Evening news round-up for Friday 18/11/16 by 337hammer.
Mega-rich Qatar eyes Premier League investment with West Ham.
Qatar’s World Cup 2022 supremo believes the moneybags Arab state could soon buy a Premier League club – with West Ham reportedly on their radar. The Qatar Investment Authority – who already own French champions Paris St Germain – would certain not be fazed by an apparent £1bn valuation of the Hammers. Also, the QIA already have their interests in E20 as they own the Olympic Village on the same site in Stratford. Hassan Al-Thawadi, leader of the 2022 organising committee, said: “I can see it happening down the road. It’s likely. There’s such a passion for football and the Premier League in particular. Everyone on the street has an opinion.” essexlive.news
How would you feel if we were to be taken over by a ‘moneybags Arab state’? Would it be the next logical step in our planned progression? Would it be the death of our tradition? Do you think our current owners would be interested in selling up?
No West Ham striker has scored in 17 matches… that’s our problem.
Our problem is there for everyone to see: the strikers are not finding the net. We have played 17 competitive matches this season and none of our strikers have scored. We hope that will change because, statistically, we are up there in terms of shots. It is just that we cannot hit the target. But I still believe in the strikers and some of them are coming back now. Andre Ayew is fit again and Diafra Sakho has also been back in full training for a couple of weeks. Diafra lacks match practice but he looks sharp, he looks hungry and it is a big boost for us because he gives us something different. standard.co.uk
Everyone know’s our problem; how do we solve it though? Will Ayew or Sakho be the answer? Andy Carroll? A new striker in January? Change of formation to have two up front?
Dimitri Payet wins goal of October award for superb solo effort against Middlesbrough.
Dimitri Payet’s superb solo effort against Middlesbrough has been recognised for its quality as the Frenchman has won the Premier League goal of the month award for October. The Frenchman has only managed to score one league goal this season but it was one which will be remembered as he skipped past five Middlesbrough defenders. dailymail.co.uk
Deserved award? How did you rate this goal?
Alvaro Arbeloa set for early exit with January move on cards.
Alvaro Arbeloa is hoping to secure a return to Spain in January. The 33-year-old arrived in east London during the summer but has endured a forgettable start to life at the club. Arbeloa has played just 173 minutes in the Premier League this season and it has been suggested that he could leave as early as January. Now, according to El Mundo Deportivo, he would favour a move back to his native country despite reported interest from the MLS and the Middle East. talksport.com
What are your thoughts on this news? Are you surprised things do not seem to be working out?
Bilic has given approval to January winger transfer.
According to Turkey’s Aspor and Gercek Gundem, Besiktas president Fikret Orman met with Slaven Bilic in London two weeks ago to discuss the situation regarding Gokhan Tore and the West Ham boss is reported as saying to his former boss that “He’s a great player but he’s struggling here. He’s your player, I am not planning to force him out but if you want him, and if he wants you, then I’m OK with it [a return].”
It’s also understood Besiktas want to terminate his loan contract with no compensation, but West Ham will look to get half of the money they paid to loan Tore (€3M). Besiktas boss Senol Gunes said last week that they need a new winger in January. sportwitness.co.uk
What do you think about this news? Should we take the hit and lose some or all of our loan fee just to allow Gokhan to return to Turkey early? Or should we keep him until the end of the season to give him another chance?
Player never wanted West Ham move, were last option, pushing for exit.
Jonathan Calleri is keen to terminate his loan contract with West Ham, Sport Witness can confirm. The player is unhappy with his lack of game time under Slaven Bilic and is pushing for a move in January. Sport Witness have learned that the striker didn’t want a move to West Ham in the first place. His first option was La Liga’s Europa League champions Sevilla and then Serie A’s Inter Milan, a club always popular with South Americans. sportwitness.co.uk
What has happen with Calleri? It seemed like an ideal move; where did it all go wrong?
West Ham can take advantage of Spanish club with double January deal.
According to Calciomercato, Valencia are keen on signing Zaza. Napoli remain interested, but the question is: Will Zaza want to return to Italy or try another club abroad? Zaza could be offered a more prominent role at Valencia, and it remains to be seen if he’d opt for La Liga club. The Italian international would ideally want to sort out his future quickly and revive his career.
Interestingly, the local Valencia media are linking their club with Jonathan Calleri, another summer West Ham signing which has so far been an abject failure; maybe West Ham can take advantage of the situation in January. sportwitness.co.uk
Should we try to move both of our loanee’s on?
West Ham and Chelsea fans handed banning orders after crowd violence in EFL Cup clash.
Two football fans have been given banning orders after crowd trouble marred West Ham’s 2-1 EFL Cup win over Chelsea last month. [One] Chelsea was given a five-year banning order after he was charged with threatening behaviour [and one] West Ham fan was also hit with a three-year ban after being found to have thrown a missile in the ground. The banning orders were issued at Thames Magistrates’ Court on November 11. Metropolitan Police commander BJ Harrington said: “Although the vast majority of people who attended the match were well behaved, there were a minority who were clearly intent on being involved in confrontation and violence.” mirror.co.uk
I must say I am a little surprised at this story; only 2 people have been banned. What do you think?
