I’m off to Belgium today to take my Dad to visit the grave of his uncle, who, at the age of 19, was killed 10 days before the end of World War One. That’s a roundabout way of saying that it’s unlikely I will post much today so I’m leaving you in the more than capable hands of SJ Chandos and Sean Whetstone who will provide you with as much information as they can right through the day.
8.05 So is it to be a quiet one or a busy one for the Hammers? Micah Richards and the Chilean playmaker Diaz seem to be on the radar with Diame being the most likely player to leave, maybe to Hull, Palace or QPR, with my money on the latter.
08.10 They are claims that Micah Richards was spotted in Chelmsford yesterday with his agent looking at houses. Sunderland and Fiorentina are reported to have entered the race to sign Richards from Manchester City on transfer deadline day. According to Claret and Hugh, the possible loan signing is a 50/50 chance which relies on one player leaving West Ham today to balance the wage bill. (SW)
08:20 There are claims this morning that Hull City remain in the front seat to sign Mo Diame today despite late interest from Crystal Palace and QPR. Rumours emanating from Hull suggest Diame will travel to Hull at some point today for talks followed by a medical if terms can be agreed. (SW)
08.30 Former Hammer Jermain Defoe is rumoured to have flown back to England today in an attempt to find a club after rumours he will be allowed to leave Toronto after just 5 months. QPR and Harry are rumoured to be in pole position to sign him with Sunderland and Newcastle also said to be interested. No doubt West Ham will be linked at some point in the day with Defoe but I don’t see that happening. (SW)
09:30 According to the Head of sport for the Daily Mail, Lee Clayton “West Ham won’t let Vaz Te go today. He’s in the last year of his contract but is needed as cover”(SW)
09:45 According to Simon Jones in the Daily Mail this morning "West Ham are turning their back on the pursuit of Manchester City and former England defender Micah Richards.Richards, 26, is set to join Fiorentina in Serie A on loan. His wages of around £75,000-a-week proved too big a stumbling block for the Hammers. City are also asking for a £1million loan fee too and so West Ham have withdrawn their interest. Full article Here (SW)
10:15 Sky Sources claim West Ham United and Hull City have agreed a fee for Mo Diame.(SW)
10.30 According to Matt law from the Telegraph. “West Ham have turned their attention to Matija Nastasic after withdrawing their interest in his Manchester City team-mate Micah Richards.The Hammers are still in the market for a defender during today’s final day of the transfer window, but were put off Richards by his £80,000-a-week wage demands.Central defender Nastasic is already interesting Arsenal, but City may not want to let him join a rival.West Ham still have one domestic loan to use and could try to tempt Nastasic with the promise of first-team football until the end of the season.” (SW)
11.00 Sky sources suggest Stoke City want to speak to Carlton Cole. DeJa Vu? Didn’t he turn them down in 2011 after failing to agree personal terms?(SW)
11.30 According to sources close to Hull City, Mohamed Diame has arrived the city to complete a medical. DIame previously failed medicals due to a cardiac condition although a heart specialist cleared him to play for West Ham in 2012.(SW)
12.00 It looks like former West Ham target, Toby Alderweireld may be joining his former Ajax boss, Ronald Koeman, at Southampton. Koeman’s presence always gave the Saints the edge. It is a shame, because he is a class centre-back. (SJC)
12.10 Which begs the question, which centre-back are we targeting? The current favourite is Man City’s Nastastic, but there might be others in the frame. One also wonders what was the outcome of Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik’s recent trial at the club? Could that be a deal that comes in under the radar? (SJC)
12.20 The link to Marcello Diaz is an intriguing one. We know the major emphasis is upon augmenting the defence, but I have a feeling that we could sign another play-maker. Diaz is with Swiss Super League club, Basel, and it is thought that a £6m fee could be sufficient to convince them to sell. Diaz had a good World Cup with Chile and possesses good vision and passing ability. It probably will not happen, but do not discount it completely just yet. (SJC)
12.25 There are breaking reports that West Ham have enquired about Lazio defender, Micheal Ciani, and a season long loan might be a possibility. (SJC)
12.30 KUMB are reporting that Nastastic has rejected the chance to join West Ham on a season long loan, in favour of fighting for his place at City. (SJC)
12.32 If true Nastastic’s decision explains the sudden link with Lazio’s Ciani. (SJC)
12.35 Could Arsenal be preparing their move for Winston Reid? Rumour has it that they have put feelers out concerning the availability of Reid, Nastastic of City and Vlaar of Villa. West Ham would be ill-advised to sell Reid in the current circumstances! (SJC)
12.40 West Ham and Sunderland have reportedly had bids for Stoke’s defender Geoff Cameron rejected (SW)
12.49 L’Equipe newspaper say West Ham, Real Betis & Celtic are interested in Cameroon international centre-back Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik (SW)
12,53 Spurs and Southampton are the favourites to sign Hammers transfer target Sadio Mane who scored 17 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season. (SW)
12.59 The Daily Mail confirm Mo Diame has arrived in Hull for talks and a medical (SW)