Hammers hoping Zab can help land striker
West Ham fans will be hoping that new signing Pablo Zabaleta will be able to help in their pursuit of Man City striker Kelechi Iheanacho. The 20-year-old Nigerian striker is close friends with Zabaleta and Bilic is hoping that he could help answer the goal scoring issues for this season. The Hammers scored 18 goals fewer in this campaign compared to the previous season and it was a major factor as to why they flirted with relegation at times. It is thought that only Everton are also linked to the forward but West Ham will look to double his £35,000 per week wages.
New kit a hit with fans
The newly announced away kit for next season has gone down well with a number of fans. It is mainly black which is a first for the club but features electric blue piping and crest. Mark Noble was asked his view on the new kit saying ‘It’s a really smart kit. I like the dark-coloured kits and you can wear this one with a pair of jeans as easily as when you are playing football with your mates. Fans won’t have to wait too long to see the Umbro kit in action as the Hammers first three games of the season are away due to the Stadium being used for athletics. It is the third season that Umbro has produced the clubs kits and this one seems to be a hit.
Cresswell makes the England squad
Aaron Cresswell has been named in the 23 man England squad to face Scotland and France next month. It is the first inclusion for the 26 year-old fullback since he appeared against Spain in November. England boss Southgate said ‘The Scotland game is one of football’s great fixtures. We’re in a place in the group where a win can really put us in a very strong position, and that’s what we want to achieve. France is a great challenge for us. Our ambition with our friendly matches is to play the best possible teams – we’ve done that by playing Spain and Germany already.’