Chicharito targeting success
Our new-signing Javier Hernandez is aiming for a long and successful period with us, as he revealed in his first interview since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. The former Manchester United forward was keen to express his want to gain a victory at his old-stamping ground Old Trafford when we face Jose Mourinho’s men on the opening day of next season. “Chicharito” had this to say about his return to Manchester in an exclusive interview with WHUFC.com: “Hopefully I can do as well in that Stadium for West Ham as I did when I played for United, and hopefully we can get the three points”. The former Guadalajara man also added: “I’m very desperate to start the season now and help the team to achieve their objectives next season”. Hernandez’s comments will prove music to the ears of many Hammers, as “The Little Pea” managed to win two-Premier League medals and an F.A Community Shield under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, the tricky attacker was sold by Louis Van Gaal after a loan to Real Madrid. So, with the Mexican set to join up with the squad in Bremen this week, will he make an instant impact with his goal scoring reputation in the run-up to the start of the 2017/2018 Premier League season?
Fonte joins the boys in Germany
Our Portuguese centre-back Jose Fonte has re-joined with the squad in Bremen, after his time off at the end of representing Portugal at The Confederations Cup. The former Saint’s man and his Portugal side were beaten by Chile at the Semi-Final stage, but were victorious in their Third Place Play-Off against Javier Hernandez’s Mexico. Fonte is now full of excitement for the new season and had this to say to WHUFC.com when he arrived in Germany: “I’m excited to get back to join the boys because I want to make sure that this year, together, we can accomplish something great”. The physical defender joined us in January, but did not take to life in East-London well and has drawn in many critics for his sloppy performances in Claret and Blue so far. However, Fonte does seem to be adding to the great air of optimism that surrounds the club, this includes our impressive summer signings that have drawn praise from the likes of Jose Mourinho. So, with the start of the new season just over two weeks away, will Jose Fonte replenish the demons of last season?
U23’s off to poor start in Slovakia
Terry Westley’s U23 side were narrowly beaten by Slovakian outfit Spartak Trnava in the first friendly of the youngster’s pre-season tour of the country. Our starting 11 included several 16-year-olds, who fought well to give a good account of themselves in the 3-1 defeat. However, it would be the five-time Slovak Cup winners who stole the headlines an emphatic winning performance. The match, even though it ended in a disappointing defeat, will prove to be a huge experience and learning curve for the boys, as they prepare for their first season in The PL2 Division One.
Carroll slammed for off-field antics
Our former England international striker Andy Carroll has been slated by fans and pundits alike for reportedly partying until 9AM on a recent holiday to the Spanish Island of Ibiza. Carroll has had his Hammers career blighted by injuries that struck once again last season, limiting him to just 19 Premier League appearances and causing him to miss our current pre-season preparations. However, he is receiving no sympathy from the majority of Hammers, as he spends his time on nights out and not in the treatment room. Rumours have also linked Carroll with a return to Newcastle United and Slaven Bilic is reportedly ready to finally pull the plug on the tall forward. So, could Carroll’s up and down time in East-London be coming to an abrupt end?
Transfer gossip: Hammers eye exciting attacking duo
It has been rumoured in the last few days by Sky Sports News HQ that we are in advanced talks for the purchase of Senegalese international midfielder Badou Ndiaye. The Osmanlispor man is valued at around £8 million, but is also reportedly the target of Galatasaray and Newcastle. However, we are understood to be leading the race and are set to secure the signing in time for the start of the season, in place of Cheikhou Kouyate who is set to miss August through injury.
The Express have become the latest in a range of newspapers to report our interest in Celtic forward Moussa Dembele this week. The 21-year-old notched 32 goals in all competitions for The SPL Champions last season, and is the subject of interest from some of Europe’s leading clubs. However, it is understood that we have now joined the race and could be set to secure one of the most unlikely signings of the window in bringing the former Fulham man to The London Stadium.