks”, said: “Our primary and most immediate aim is ensuring we stay in the Premier League. To that end, we will be backing Sam Allardyce in the January transfer window to make sure we stay at the top table.”
Carlton Cole is on a short-term contract until January 13 and has yet to be offered a new deal. “As it stands, I don’t know what is happening right now,” said the former England striker.
"Hopefully we can resolve something so we’ll see what happens.”
Busy: Big Sam is looking to strengthen his squad as soon as possible in January
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce so busy trying to bolster squad he misses pre-match press conference
Sam Allardyce missed today's West Ham press conference to speak to club co-chairman David Sullivan about transfer targets.
The Hammers will go into Wednesday's relegation battle with Fulham without a recognised centre-back.
And with Andy Carroll still unfit, the East London club are also looking to sign at least one striker.
Assistant manager Neil McDonald said: "He [Allardyce] is very busy on the phone at the moment. We have got a few defensive problems and with the window coming up, he is working non-stop today.
"Hopefully there will be some arrivals - we need some reinforcements to fill the gaps and boost the players we already have here. He is working very hard behind the scenes with everyone else to try and do that.
"He apologises for not doing the press conference today. His phone is non-stop at the moment and he is working very hard behind the scenes to bolster the squad.
"Our three main centre-halves are injured at the moment. We are obviously trying very hard to get them fit. We are trying to bolster that and up front as well - we are trying to improve the squad as much as we possibly can and they are the two main places.
"He is on the phone to the chairman as we speak so I would imagine he has got the backing of the club."
Carroll, who has not played this season, has re-started training with the first-team squad.
"He did a training session yesterday which is very encouraging," McDonald added.
"It is still early stages. It is a work in progress with him. Work one day on the training pitch, massage, and rehab the next day and see how he goes.
"It is positive that he is on the training pitch now but it is slow progress. When you have been out for seven months, you can't rush anybody back.
"Obviously we are all desperate for him to come back and get back into the team as quick as we possibly can but we have to be sensible. He is getting closer."
Wanted man: Fulham are keen on signing West Ham's Ravel Morrison but face a battle to persuade him to leave
Keen: Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen would be willing to part with £6million in order to land Morrison
Closing in: Sam Allardyce is close to completing a deal for Everton centre back John Heitinga (right)
Fulham keen on signing West Ham star Morrison with boss Meulensteen hoping to link up with former United youngster
Fulham are considering a bid for Ravel Morrison in the January window but face a battle to persuade him to leave West Ham.
The 20-year-old has 18 months left on contract and West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has already admitted concern that he could be prised away with a decent bid next month.
.
However, former United coach Rene Meulensteen is keen to see if a deal is possible for around £6million once Fulham face West Ham on New Year's Day, a game for which Morrison is doubtful with a groin injury.
Allardyce is close to tying up a deal for Everton's John Heitinga and remains hopeful of bringing in two strikers on loan in the coming days.
kin fulham
BACK TRAINING: Andy Carroll
GLAD TO HAVE HIM BACK: Sam Allardyce
West Ham foward Andy Carroll back to full training
Andy Carroll has returned to full training as West Ham’s record signing finally appears to be edging closer to a Premier League comeback.
Carroll has spent the season in two European rehabilitation centres after aggravating a heel problem last summer. But there now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.
The news will be a major boost for Sam Allardyce, who is pinning his hopes on Carroll to lift his struggling side to safety in the second half of the season. “Andy did a training session, which is encouraging,” said West Ham assistant Neil McDonald.
“It’s good to have him on the training field and joining in with the football with a select group.
“But it’s slow progress. When you are out for seven months you can’t rush him back.”
It’s good to have him on the training field
Sam Allardyce, West Ham United manager
Allardyce could be forced to look for a new defender, as well as a striker, in January.
With James Collins and James Tomkins joining Winston Reid on the sidelines, West Ham are facing a defensive crisis for their London derby at Fulham tomorrow.
“We have six players out at the moment who would be in the team if they are fit,” said McDonald.
“We are aiming to improve the squad and the main areas are in defence and in attack. Sam is working non-stop.”
BACK FROM INJURY: Andy Caroll
KEY MAN: Andy Caroll is a huge player for West Ham [/color]
HOT STREAK: Carlton Cole is set to start against Fulham
Andy Carroll returns for West Ham and could feature against Fulham
ANDY CARROLL has returned to full training as he bids to end his injury hell at West Ham.
The £15m record signing has yet to kick a ball this season having spent his time in two European rehab centres recovering from a heel problem. But there now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel with the striker’s woes set to end.
The news will come as a major boost for Sam Allardyce, who is pinning his hopes on Carroll to lift his struggling side to safety.
“We want him back, but we have to be careful”
Sam Allardyce
Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald said: “Andy has done a training session which is encouraging. It is a positive and a good sign that he is in
training. Of course it’s good to have him on the training field and joining in with the football with a select group.
“But it’s a slowprogress. When you are out for seven months you can’t rush him back. We want him back, but we have to be careful.
“He had a couple of sessions before and it went again so we have to be careful with him.”
West Ham are facing a defensive crisis for tomorrow’s London derby with fellow strugglers Fulham.
James Collins and James Tomkins are almost certainly out and Allardyce could be forced to throw full-backs Razvan Rat and Joey O’Brien in at centre-back.
Carlton Cole, whose short-term contract expires next month, is certain to figure as he plays his way to a new deal after three goals in his last six games.
Sam Allardyce is keen to add to West Ham's squad next month, with a new centre-back and a striker the priority.
Sam Allardyce short of bodies and excuses in battle to keep West Ham up
Sam Allardyce has sent West Ham down before. When they were relegated in 2003, the side that stayed up at their expense were Bolton Wanderers. Their battle for survival went to the final day and ended with Allardyce dancing with Jay Jay Okocha on the pitch at the Reebok Stadium after the home team's victory over Middlesbrough condemned West Ham to the Championship. For the Hammers it was a disaster.
It was no less disastrous than this season, though. Close to 11 years down the line, the prospect of relegation is staring West Ham in the face again, with Saturday's 3–3 home draw against West Bromwich Albion leaving them in 19th place, a point behind Crystal Palace in 17th and a point above Sunderland in 20th.
Yet there is one crucial difference between now and 2003. This time West Ham's players do not turn to the dugout and see Glenn Roeder. Nor do they see Avram Grant, who was in charge when they dropped in 2011. Instead they see Allardyce, although whether that provides supporters with much comfort is unlikely at the moment.
Many West Ham fans have wanted Allardyce out for a while, insistent that his pragmatic methods are at odds with their "academy of football". For those who oppose him, Allardyce was a necessary evil when David Sullivan and David Gold asked him to pick up the pieces left by Grant in 2011.
The club was on its knees and Allardyce dragged it back to its feet, winning promotion via the play-offs in his first season and finishing 10th in the Premier League last year, yet he still had his enemies. He was tolerated, never loved. Now Allardyce dares not lose Wednesday's six-pointer at Fulham, the last side to be beaten by West Ham. That was seven games ago.
Allardyce came with a cast-iron safety guarantee but that belief has been shaken by the side's dreadful form this season, during which they have averaged less than a point and a goal a game.
There are mitigating circumstances. Allardyce points to injuries, which is why the board is reluctant to panic. West Ham were missing James Collins, Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Ravel Morrison, Winston Reid and Ricardo Vaz Tê against West Brom and James Tomkins's early injury meant they have no fit centre-backs left in the squad.
Since Reid's ankle injury at the start of November West Ham's previously solid defence – they have kept eight clean sheets in total this season – has conceded 20 goals in their past nine matches. Of the senior players that remain unharmed Kevin Nolan's poaching instincts have abandoned him and Mohamed Diamé has the look of a man playing for himself, not the team.
However, the Carroll excuse wore thin months ago. West Ham knew he had an injured heel when they signed him from Liverpool for £15m last summer but they still went into the season with one fit striker, Modibo Maïga, who has only recently started to find his feet.
Failing to sign another striker was an unacceptable mistake by Allardyce and the board, especially as its remaining funds went on signing Downing for £6m, also from Liverpool. Without Carroll Allardyce's Plan A fell apart. Plan B was the strikerless formation that was first seen in the 3-0 win at Tottenham in October but that fizzled out when Vaz Tê, whose mobility made it work, injured a shoulder.
At least Carroll is training with the first team again. "It is very good news but it is slow progress," Neil McDonald, Allardyce's assistant, said. "It is good that we have got him on the training field and he has joined in with the football with a select group we have brought in to train with him. He had a couple of training sessions and it [his injury] went again so we have got to be very careful with him."
McDonald was speaking on Monday because Allardyce was on the phone talking about transfer targets, with a new centre-back and a striker the priority. West Ham hope he signs someone as mercurial as Youri Djorkaeff, who helped rescue Bolton in their first season in the Premier League in 2002, after joining them in February.
The manager, who has never been relegated from the Premier League, has of course been in this situation before. Bolton were in trouble in 2002-03 after winning four of their first 25 matches. Allardyce found a way. With Okocha in magical form, Bolton won six of their final 13 matches and he also kept Blackburn up after replacing Paul Ince in 2008.
Perhaps that is why Sullivan and Gold have stuck by him. They have been burnt by their loyalty to managers before and have admitted that they should have sacked Grant long before they did, yet they believe that Allardyce will get West Ham out of this mess even if he did make it.[/color
Frustrated: Sam Allardyce, the West Ham United manager, will continue looking for a new striker
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce continues search for striker as Southampton put £8m price on Rickie Lambert
Sam Allardyce has suffered further frustration in his attempts to land a forward after being told to pay £8 million for Rickie Lambert.
Allardyce, the West Ham United manager, has made an enquiry for the England international as he bids to strengthen his squad but was quoted the £8m fee by Southampton.
Lambert, 31, has scored six goals for Mauricio Pochettino this season and has been a long-term target for West Ham but Allardyce is now likely to turn his attentions elsewhere unless the price comes down.
There was some encouraging news for the Premier League strugglers on Monday after Andy Carroll completed his return to training over the weekend, following a lengthy absence with a foot problem.
Carroll was West Ham’s record signing in the summer but is yet to play this season, leaving Allardyce severely short of firepower.
Bargain: West Ham are rumoured to reluctantly let Revel Morrison leave if they receive the right offer to raise money for new signings
Fulham to bid for West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison
Fulham are poised to make an audacious bid to try to sign Ravel Morrison – immediately after their relegation six-pointer against West Ham.
They realise the likelihood of them landing the England Under-21 international is remote, but that will not stop them becoming the first club to attempt to take advantage of his contract situation.
Morrison has only 18 months remaining on his West Ham deal, which is littered with clauses. There is a straight £18 million release clause and another that states West Ham would have to quadruple the midfielder’s wages to £60,000 a week if they receive a £10 million bid and want to keep him.
While Fulham will not bid anywhere near those figures, it is understood West Ham may reluctantly let Morrison, 20, leave this month if they receive the right offer to raise money for new signings. But they would not be keen to sell to one of their relegation rivals. Fulham are just a point ahead of Sam Allardyce’s team in the bottom three, ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Craven Cottage.
Newcastle also hold a long-standing interest in Morrison, while a host of big clubs are monitoring the situation and could act if they sense the opportunity of landing a bargain.
West Ham Recall Ruddock!
Anyone watching the Premier League clash between West Ham and West Brom might have winced when West Ham`s only fit centre back, James Tomkins, went off injured.
It meant that West Ham had Winston Reid, James Collins and James Tomkins all on the treatment table.
Unfortunately, for Luton, this chronic injury situation at Upton Park meant that Sam Allardyce had no option to recall, early, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, who had shown such fine promise during his time at Kenilworth Road.
Best we don`t tell them he went off injured in the 6-0 romp over Kidderminster, on Saturday!
West Ham United close in on Roma defender
Nicolas Burdisso - RomaRoma are reportedly ready to sell Argentine defender Nicolas Burdisso to Premier League side West Ham United in the coming days.
The 32-year-old Albiceleste international has been limited to just four appearances so far this season and has increasingly fallen out of favour at the Stadio Olimpico, with coach Rudi Garcia preferring to field a centre-back pairing of Medhi Benatia and Leandro Castan.
According to sportmediaset.it, while Burdisso is looking all set for a transfer to the English capital, the Lupi are interested in signing Everton’s John Heitinga as a like-for-like replacement.
The 30-year-old Dutch defender has found playing time difficult to come by under new Toffees tactician Roberto Martinez and has intimated that he would be interested in a move to the Eternal City in the near future.
West Ham fan Neil Fairchild argues injuries are no excuse for results and questions Sam Allardyce decisions
As I write this, West Ham have not yet played Fulham in the opening match of 2014.
Even an unlikely victory at Craven Cottage would not change the fact that at the halfway stage of the season, too few points have been notched up to make the second half of the campaign anything other than an almighty struggle.
Put two of Winston Reid, James Tomkins and James Collins into the team that drew 3-3 with West Bromich Albion on Saturday and one point would surely have turned into three.
The ever-increasing injury list explains much about our current predicament but it does not excuse it.
All clubs experience phases in the season when they are blighted by injuries.
But even when these players – not to mention Ravel Morrison, Stewart Downing and Ricardo Vaz Te – were fit, we still were not performing.
More points should have been racked up in the autumn to cushion us against the harsh winter.
Even in the current situation there is no excuse for the kamikaze defending that saw not one but two leads squandered.
Sam Allardyce rightly points out that a back four consisting entirely of full backs is liable to concede goals.
He did not explain why Alou Diarra and Leo Chambers, both of whom could have slotted into the centre of defence, remained as unused substitutes.
Allardyce has always preferred to put square pegs in round holes rather than drop his favourites.
Nowhere is this more apparent than the continued inclusion of Kevin Nolan.
Nolan did a brilliant job helping the club get promotion in 2012. He struggled last season but ten league goals helped mask this.
This season, two goals aside, he has contributed nothing. His ineffectiveness remains a huge liability.
In the first half on Saturday he found himself with time and space outside the opposing penalty area but, rather than make a simple pass to Carlton Cole, inexplicably he rolled the ball back to the West Brom defence. Sadly, this sums up his contribution to the side.
Allardyce’s managerial record points to a man who knows how to turn this situation around.
What concerns me is that so much of what has got us here is a direct result of his decisions.
His employers appear to be putting faith in some transfer-window signings to help Allardyce put things right but sticking with the manager at this stage of the season may be the least worst option.
That’s about as generous a comment I can make about the gaffer right now.
official site
'Fanzone' launched
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Welcome to Hugh Southon of 'Claret & Hugh'
I’m delighted to welcome Hugh Southon to our merry band of contributors to West Ham Till I Die. Hugh runs the excellent Clare & Hugh blog, is a journalist by trade and will add a new perspective to what we do. His own blog is very newsy and if you already read his blog you will know that he has broken a number of exclusives over the last few months.
When he writes his first piece I hope you will give him a warm welcome.
In the meantime, those of you with a WHUFC TV subscription might like to report on this video featuring Jack Sullivan in the club website’s new Fanzone section. I’m too mean to part with £4.99 a month…
Manchester United manager David Moyes is considering a £20m move for Luke Shaw in the January transfer window even though Southampton have indicated they will resist all offers for the 18-year-old left-back.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw made his Southampton debut in an FA Cup tie against Millwall in January 2012.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Everton defender Leighton Baines is still on Moyes' radar and United will make a £16m bid for the 29-year-old left-back when the transfer window opens.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal and Chelsea will face competition from Borussia Dortmund for the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, 25, who is available for £35m.
Full story: Daily Express
Barcelona winger Cristian Tello, 22, is on the verge of joining Liverpool on loan for the remainder of the season after opportunities became limited at the Nou Camp.
Full story: Daily Star
Manchester United and Chelsea look set to lose out on 25-year-old Croatian international Ivan Rakitic now that Paris St-Germain have entered the market for the Sevilla midfielder.
Full story: Talksport
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert wants to add more experienced players to his squad in January.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Manchester City and Chelsea have been told by Villarreal that centre-back Mateo Musacchio, 23, will not be allowed to leave the club for less than £45m.
Full story: Sky Sports
West Ham are weighing up the possibility of selling midfielder Ravel Morrison back to Manchester United.
Full story: Metro
Fulham are also interested in the 20-year-old, with head coach Rene Meulensteen hopeful of agreeing a deal for £6m.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsenal have not completely given up hope of signing Spain youth international striker Alvaro Morata, 21, next month, despite Real Madrid insisting that there will be no mid-season departures either on loan or permanently.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis plans to raid former club Stoke to sign striker Peter Crouch and winger Matthew Etherington - both 32 - when the transfer window opens.
Full story: Daily Mail
Derby hope to sign Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford on loan. The 20-year-old striker has scored 16 goals in 28 matches this season during a temporary spell at League One club MK Dons.
Full story: Derby Telegraph
Striker Alfred Finnbogason appears to have ruled out a January move to Celtic by insisting he will stay with Heerenveen until the end of the season.
Full story: Daily Express
Queens Park Rangers have made a £150,000 bid for Livingston defender Coll Donaldson.
Full story: Daily Record
OTHER GOSSIP
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, 20, believes he can finish ahead of parent club Chelsea and win the Premier League title while on loan at Everton.
Romelu Lukaku
Striker Romelu Lukaku has won 24 international caps for Belgium and scored five goals.
Full story: the Times (subscription)
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says the club have no plans to enter the transfer market in January despite injuries to defenders.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed striker Daniel Sturridge, 24, is well ahead of schedule on his return from the ankle injury that has kept him out of action since the end of November.
Full story: the Guardian
Southampton are hopeful that striker Dani Osvaldo, 27, will be fit to face Chelsea after being ruled out for the last fortnight through illness and injury.
Full story: Southern Daily Echo
AND FINALLY
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, has been enjoying the winter break in Spanish football by paying a visit to an aquarium with his son, also called Cristiano.
Full story: Daily Mail
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ch' bonus wenches
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Hi,
I dont normally post on here but i would like to say thanks for all the morning new you post. I read it without fail every day!! and im lost when its not here.
Have a great new year!
Nick
I dont normally post on here but i would like to say thanks for all the morning new you post. I read it without fail every day!! and im lost when its not here.
Have a great new year!
Nick
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Morrison to Fulham?
:lol:
Thanks again Steve - have a great day and hopefully a belated 3 points for a present tomorrow.
:lol:
Thanks again Steve - have a great day and hopefully a belated 3 points for a present tomorrow.
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
PrawnSandwich wrote:Morrison to Fulham?
:lol:
Thanks again Steve - have a great day and hopefully a belated 3 points for a present tomorrow.
that is the only present i want three points
morrison story made me laugh
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
If we sell Rav 6 mil or not I'll f'in give up.
And thanks CH
And thanks CH
Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Fulham want Rav :lol: Hahahaha! April fools come early?
Who needs Gyan we have the Mighty Maiga!!
Happy New Year CH and to All!
Who needs Gyan we have the Mighty Maiga!!
Happy New Year CH and to All!
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Morrison for 6m is a definite sell. He'd be worth 1.5m less at the end of the season, more so if we end up in the Championship, so the Daves will see it as a profitable transfer. Sam isn't in a strong position to dig his heels in, if he does want to hang onto Rav.
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Cheers CH, as always. Happy New Year to you and yours and while I am at it, in case I am a wee bit worse for wear tomorrow, a Happy New Year to all Kumbers.
Back to gossip, every player will always have his price but £6M is not enough for Ravel and I would be astonished if he went to Fulham at any price - out of the frying pan and all that.
Back to gossip, every player will always have his price but £6M is not enough for Ravel and I would be astonished if he went to Fulham at any price - out of the frying pan and all that.
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Up for the cup: Gordon appears against Norwich in the FA Cup third round in January 2013
Fast-tracked: The striker was highly thought of at Peterborough before West Ham pounced
Investing in youth: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is in need of reinforcements
Hammer time: Gordon has signed for West Ham following a successful trial period at the club
Teenage kicks: Gordon warms up after being named on the bench aged 15 v Derby in November 2011
ADRIAN DURHAM: West Ham sign Peterborough teen Gordon... but what can the striker bring to the Hammers?
West Ham announced the signing of teenage striker Jaanai Gordon from League One side Peterborough on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old recently had a trial with the Barclays Premier League club and his signing for an undisclosed fee will go through when the transfer window opens on January 1.
Here, Sportsmail columnist Adrian Durham gives the lowdown on the Hammers youngster...
Who is he?
Jaanai Gordon is an 18-year-old who has come through the youth system at League One Peterborough United. He’s been studying at the Nene Park Academy in the city, which doubles as a training base for Posh, he gained a clutch of GCSE’s. His younger brother, also a striker, is in the Posh youth system.
Tell us about him
He’s a powerful, pacy, athletic striker, who scores goals. When he’s in the mood he can dominate defenders and at youth and reserve team level he has been prolific. He was fast-tracked from the youths into the reserves at Posh because he was so good.
He’s often saved his best for the big occasions so far in his career, the best example is the three-week trial he had with the Hammers in November when he scored four goals in two games to make a big impression.
West Ham made a bid for him then, but Posh turned it down. Gordon showed his maturity by taking the disappointment on the chin and returning to Posh to score the winner in a Youth Cup tie at Wolves.
Off the pitch he keeps himself to himself, he’s not loud or big-headed. If he ignores any distractions around him, and stays focused he has a future. But if he mixes with the wrong people, he might have a problem. It is worth noting that two of his pals at Posh, Shaquille MacDonald and Jevani Brown, were both released by Peterborough recently because of off-the-field issues.
He’s been at a club where they still make the youth team players do jobs (as I write this Jermaine Anderson, now a regular in the first team but still only 17, is cleaning and pumping up footballs before training with the first team), and there is also a fine for youth players who don’t have black boots.
The lads have been looked after well at Posh, their studies at college are a huge part of what they do. And there are other examples of good guidance for the boys, such as their twitter accounts being regularly monitored.
Investing in youth: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is in need of reinforcements
Investing in youth: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is in need of reinforcements
Will he still get the same at West Ham? And if not, is he mature enough to cope? These are big questions for a kid about to hit the bright lights of London.
Is he good enough?
According to his old youth coach at Peterborough, Gavin Strachan, Jaanai has all the tools required to make it at the top level: 'If it all comes together for Jaanai then West Ham have got themselves a really top player.'
Posh fans have been keen to see him in the first team more often, although Darren Ferguson clearly learned from his dad and has been careful with Jaanai’s development, playing him sparingly, at what the manager felt was the right time.
If the rate of progression continues then I would say in time he will be good enough. But it’s worth remembering that so far in his short career, Jaanai has thrived on pressure and the big occasion, so if he gets a first team chance in the near future he might surprise a few.
What will he bring to West Ham?
With this sort of signing you would expect the player to be bedded in with development games, and maybe a loan move next season because West Ham can normally afford to be patient with young players.
However, the Hammers are in the bottom three and are desperate for any strikers they can get right now, so it is not inconceivable that Jaanai could find himself on the bench in the Premier League. If he gets on the pitch and takes that opportunity then he has every chance of progressing quicker than expected.
Jaanai is not FA Cup-tied, and the Hammers are at Nottingham Forest in the third round. Coincidentally, Jaanai’s best display for the Peterborough first-team came as a substitute at Forest when three minutes after coming on the pitch his presence caused all sorts of problems in the penalty area and Posh equalised in a game they eventually lost 2-1.
He has experience of playing against Premier League opponents, having faced Norwich City in last season’s FA Cup. Posh were woeful, lost 3-0, but Jaanai was probably the only player to come out of the game with any credit.
What is his background?
Born in Northampton, he was playing for Luton Town as a kid, before Posh picked him up at the age of 12. As a 15-year-old he made the bench in a Championship game, and eventually made his first team debut as a 16-year-old in September 2012.
He celebrated his 17th birthday by signing his first professional contract with the club, a three-year deal. A couple of niggling injuries have meant he has only made a few first team appearances, failing to score in those games.
His talent has been recognised with a call-up for the England under-18 squad in March, and then he was on standby for the under-19s in August.
Given everything Greg Dyke has been saying about English youngsters recently, Jaanai is the kind of player who should be nurtured and coached to a level where he is playing regular first team football at West Ham within two years, and is in contention for a place in the full senior England squad in 5-6 years time. Let’s see how he gets on.
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
On the move: John Heitinga (right) is leaving Everton to join West Ham's battle against relegation
Sliding in: John Heintinga (bottom) will strengthen West Ham's dwindling central defensive options
Experienced pro: Holland's John Heitinga played in the 2010 World Cup final against Spain, but was sent off
Pouncing: Sam Allardyce (left) is taking advantage of Roberto Martinez (right) not playing the defender
EXCLUSIVE: West Ham agree deal to sign Heitinga from Everton as Big Sam reinforces for relegation battle
Sam Allardyce has reinforced West Ham’s bid for Barclays Premier League survival by agreeing a deal for experienced Everton utility player John Heitinga.
Sportsmail understands Upton Park officials have put the finishing touches to the move and will confirm his arrival when the window opens in the New Year.
The 30-year old Holland defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and it is understood agreement has been reached over the £1.5million still outstanding on his £65,000-a-week wages.
Allardyce believes it will be money well spent, if the tough-tackling former Atletico Madrid player can provide the bite needed to steer his side towards safety.
Heitinga can operate at right-back or centre-half, or as a midfield anchor man, and will offer Allardyce extra options, as the West Ham manager attempts to arrest a slide in his team’s fortunes and lead them away from the danger zone.
After appearing on a regular basis under former Everton boss David Moyes, Heitinga has found starting opportunities in short supply under current manager Roberto Martinez and is relishing the prospect of a fresh challenge.
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
DAILY MAIL
Nicolas Anelka was ordered yesterday not to repeat his sick goal salute as it emerged Samir Nasri has also been photographed making the quenelle gesture
THE SUN
Samir Nasri apologised last night after being pictured doing a Nicolas Anelka-style salute.
Samuel Eto'o admits he should have been sent off for this tackle on Liverpool's Jordan Henderson.
DAILY MIRROR
David Moyes is ready to battle Everton again for Leighton Baines with a fresh £16million bid.
Mauricio Pochettino has launched an astonishing attack on referees claiming Southampton get a raw deal - because their players are 'young and good-looking'.
DAILY EXPRESS
Manuel Pellegrini has rubbed salt into the wounds of his desperate Premier League title rivals by boasting that he is so happy with his squad at Manchester City he is unlikely to make any signings or sales when the transfer window opens tomorrow.
Nicolas Anelka could be back playing for West Brom tomorrow despite refusing to apologise for making a controversial racist gesture.
DAILY STAR
Brendan Rodgers has hit back at Jose Mourinho's claims that Luis Suarez is a diver.
Andy Carroll has returned to full training as he bids to end his injury hell at West Ham.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
After months of speculation Andy Flower has committed himself to England's future.
David Moyes is considering a £20 million move for Luke Shaw in the January transfer window, despite fears that Southampton will resist all offers for the 18-year-old full-back.
THE TIMES
Brendan Rodgers has hit back at Jose Mourinho's condemnation of Luis Suarez.
THE GUARDIAN
West Bromwich Albion went into into full scale damage limitation mode yesterday as the Football Association discussed Nicolas Anelka's contentious quenelle celebration with Jewish leaders.
THE INDEPENDENT
Manchester United manager David Moyes fears that his hopes of reinforcing in the crucial left-back slot, which he considers one of the squad's week spots, will be dashed again this January.
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Paper Talk - 31 December 2013
Liverpool are hopeful of landing Basel winger Mohamed Salah in January and Manchester United are plotting a £20million swoop for Luke Shaw.
Manchester United boss David Moyes is ready to battle Everton again for Leighton Baines with a fresh £16million bid.
Mauricio Pochettino has launched an astonishing attack on referees claiming Southampton get a raw deal - because their players are ''young and good-looking''.
Liverpool are hopeful of landing Basel winger Mohamed Salah in January transfer window.
Chelsea's Juan Mata has joined Tottenham misfit Erik Lamela on Inter Milan's wanted list.
Michael Essien is set for Chelsea January exit with Olympiacos leading chase for midfielder.
Swansea want to make a loan swoop for Inter Milan's Uruguayan star Alvaro Pereira.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given set to stay on loan at Middlesbrough for the rest of the season.
Manchester City striker John Guidetti is set for Wigan loan move in January transfer window.
Sunderland hope to make moves for Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt and QPR's Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert wants to sign experienced players to guide his young guns.
Nicolas Anelka was ordered yesterday not to repeat his goal salute as it emerged Samir Nasri has also been photographed making the gesture.
Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis plans to raid former club Stoke to sign striker Peter Crouch and winger Matthew Etherington.
Manchester United fear their January search for a new left back may prove fruitless, with Everton and Southampton keen to hang on to Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw respectively.
Fulham are considering a bid for Ravel Morrison in the January window but face a battle to persuade him to leave West Ham
. Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini will not allow fringe players Edin Dzeko and Jack Rodwell to leave the club this January.
Manuel Pellegrini has rubbed salt into the wounds of his desperate Premier League title rivals by boasting that he is so happy with his squad at Manchester City he is unlikely to make any signings or sales when the transfer window opens tomorrow.
Nicolas Anelka could be back playing for West Brom tomorrow despite refusing to apologise for making a controversial gesture.
Arsenal and Chelsea will face competition from Borussia Dortmund in the race for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.
Chelsea are nearing a £14million move for Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin.
Manchester United boss David Moyes is fearing a double snub in his efforts to sign a new left-back.
Brendan Rodgers has hit back at Jose Mourinho's claims that Luis Suarez is a diver.
Andy Carroll has returned to full training as he bids to end his injury hell at West Ham.
Barcelona winger Cristian Tello is on the verge of joining Liverpool on loan for the rest of the season.
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has told Arsenal to forget about a January swoop for Edin Dzeko.
Samir Nasri apologised last night after being pictured doing a Nicolas Anelka-style salute.
Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o admits he should have been sent off for his tackle on Liverpool's Jordan Henderson.
Swansea could swoop for Liverpool striker Iago Aspas after losing Michu and Nathan Dyer to injury.
Manchester United boss David Moyes is plotting a £20million swoop for Luke Shaw
Manchester United manager David Moyes fears that his hopes of reinforcing in the crucial left-back slot, which he considers one of the squad's weak spots, will be dashed again this January.
Manchester United boss David Moyes is considering a £20 million move for Luke Shaw in the January transfer window, despite fears that Southampton will resist all offers for the 18-year-old full-back
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Re: tuesday's news and gooip 31 december includes the irons
Many thanks as ever CH and a happy new year to you and yours.