Hammers announce Hart
After weeks and weeks of speculation, Joe Hart was finally unveiled as a West Ham United player on Tuesday. The England keeper has joined on a season-long loan from parent club Manchester City, but there is no option to buy at the end of it. However, City boss Pep Guardiola is understood to want to offload the shot-stopper next summer with The London Stadium most likely to become Hart’s new permanent home.
The two-time Premier League winner had this to say to WHUFC.com after completing his move: “I’ve always loved the club. It’s got something about it, it’s got a history and I’ve always loved playing against West Ham”. Hart spent last season on loan in The Serie A with Torino, after The Citizens made the signing of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona. The former Shrewsbury Town man has also flown straight out to Austria to join up with his teammates and could even make his debut in our second friendly of pre-season against Fulham tonight. So, with patient Hammers finally being rewarded with a promising signing, will there be more excitement to follow later in the week?
Dobson departs for Holland
Our young midfielder George Dobson has made the move to The Netherlands with Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam. The 19-year-old spent most of last season on loan at EFL League One side Fleetwood Town, before returning to the U23’s and helping them clinch promotion to the PL2 Division One. The boyhood Hammers fan now makes the move to the oldest Dutch team in football, as another Premier League dream is not realised.
U23’s beaten by Colchester
Our bright young U23 side were edged out 2-0 by Colchester United in their second friendly of pre-season on Tuesday night. Terry Westley’s men were overwhelmed by the strength of the EFL League Two side, as they were condemned to two consecutive defeats. The starlets were showcasing the new black and blue Umbro away kit at The Colchester Community Stadium, but were behind early on when Drey Wright finished calmly for the hosts. The home side doubled their lead on the hour mark through a Denny Johnstone header and Alex Pike had the chance to make things interesting, but could not convert from the penalty spot. The young Hammers will now make the short trip to their home ground to face Dagenham and Redbridge in their third friendly of pre-season, as they prepare for their first season in the PL2 Division One.
Transfer gossip: Hammers make multiple bids
It has been reported in the last few days by Sky Sports News HQ that our third bid for Stoke City winger Marco Arnautovic has been accepted. The Austria international handed in a transfer request at The Bet 365 Stadium last week in order to force a move to us, but Mark Hughes remained stubborn in rejected our first two bids. The third attempt that has been accepted by the club is believed to be in the region of £23 million which is set to male Arnautovic a record signing, surpassing the £22 million signing of Andre Ayew from Swansea City last summer. So, with only personal terms to agree, will the tall wide man live up to his price tag?
It has also been rumoured this week by Sky Sports News HQ that we have made an outrageous £28 million bid for Lazio forward Keita Balde. The Senegal international is believed to be the target of the likes of Everton, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, but some outlets are going as far as suggesting that the Serie A side have accepted Slaven Bilic’s pricy offer. So, could we complete one of the most unlikely signings of the window and bring the 22-year-old to The Premier League?