Nani has broken his recent public silence to make a well timed intervention on the story concerning Behrami’s alleged transfer to Juventus.
He has stated in an Italian radio interview that Valon Behrami will not be joining Juve, or anyone else for that matter, in the forthcoming winter transfer window. Taken together with with Zola’s rebuttal of the recent Cole to Liverpool or Man Utd stories, that’s excellent news for us fans.
He also dropped a heavy hint about West Ham’s priority in their January transfer dealings. He denied a current interest in the Bologna striker Osvaldo and made the following statement:
“We have the fifth best attack in the Premier League for the number of goals scored and so it is certainly not the offensive zone where we need to intervene.”
“Generally, we are happy with our squad.”
Obviously this confirms that the priority will be to tighten up at the back. Personally, I think that someone like Luke Young from Aston Villa would do us a real turn at right-back. I would also like to see a seasoned pro brought in at centre half, along with dependable and experienced goalkeeper cover. We have some outstanding young defensive talent at the club, but this season is probably going to be a bit too early for most of them. A couple of experienced, short-term, signings of the right calibre could really boost the squad, inject experience and leadership in to the back line/bench and help our youngsters develop.
I agree with Nani on the midfield, but is he right on the strike force? I agree that we have two useful striking combinations in Cole and either Franco or Hines. Once they get Diamanti behind them in the hole, pulling the strings, and scoring his share of goals, we should have a very useful and potent forward line.
The Nouble-Dixon partnership certainly looked very promising during last night’s 5-2 reserve team demolition of Stoke City. They are potentially two of the best striking talents in the English game and the club have shown great vision and guts in securing their services; especially in the circumstances surrounding Dixon’s fitness. There will be many a shamed face at White Lane and Stamford Bridge if these two players realise their potential at Upton Park!
However, given the choice, I would still probably bring in another striker as cover for Cole. Neither Nouble nor Dixon should have too much pressure put on their young shoulders this season. Nouble because he is only 18 and still learning the game. Dixon because he needs to be given the space to regain form and fitness, with a view to making a first team bow before the end of the season. If they accelerate their progress and put themselves in to the first team frame ahead of schedule, then that would be a welcome bonus!
There are so many variables relating to the Hammers possible January transfer dealings. It is intertwined with the current complex financial and ownership issues at the club. If there is an injection of investment or a successful takeover of the club then obviously our sights will be raised in terms of transfer targets.
SJ Chandos.
Moratorium having now been extended gives Nani's comments more credence than before, however I would not be surprised to see Upson and Green leave in January. They haven't signed new deals and both will be coming into the last year of their contracts, I doubt that any club in our position would allow this to happen, so as much as it pains me to say it, I think they will be on their way come January. £20million (I don't think £10 million each is out of the question) will gives us some much needed funds to strenghen the positions we need to such as RB, CB, and ST.
Bob, if I'm totally honest, and I may be alone here but I wouldn't be upset in the slightest is Upson and Green left!
Of course for the right money! £9-10Million for Upson but I don't think Green is worth that amount! Probably £6-8Million for him! When you consider that the most expensive EPL goalie was Craig Gordon to Sunderland for £9Million
Just my opinion
Both haven't had the best of seasons so far I will agree, my only concern is who can we replace them with, with the ability to hit the ground running. I noticed we have been linked with Macgregor at Rangers which isn't too bad. However I would suggest that if we were to move Green on ( and depending on our own PL status) moving for Ben Foster? Perhaps on loan to start then full transfer if we are in the PL next season (not that I am predicting our relegation I hasten to add) I also would also like to see Gary Cahill from Bolton at Upton Park, he has proven himself beyond measure although the sticking point would be a fee.
I had the Ben Foster thought and then on the same day I saw Fergie on SS saying that there was no way on earth he would ever let him leave Old Trafford in the next few years! lol
Upson & Green will both leave for between £12/15m
who comes in as quality replacement who knows defenders we have already had a few possible targets but will end up with someone we have never heard of as for keeper who is on the market who wants to come to WH for little or NO money
You think Green and Upson will leave for between £12-£15Million EACH???
Not a chance in hell mate!
Not each a buy one get one free or double stamps christmas special OK its January sales
NO a combined price but you never know how much MC will pay if we can have Tevez back in a swap deal as he has now decided to retire he is worth nothing
Just a quick note, I know it probably won't happen but I'm just throwing this in the ring, what if…….
We are in teh bottom 5 (or even bottom 3) at Christmas and our hearing for the Millwall game is heard, we lose and suffer a points deduction?
As I said, it probably won't happen but both of those obstacles are real and a possibility!
We would be royally fudged!
Matt,
How can we be docked Prem points for a Carling Cup fiasco.
Can't recall that ever happening.
That's what I thought mate! Only I remember seeing a couple of articles last week saying we face a possible points deduction!
Matt, A points deduction is not an option look if we can get away with paying £5m in the Tevez affair without points deduction then only a hefty fine is what we will be levied with so whats another £500000 between friends
And given the amount of crap the FA got for letting us "get away with" that fine, they could quite easily decide to make examples of us this time!
You're probably right though! I can't see it happening and it was probably just media crap!
I think they said something about the fact that it was security and volience related, the FA were allowed to deduct points!
Like I said though, won't happen, was just throwing it out there to point out how crucial the next few games are for us.
Yes I accept that pd is on the cards but most likely fine or games behind closed doors who against will be unfair to our opposition so also unlikely the fine is the most logigical outcome
assuming WE ARE FOUND GUILTY!
Matt, on the topic of the CCfiasco the Guardian are reporting that the FA hearing will be in January in tomorrows papers with Millwall employing our former lawyer in the Tevez affair obviously they were unable to find anyone who was worthwhile in their legal dept as defence.
Yeah I read that! Well if they have our Tevez lawyer then they have got no chance! lol
They should have hired Dux! lol
England have beaten Scotland 2-1 in the Victory Sheild with West Hams young Blair Turgott scoring!
Nice to see!
Also, it has been reported that Kieron Dyer could make an appearence for us on Saturday! If he does and he is anything like he was mid-week, then it'll be great to see him!
I know it might be a little bit early for Sat but I wouldn't mind seeing Dixon get 20 minutes soon
Oh ok, I'll let you off then! Yep, I reckon 9Mil for Upson and 6 for Green is about right!
But…….DOUBLE what I woudl pay for them right now!
Lol why would we WANT Tevez back if he wants to retire? lol
And there mere fact that Bellamy is injured and thinks he will have to retire soon would be a good enough reason for Hughs to try and keep hold of Tevez, especially as it looks like Robhino is off!
But if we got the £15Mill to spend, ala "Ginge" (sarcasm), I'm sure we could put it to good use!