West Ham United have completed the signing of Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker in a £7m transfer. Parker, 26, who joins on a five-year contract. This seems to be good business. He is a far better player than Nigel Reo-Coker who will go to Aston Villa for the same price.

It seems that West Ham have offered £13m for Andy Johnson. Apparently, Everton have said you can have him for £20m. That is a daft price for Johnson who is probably past his best. I would rather have Defoe back or would take a chance with Billy Sharp (Scunthorpe) or Keigan Parker (Blackpool) from the lower divisions.

Today's roundup of transfer gossip concerning West Ham:

Reading are preparing to swoop for West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins. (Daily Mail)

West Ham are set to pip Chelsea to the signing of Fredrikstad striker Tarik Elyounoussi, 19. (Daily Star)

http://www.theoffside.com/leagues/english-...lyounoussi.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/arti...in_page_id=1779

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wSFtvzSsJE

Midfielder Yossi Benayoun is understood to be hoping Liverpool come in for him, even though he has agreed at new five-year deal at West Ham. (The Independent)

Tottenham and Celtic want striker Marlon Harewood, who has been told he can leave West Ham. (Daily Mirror)

Today's transfer news:

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings wants to bring goalkeeper Roy Carroll back to the JJB Stadium. (The Sun)

West Ham have been told they can sign Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy for £9m. (Daily Mail)

good luck with that one

BBC website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...utd/6733691.stm

Scott Parker, who grew up playing under Curbishley at Charlton, is the only new arrival of the summer so far.

Curbishley said he admired Parker's work ethic and hoped to instil this in the rest of the squad to ensure a strong start to the new campaign and avoid a repetition of last season's flirtation with relegation.

"When he was at Charlton, he was the life and soul of everything we did but he probably got swallowed up a bit at Chelsea and Newcastle.

"I'd like him to be the life and soul here too, to set the benchmark for the rest of the players.

"If he brings his potential with him, the fans here will respond to that. I'm hoping that on the first day of pre-season, everyone realises what it's all about."

Today's news:

West Ham and Tottenham are battling over £18m Charlton striker Darren Bent. (Mirror)

BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...utd/6734519.stm

Norwegian club Fredrikstad insist they have not had any contact with West Ham over teenager Tarik Elyounoussi.

The Hammers have been strongly linked with a £3m move for the 19-year-old forward, who was invited to train with Chelsea's academy last November.

But Fredrikstad director Morgan Andersen told BBC Sport: "There has been no contact at all with West Ham.

"We really want to keep him and to sell him the offer must be so good that we cannot say no."

West Ham signed midfielder Scott Parker from Newcastle for £7m on 6 June and manager Alan Curbishley is expected to further strengthen his squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

Elyounoussi, born in Norway and of Moroccan descent, made his debut in the 2005 season and was a member of the Fredrikstad team that won the Norwegian cup in 2006.

"Chelsea wanted to see him with their academy," added Andersen.

"That was in November, the same week as we played in our cup final.

"Firstly, he had to be with the squad and secondly why should he go to Chelsea's academy when he is one of the best players in Norway?

"We would never send a player like that to train with an academy.

"He was the best talent in Norway in 2006 and he is reckoned as one of the best young players in Europe. He is a great young player and will only get better."

Elyounoussi, who has more than two years left on his current deal, was also invited to Portsmouth in 2006 - but again Fredrikstad decided their first-team requirements took priority.

Manchester United are close to sealing a deal to land West Ham's Argentine star Carlos Tevez but face a battle with Inter Milan. (News of the World/The People)

Bolton are set to sell midfielder Kevin Nolan, sparking the interest of Everton, West Ham, Middlesbrough, Manchester City and Sunderland. (The People)

Spurs striker Jermain Defoe has snubbed the chance to make a £12m return to West Ham. (News of the World)

West Ham are demanding £10m for unsettled skipper Nigel Reo-Coker. (News of the World)

Manchester United have been told they will need to stump up £40m if they want to buy Carlos Tevez. (Daily Star)

But they are only willing to pay £12m, with Inter Milan prepared to splash out £34m on the Argentine. (Independent)

West Ham are chasing Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and Liverpool frontman Craig Bellamy. (Daily Mirror)

Never going to happen for several reasons.

1, good player though Tevez is, the asking price is a joke. Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani together only cost 7 million more than the quoted price for Tevez.

2, Ferguson will not be allowed to spend that sort of money. we are 300 million in debt for gawds sake.

3, His playing style is to similar to Rooney's.

4, If we do sign another player, and I recon thats a big if, it will be an out and out 30 goals a season striker.

Sporting Life.com is today reporting (on a report) that West Ham have won the race to sign Darren Bent, £15 Million plus Harewood and Mullins with £2.5 going to Ipswich as part of a sell on agreement.

This would be nice.

I agree. It is not only the Sporting Life that has this story.

Charlton's Darren Bent will join West Ham for £18m in a deal that will net the striker £80,000 a week. (Star)

Hayden Mullins and Marlon Harewood will head the other way across London and link up with former boss Alan Pardew at the Addicks in a £12m deal. (Mirror)

This would be far more acceptable in terms of valuation of both Bent and Mullins and Harewood in exchange. 80K is a lot, it seems West Ham have accepted the higher wage rates as part of their push for success.

It is becoming clear that this is the adopted strategy to compete with the Big Four. Remember, this was the reason Lucas Neill signed for West Ham. I believe that Reading'seft-back Nicky Shorey will eventually join us for the same reason. If the Big Four are not interested in Britain's best young players, let West Ham take them.

It would seem that Harewood will not be part of the deal. He has had other offers from Premiership clubs (Fulham and Wigan). However, West Ham will sign him this week (he returns from holiday today) for about £17m and on wages of £75,000 a week. Liverpool and Spurs also want him but cannot afford the wages.

The other news is that according to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool are very keen to sign Yossi Benayoun. I would not be too upset by this. I don't think he is tough enough for the Premiership (he is too easily knocked off the ball). However, finding a replacement will not be easy. Creative midfielders are in short supply.

It looks like West Ham will have nine points after the first three games.

Saturday 11 August

Arsenal v Fulham
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Bolton v Newcastle
Chelsea v Birmingham
Derby v Portsmouth
Everton v Wigan
Man Utd v Reading
Middlesbrough v Blackburn
Sunderland v Tottenham
West Ham v Man City

Tuesday, 14 August 2007

Birmingham v Sunderland
Portsmouth v Man Utd
Reading v Chelsea
Tottenham v Everton
Wigan v Middlesbrough

Wednesday 15 August

Blackburn v Aston Villa
Fulham v Bolton
Liverpool v West Ham
Man City v Derby
Newcastle v Arsenal


Saturday 18 August

Birmingham v West Ham
Blackburn v Arsenal
Fulham v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Chelsea
Man City v Man Utd
Newcastle v Aston Villa
Portsmouth v Bolton
Reading v Everton
Tottenham v Derby
Wigan v Sunderland

I see Darren Bent has decided not to come to West Ham. This article appeared in the Guardian about West Ham Wages:

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/06/...y_as_premi.html

It will be dismissed as anecdotal but within English football, and specifically among agents, the following story is circulating and generating huge excitement. A player from a third-tier club who moved recently to a Championship club - one not so long ago in the Premiership - has seen his basic £1,500-a-week salary increase not five times, nor 10, but 15 times. The player's agent did not demand this sum; it was the club's opening gambit.

The belief that wages in football are soaring uncontrollably is understandable. In April a Professional Footballers' Association survey found that the average annual salary of a Premiership player is now £676,000 - £13,000 a week - a rise of 65% on 2000. The accountancy firm Deloitte puts the figure much higher.

It is repeated continually that agents are driving this inflation, and numerous chairmen and directors will support that theory. What is acknowledged less often by these chairmen is that clubs have long contributed to the situation.

Behind the scenes now, however, some Premiership chief executives are very anxious about wage escalation. "There's a little bit of fear out there at the moment," Nicky Hammond, Reading's director of football, said yesterday. "Everyone seems to be keeping their powder dry. The numbers being talked about this season are well in excess of last year in terms of both wages and transfers."

Although no one has gone public - yet - the club many are pointing the finger at is West Ham United. Their chairman, Eggert Magnusson, is now being branded "Father Christmas" by some rivals and, perhaps more worryingly, "Ridsdale" by others. "There's no doubt in my mind that West Ham has had an effect," says a senior figure at another Premiership club.

Annoyance stems from an open-wallet approach to the market, demonstrated on January 22 when Blackburn's Lucas Neill walked into Upton Park on a free transfer. Sources close to the deal have confirmed that Neill, by no means a star player, earns £72,000 a week in east London. He had the option to go to Liverpool but his wage there would have been "a fraction" of what he gets at West Ham.

Within boardrooms the Neill deal is being regarded as a landmark transfer. When asked on Tuesday about the Australian, the Middlesbrough chairman, Steve Gibson, said: "I don't know the details of Lucas Neill other than what I read. What I can comment on are the demands we have suffered from in the last three or four weeks. That would suggest agents are trying to push the barriers again. But that's the business and I am a businessman. But I have seen some of the deals that have gone through in recent weeks and I'm glad we haven't been involved in them."

Gibson is in a slightly tricky position. Middlesbrough, because of fashion and location, have had to pay sometimes exorbitant wages and Tuncay Sanli, whose signing was confirmed yesterday, is believed to be on £60,000 a week after his free transfer from Fenerbahce. One Istanbul sports daily printed pictures of his head on £20 notes to illustrate one reason why he is moving to Teesside. But he may be Middlesbrough's big glamour signing, whereas at West Ham and elsewhere the water-carriers are also being lavishly rewarded. One agent recounted a tale of another West Ham player - who is less regarded generally than Neill - having his wages trebled a few weeks ago.

Harry Redknapp knows the market better than most and the Portsmouth manager - formerly at West Ham - lamented: "Craig Bellamy would do for us. But West Ham want him and would double his wages to £100,000 a week. How do you compete with that? We've got no chance of getting Bellamy. We're all looking for strikers but the market's gone crazy."

A new television deal is one explanation of the sharp rise in wages but new owners are also a factor. The Icelandic owners' fortune underwrites West Ham but even so the comparison is being made with Peter Ridsdale's Leeds.

It was only this January that Ken Bates revealed that Gary Kelly's weekly wage at Leeds since 2001 has been £46,000 a week. "Twelve million pounds over five years," said the chairman. "I worked out that all the money that Leeds earned getting to the semi-finals of the Champions League was handed to Kelly with his new contract." Five years on, Leeds are in the third division. By 2012 they may still not have recovered. But Gary Kelly will still be a multimillionaire. As will Lucas Neill.

The Ridsdale comparison is scary. I hear that when they [Leeds] signed Seth Johnson his agent wanted £13 - 15,000. Ridsdale opened with £30K, Johnson and his agent left the room to discuss i.e. laugh. When they returned Ridsdale offered £38K. Whether this is 100%, I don't know, but Mal Donaghy (with whom I'm quite friendly) said it was doing the football grapevine at the time.

I'd be disappointed to lose Yossi, though the timing of the Liverpool bid seems to indicate a prior discussion between the parties considering Benayoun phoned from holiday to say on his return (yesterday) he would sign the deal he agreed with West Ham. Also it would a slap in the face to let him go the purported max bid of £3million considering we signed him for £2.5million and he's now established in the Premiership.

Creative players, as you rightly say, are in short demand, and when you have one I'd say keep him. There are very few you could replace Benayoun with who also offer the extra attribute of being hard to knock off the ball, only Ronaldinho springs to mind

Article on the official West Ham website:

"The whole situation has left me very frustrated," says Mr Magnusson. "We were so close to signing Darren and thought everything was in place to conclude what would have been the biggest transfer in West Ham United's history for a player.

"I was really looking forward to making an announcement to our fans as we continue with our plans to take this club forward and to challenge the best teams in England.

"The deal we put in place seemed to work for everybody concerned. Throughout the negotiations all the signs were positive. Therefore I was surprised when I learned that Darren had decided not to join us. I feel let down and disappointed. But it is time to move on.

"In the aftermath of this I have been encouraged by the reaction of our supporters. They appreciate the efforts we made and some of the feedback suggests they are less disappointed than I thought they might be.

"The view seems to be that perhaps this wasn't the best deal we could do at this stage. I'd like to think the experience will eventually stand us in good stead and there's no doubt about it, lessons have been learned."

Meanwhile, the Chairman once again expressed his dismay at some of the media speculation surrounding player wages, and has moved to reassure supporters that all transfer negotiations are carried out with the best interests of West Ham United at heart.

"West Ham United is very much in the spotlight at the moment," he says. "I totally accept that as chairman of a Club with ambition and drive. However, I am disappointed that there is a widespread belief that the Club has a bottomless pit of money to spend on transfer fees and player wages.

"This is a great football Club which will be run on sensible business lines to build a secure, long-term future. That includes our policy on players wages, set at a ceiling of £55,000 a week. Despite figures being circulated in the game, no player at West Ham United earns more than that at present.

"Of course, as an ambitious club we will react to the marketplace, in common with most other football clubs. If the right player comes along at the right price, then we will look at that, but we want players who want to play for West Ham United.

"I believe we are bringing together a team on and off the pitch which will bring success to West Ham United. It's been a tough week but you don't get involved with a Premiership football club in order to have a quiet life."

Latest from the newspapers:

Shaun Wright-Phillips has been told he can leave Chelsea if an offer of £10m is received for him. West Ham are favourites to snap him up. (The Sun)

Charlton striker Darren Bent rejected a £17m move to West Ham because he wants to join Liverpool. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has promised more big-name signings despite missing out on Darren Bent. (The Sun)

And the Hammers could start with a swoop for Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy. (Daily Express)

West Ham's Hayden Mullins will still join Charlton despite the collapse of the Darren Bent move. (Star)

Yossi Benayoun wants to quit West Ham for Liverpool. (The Guardian)

Six Premiership clubs are interested in Feyenoord's Royston Drenthe - with West Ham and Sunderland the leading chasers. (The Independent)

West Ham have joined the battle to land Preston striker David Nugent after missing out on Bent. (The Sun)

The Hammers have been rebuffed after making an enquiry for Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy. (Daily Mail)

Birmingham have had a £3m bid for striker Marlon Harewood rejected by West Ham. (Various)

Blues boss Steve Bruce has been told he will have to pay £4.5m for Harewood. (Daily Express)

Please let the Nugent story be a flyer from a bored journalist.

The Mail have been increasingly reporting on WHUFC, and I've read on kumb perhaps, that the Mail is anti-West Ham. Do you know anything about this?

I hope this story is true. He is a very impressive player (been watching him in the European Under 21 championship.

West Ham have been offered Argentina striker Javier Saviola to replace Carlos Tevez. (The Sun)

Aston Villa and Birmingham are competing for the signature of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood. (Daily Star)

Liverpool will increase their bid for West Ham's Yossi Benayoun to £4.5m. (Various)

Charlton are ready to accept Spurs' £16m bid for striker Darren Bent. (Guardian)

Real Madrid say they are winning the race to sign West Ham's Carlos Tevez - and will pay £30m. (Various)

Royston Drenthe (Feyenoord) and Ryan Babel (Ajax) were the two star players in the European Under 21 championship. It would be great if West Ham could get either of these players. Babel could be another Thierry Henry.

Arsene Wenger will attempt to recruit Carlos Tevez from West Ham or bring back Nicolas Anelka in the wake of striker Thierry Henry's expected departure from the Emirates Stadium to Barcelona. (Various)

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley wants Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge after growing frustrated at being unable to land Nicky Shorey from Reading. (Sun)

Aston Villa are set to cool their interest in West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker as the clubs are 'poles apart' in their valuation. (The People)

West Ham are prepared to spend £11m to sign Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. (News of the World)

Meanwhile, West Ham striker Marlon Harewood is wanted by Birmingham, Fulham, Portsmouth and Aston Villa. (News of the World)

It seems Magnusson is plays hardball as well. He won't let NRK go at a lower price than his valuation (I have a feeling he was hoping for a better U21 display from him.)

I'd be impressed if the rumour is true that he has withdrawn the new contract offer to Yossi Benayoun. Whilst I don't want him to go, I don't want an unhappy player either - remember Berkovic? This, if true, would reduce his bargaining power in negotiations with Liverpool, as well as removing a 'fall back' option should these negotiations look like failing.

Parry's appearance at the recent arbitration case, coupled with his obvious tapping up of Benayoun is making him/Liverpool look quite bad, at the moment, to WHU fans.

Richardson has said he wants to leave Man U to get more first team opportunities. Richardson might come home to Upton Park, with SWP opposite him we might have two genuine wingers for the first time in quite a while.

Are you aware if we get any money from any potential Tevez deal? I have heard Magnusson say we will - but I'm unsure if this is gamesmanship with Kia/PL.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is set to stun Manchester City fans by making West Ham's Marlon Harewood one of his first signings. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez admits he is interested in being Henry's replacement at Arsenal. (The Sun)

Preston striker David Nugent is waiting for interest from Everton after having talks with Sunderland and West Ham. (The Sun)

Manchester City will make a £4m bid to snatch Yossi Benayoun from under Liverpool's nose. (Daily Mirror)

Derby are trying to wrap up a £2m deal for West Ham winger Matt Etherington. (Daily Mirror, The Sun)

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez is likely to leave for Inter Milan this summer. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge will snub a move from Stamford Bridge as he expects to be number one left-back at the club next season. (Daily Star)

Tottenham will listen to offers for Jermain Defoe once they complete the signing of Charlton's Darren Bent. (Daily Mirror)

Charlton are refusing to budge on their asking price of £17m for Bent. (The Independent)

Alan Curbishley's future as West Ham boss could be in doubt despite him leading them to Premiership safety last season. (Daily Star)

What a daft story.

West Ham are willing to pay Carlos Tevez £115,000 a week to keep him at the club for another year. (Daily Mail)

Martin O'Neill is to launch a fresh £8m bid for West Ham's Nigel Reo-Coker. (Various)

O'Neill may have to fight off an attempted hijack of the move by prospective Man City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson. (The Times)

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is looking at Bolton's Kevin Nolan as a possible replacement for Nigel Reo-Coker. (The Sun)

Reading's Nicky Shorey will snub Newcastle and West Ham by signing a new contract at the Royals. (Daily Mail)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is interested in signing West Ham's £3m-rated striker Marlon Harewood. (Various)

I've read this has to do with his inability to attract players to the club frustrating Magnusson.

If all the stories in the press are true, West Ham and a few other clubs would have squads of 50 top pros and the likes of Arsenal might struggle to get a recognised team out Silly season - bored sports journalists favourite time of year.

BBC Website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...utd/6251900.stm

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez has turned down a move to Inter Milan after the Italian champions imposed a deadline for him to make a decision.

The 23-year-old has been linked to several clubs in England and abroad but is keen to stay in the Premier League.

A statement from Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian said: "Inter put a deadline on the decision and Carlos' heart is really in the Premier League.

"He was not prepared to meet that cut-off point put on him."

Tevez said in May that he was keen to move away from Upton Park saying: "I want to join one of Europe's big clubs, that's what I've talked to my agents about."

Joorabchian, though, insisted that the Hammers are in talks to keep the Argentina international but played down reports of a £115,000 per week being offered to convince him to stay.

The Iranian businessman added: "That is "absolutely not true".

"He has not been offered that sum of money to stay, but it is true we are still talking and hope to come to some arrangement."

Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter were among the clubs strongly linked with a move for Tevez but Inter have ruled themselves out of the running due to their demands.

Inter president Massimo Moratti told his club website: "Tevez is no longer a target, we are fine as we are in attack."

The forward was instrumental in the West Ham's successful battle to avoid relegation last season after a difficult start to hi Upton Park career.

Tevez moved from Corinthians last summer but the Hammers were subsequently fined a record £5.5m by an independent commission for breaching Premier League rules.

Sunday Gossip

The Gunners are also the only serious contenders battling Manchester United for the signature of striker Carlos Tevez. (NotW)

But Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested, while West Ham will match any offer Tevez receives. (Mirror)

Aston Villa want Reo-Coker as well as Chelsea duo Geremi and Shaun Wright-Phillips and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy. (Sunday Telegraph)

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta has his sights on a move to England with Chelsea, Manchester City, West Ham and Middlesbrough interested. (Mirror)

Derby also want Norwich striker Dickson Etuhu, West Ham winger Matthew Etherington and Sheffield United centre-back Claude Davis. (People)

West Ham have beaten Rangers to the signing of Bordeaux midfielder Julien Faubert. The fee is £6m. (NotW)

Monday Gossip

Real Madrid are ahead of Manchester United in the race for West Ham striker Carlos Tevez. (Daily Express)

West Ham are leading the chase for Fenerbahce £5m-rated midfielder Stephen Appiah. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham sign Richard Wright on a free to challenge Robert Green for the No.1 jersey....(Official site)

NRK to Villa for £8.5 million as soon as medical completed, probably will reveal him tomorrow to pretend that he hadn't already agreed terms and underwent a medical long ago.....(Andersonstown News)

What about our collection of centre halves, Ferdinand, Collins, Davenport, Upson, Gabbidon (I'm sure I'm missing someone)- we can't keep them all.

It's went a bit quiet on Mullins/Harewood front. Doubt Harewood will go to City as there was a strong rumour they were moving for Yakubu - too similar to play alongside Harewood.

Bennayoun to replace Garcia at Liverpool - that one has went a bit quiet too. Is it a case of waiting until we get a replacement before allowing Yossi to go.

James Tompkins is the captain of England's under 18s (took over from Mark Noble). Apparently, he is so good Curbs considered playing him last season.

Manchester United are set to swoop for West Ham striker Carlos Tevez and want to complete the deal - believed to be worth more than £20m - inside 48 hours. (Daily Mirror)

Tevez has agreed to join the Old Trafford outfit and the move will be completed next week - subject to any challenge from the Hammers, who still claim to own the player's registration. (Daily Mail)

West Ham have prepared an £11m package for Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy, which would include midfielder Yossi Benayoun going to Anfield as part of the deal. (Daily Star)

Reading are targeting West Ham forward Bobby Zamora in a £2.5m swoop. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham and Newcastle are set for a £3m battle to land FC Copenhagen's Canadian utility player Atiba Hutchinson. (Daily Star)

West Ham striker Dean Ashton, who has been sidelined since breaking an ankle on England duty in August 2006, is set to make his comeback in the friendly against Dagenham and Redbridge on 14 July. (The Sun)

West Ham are interested in signing Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy but want to secure him for less than the Reds' £10m valuation. (Various)

West Ham will make a £16m double swoop for Liverpool strike pair Djibril Cisse and Craig Bellamy. (Daily Mail)

West Ham striker Bobby Zamora is a transfer target for Reading, who are ready to pay £2.5m. (Telegraph)

West Ham have bid £8m plus Yossi Benayoun for Djibril Cisse, but he is keen on Marseille. (The Times)

BBC website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...utd/6276064.stm

Carlos Tevez is keen on a "dream" move to Manchester United - although any deal will come under heavy Premier League scrutiny before going through.
The League insists the transfer must be "done directly" with West Ham rather than his agent Kia Joorabchian.

Tevez, 23, was involved in a saga that led to West Ham being fined £5m for breaching transfer rules, although they crucially escaped a points deduction.

But he said: "For me, Manchester United will be a sensational destination."

Tevez is still under contract to West Ham for three years, but the League wants to ensure Joorabchian is not paid any of the fee after previous questions over the Argentine forward's "ownership".

West Ham insisted they cut all ties with Joorabchian after they were fined in April.

One possible avenue would be for West Ham to be paid a transfer fee and then agree a compensation figure with Joorabchian for breaching contracts with his company, Media Sports Investments (MSI), when the Hammers terminated third-party agreements following their fine.

It is understood though the League would want a substantial chunk of the transfer fee to remain at West Ham rather than it all be handed over to MSI in compensation, otherwise they could be accused of merely covering up the third-party agreements that have caused so much controversy.

West Ham have been speaking to Manchester United about a transfer, and the former Boca Juniors and Corinthians player is excited at the prospect.

He said: "I am a player who thrives on challenges. I went to England to triumph in the Premiership and with West Ham I have achieved that first stage.

"Now I'm ready to move on to the next stage. To be a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad will be absolutely spectacular.

"My dream is to be an idol in English football and I can achieve this now."

Liverpool are set to recoup much of the £21m they spent on Fernando Torres with the sales of Craig Bellamy and Djibril Cisse. (Daily Mirror)

Bellamy is set to go to West Ham for £9m, while fellow striker Cisse is expected to join Marseille for £8m. (The Sun)

West Ham were said to be keen on Cisse too. (Daily Telegraph)

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez has been ordered to start pre-season training with the club, despite agreeing a £60m deal to go to Man Utd. (Daily Mail)

However, it is understood the Hammers have given Tevez the green light to make his £38m switch. (The Sun)

Tevez, set for a £21m move in this paper, says he wants to become United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's star "pupil". (Daily Mirror)

Of course, perhaps Tevez is not going anywhere. (Daily Star)

West Ham have made a £5.5m bid for West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says he would be happy with his squad - if West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun becomes his final signing of the summer. (Daily Star)

I was surprised that O’Neill wanted Reo-Coker. He has a tremendous engine but technically he has not improved over the last two years. He gives away far too many free-kicks and his passing is appalling.

I am not happy about the arrival of Bellamy. I can see him causing a lot of problems at the club. I really dislike players who play with a snarl on their face. He is also over-priced. I cannot understand how his value has increased during his time at Liverpool. The only time he has shown good form has been when he was playing for Hughes at Wales and Blackburn.

Agreed on Reo-Coker and happy with the £8.5 million also. His first touch and passing are not up to PL standards IMO. O'Neill will try to turn him into a Neil Lennon/Robbie Savage type player. Someone who burns up a lot of energy breaking up play in the middle and gives it to the better players to play football. I think he'll excell in this role under O'Neill's guidance.

Jury's out on Bellamy. However, as I don't see West Ham cotrolling games I think an energetic striker is needed to close the opppostition defenders down. He has pace and really isn't a bad forward. His temperment is suspect I agree, but it's been a while since we had a tenacious forward. Dave Cross....?

Hope you are right as the BBC have just posted this:

West Ham have completed the signing of striker Craig Bellamy from Liverpool for a club record £7.5m.

The 27-year-old Wales captain has signed a five-year contract.

Bellamy spent just one season at Liverpool and has left the Anfield club after their summer signings of forwards Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin.

The ex-Norwich, Coventry and Newcastle striker had joined Liverpool from Blackburn for £6m and scored nine goals in 42 appearances.

West Ham United FC - top ten transfers

1. Craig Bellamy £7.5m (Liverpool, 2007)
2. Dean Ashton £7m+ (Norwich, 2006)
3. Scott Parker £7m (Newcastle, 2007)
4. Matthew Upson £6m+ (Birmingham, 2007)
5. Julien Faubert £6m (Bordeaux, 2007)
6. Tomas Repka £5.5m (Fiorentina, 2001)
7. Luis Boa Morte £5m (Fulham, 2007)
7. Don Hutchison £5m (Everton, 2000)
9. Freddie Kanoute £4m (Lyon, 2000)
10. David James £3.5m (Aston Villa, 2001)

Phew, You'd have to look at Roeders signings there as the outstandingly bad ones. Repka & Hutch £10m...James £3.5m. Hutchinson was a waste, Repka was bad until he was moved to his normal position of right back by Pardew, where I thought he came reasonably good. But then Roeder had spent a whole summer promising us a centre half and didn't want to let us down I suppose.

James was injured IIRC sliding collision and didn't play too many games in his first season.

Kanoute was an outstanding buy. Still would be.

Positions 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 are all Curbs buys at a cost of £31.5m+. A lot of money. Will we see a payback? I reckon 10th would be a realistic/good season.