U23’s edged out at The Hive
Our bright young U23 side were narrowly beaten by EFL League Two side Barnet in their first game of pre-season on Saturday. Terry Westley’s men are preparing for their first season in The PL2 Division One, after overcoming Newcastle United in The PL2 Division Two Play-Off Final. However, a Hammers side without the likes of Antonio Martinez, Reece Burke and Josh Cullen struggled to gain any real hold on the difficult challenge that faced them in North-London. The Bees took the lead just before the break through Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro, who finished past Latvian Rihards Matrevics impressively. It was two just after the break, when John Akinde doubled the home side’s advantage but first-year scholar Reece Hannam made things interesting at the end. However, Barnet held on for a well-fought 2-1 victory and to condemn our youngsters to a defeat in their first friendly. The U23’s will now make the trip to face Barnet’s fellow League Two rivals in Colchester United tonight, before facing Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday in familiar surroundings.
Hart teases Hammers fans
England keeper Joe Hart teased West Ham fans up and down the land on Sunday with a picture of him travelling and the caption “On route to the next adventure” on Sunday. The Manchester City shot-stopper is rumoured to be completing his move to The London Stadium this week, with a medical already believed to have already taken place. However, despite excitement from fans, Slaven Bilic will face a selection headache if the move goes through between Hart and current first-team keeper Adrian San-Miguel. Nevertheless, the loan move is nailed on to be completed and England’s number one is surely set to be a Hammer in the near future.
Transfer gossip: Deals for attacking options set to stall
It has been rumoured in the last few days by Sky Sports News HQ that we are set to launch a third bid for Stoke winger Marco Arnautovic. The Austrian recently handed in a transfer request at The Bet 365 Stadium in order to force a move to East London over the line. However, Mark Hughes is understood to be prepared for a long fight to keep the attack minded midfielder and Stoke have already rejected two bids from Slaven Bilic. The first attempt is understood to be in the region of £15 million and the second £20 million, with a third bid set to be worth around £25 million. So, will The Potters finally resist and allow Marco Arnautovic to become a Hammer this summer?
It has also been reported this week by GOAL.com that Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez could be set to snub us for a move to Chelsea. The former Manchester United man is understood to be having difficulty agreeing personal terms with us, after Gold and Sullivan activated the £13 million release clause in his contract at the Bundesliga club. News has now emerged that Antonio Conte is willing to meet the £140 K a week wage demands of the Mexico international. Will Chicharito be able to resist a move to the Premier League Champions?
Trott’s England glide to EURO U19 glory
Young Hammer Nathan Trott and his impressive England U19 teammates cruised to a European U19 Championship triumph with a Final victory over Domingos Quina’s Portugal. Quina has been a regular feature for Helio Sousa’s men throughout the tournament, with a number of assists and impressive performances in the knockout and group stages. However, Trott had to settle for a place on the bench for all of The Three Lions games, with Bournemouth keeper Aaron Ramsdale keeping him out of the side. Now, after a wonderful summer of youth Football, many Hammers are wondering how many members of our first-team will be at Russia 2018 with England next summer?