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Alan 11:33 Wed Jan 13
Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Paper Talk

Manchester City could land Schalke's 20-year-old striker Leroy Sane for a 'bargain' £27.6m this summer because of an escape clause.
Branislav Ivanovic has agreed a one-year contract extension at Chelsea having rejected offers from Italian sides Inter Milan and Fiorentina.
England have the joint-youngest squad in Europe (along with Netherlands) - 25.6 years - based on the average age of players used during internationals in 2015.
Andy Carroll was ridiculed on Twitter after he limped out of West Ham's match at Bournemouth after just 13 minutes.

Tottenham are increasingly confident of tying Mousa Dembele to a new long-term contract.
Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has left Serie A side Inter Milan by mutual contest and is considering a move to the MLS.

Chelsea may make a move for West Brom striker Saido Berahino with manager Guus Hiddink admitting they are "short of options" up front.
West Ham are lining up a £6m bid for Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric.
Everton look set to offer £3m for Leeds United star Sam Byram.

Manchester United are now keen on Valencia's Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes having been snubbed by Atletico Madrid for 21-year-old Spaniard Saul Niguez.
Manchester City have asked to be kept informed about Branislav Ivanovic's Chelsea future.

Everton striker Steven Naismith is set to snub a move to Norwich.
Besiktas are keen on a deal to sign Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina during the January transfer window.
Javier Hernandez admits he is proud when Manchester United fans tell him he shouldn't have been sold.

Aston Villa supporters have complained to the club after they were allegedly verbally abused by Joleon Lescott and Brad Guzan during their FA Cup game with Wycombe.

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their hopes of signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after Juventus pulled out of the running to sign the Germany international.

Chelsea are weighing up a move for Leicester's Jamie Vardy as they desperately seek cover for Diego Costa.







BBC

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, 34, has left Serie A side Inter Milan by mutual consent and is considering a move to the MLS. (Daily Mail)

United have turned their attention to Valencia's Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes, 22, after Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone put a block on a move for 21-year-old Spaniard Saul Niguez. (Daily Star)

Bournemouth are the latest club to show an interest in Queens Park Rangers winger Matt Phillips, 24, who is also a target for West Brom. (Sun)

Celtic are set to take Manchester City midfielder Bersant Celina, 19, on loan until the end of the season. (Daily Record - subscription required)

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have joined City in the race for Schalke's 20-year-old Germany midfielder Leroy Sane, who is rated at £40m. (Daily Mirror)

City boss Manuel Pellegrini says he is not seeking cover for central defender Vincent Kompany, 29, despite uncertainty over when the Belgium international may return from a long-term calf injury. (Guardian)

Arsenal are closing in on the signings of Nigerian teenagers Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze, who impressed during last year's Under-17 World Cup. (Sky Sports)

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger also wants to offer Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell, 23, a contract extension beyond the end of the season. (Daily Telegraph)

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, 31, has agreed a one-year contract extension at the club after receiving offers from Serie A sides Inter Milan and Fiorentina. (Sun)

Blues boss Guus Hiddink has said that injury has left him short of striking options and he could make a move for West Brom's Saido Berahino, 22. (Daily Express)

But he is also considering other possibilities, including Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, 29 and former Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor, 31. (Times)

Sunderland are considering reviving their £5m move for Lorient's Ivory Coast defender Lamine Kone, 26, after their first attempt broke down. (Chronicle)

The Black Cats want to bring in two more players in the transfer window if they complete the loan deal for 30-year-old former Hull striker Dame N'Doye. (Sunderland Echo)

Leicester are the latest club to scout Walsall left-back Rico Henry, 18, who has impressed for the club this season. (Walsall Advertiser)

The Foxes are ready to offer left-back Ben Chilwell, 19, a new contract to boost his current £800-a-week deal and keep him out of the hands of Arsenal and Liverpool who have been scouting the player. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is refusing to sanction a loan move for England winger Andros Townsend, preferring to sell the 24-year-old for £14m. (Daily Mirror)

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has dismissed rumours that Austria forward Marko Arnautovic, 26, is asking for £100,000-a-week to remain at the club long term. (Stoke Sentinel)

West Ham striker Nikica Jelavic is set to leave the club with Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande favourites to sign the 30-year-old former Croatia international. (Evening Standard)

Watford striker Alessandro Diamante, 32, is set to join Serie A side Atalanta on loan after just 64 minutes of Premier League action this season. (Watford Observer)

And finally

Cristiano Ronaldo's statue on his home island of Madeira has been vandalised with Lionel Messi's name and shirt number painted on it. (Sky Sports)

A father has banned all video games from his home after his son accidentally spent more than £5,000 on Fifa 2016. (Metro)

An 83-year-old qualified referee had to step in during a Southern Counties East League match when the assistant referee injured himself. (Croydon Advertiser)





Guardian Rumour Mill

Niall McVeigh

If it ain’t broke – or even if it is fundamentally, irreparably broke – don’t fix it in January. Guus Hiddink has run the rule over his gritty, glowering Chelsea charges, and clearly likes what he sees, judging by the mean and moody trio of strikers linked with the club. Saido Berahino, Jamie Vardy and (you’ll like this) Emmanuel Adebayor could all fill the Falcao-shaped hole behind Diego Costa in the pecking order.

If Adebayor doesn’t fancy playing second fiddle to the Spanish striker, he has another option at Watford... playing second fiddle to Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo. “I don’t want any players coming here to cover strikers that think they are going to play easily” said Hornets honcho Quique Sánchez Flores, not exactly selling the move. Watford may also move for Andros Townsend, while fellow underwhelming winger Matty Phillips could join either West Brom or Bournemouth.

At least one player this month will move from niche interest to the mainstream, finding his Instagram scoured and his plane tracked by legions of fully grown adults. The Mill’s money is on that man being Schalke’s Leroy Sané. Manchester City have declared an interest, but now fresh suitors are moving into view, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both ready to steal City’s thunder.

Arsène Wenger isn’t one for following the hype, instead spending his January bigging up Joel Campbell and tying up deals for Nigerian starlets Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze, who are also wanted by Bayern and Manchester City. Wenger also spent his Sunday taking in Spurs v Leicester in the Cup, and likes the look of Foxes full-back Ben Chilwell.

With Louis van Gaal apparently unimpressed by his current batch of pricey players, he’s in the market for a new midfielder – but Diego Simeone won’t give up Saúl Ñiguez without a fight. United may turn to Valencia’s André Gomes, rather than go toe-to-toe with Simeone, and who can blame them?

And finally, plenty of players are tying up moves to the leagues that will one day rule over us all. Nemanja Vidic is eyeing a Stateside trip after terminating his Inter contract, while Milan’s Luiz Adriano and West Ham’s Nikica Jelavic are heading to China.






Mail

Bournemouth 1-3 West Ham: Enner Valencia nets brace after Dimitri Payet's stunning free-kick as Andy Carroll limps off injured

Andy Carroll was forced off with another injury after just 15 minutes with the striker limping straight down the tunnel
Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter opened the scoring with an effort from range that beat the unsighted Adrian
Dimitri Payet drew the visitors level with a stunning free-kick that bounced in off the crossbar after 67 minutes
Enner Valencia won the game for the Hammers with a brace to complete a brilliant second-half turnaround

By Sam Cunningham for the Daily Mail

Bournemouth are throwing cash around for fun in an attempt to survive in the Barclays Premier League — but Slaven Bilic’s ‘bargain’ Dimitri Payet turned this game on its head as West Ham came from behind to win.

Gone are the days when manager Eddie Howe would regularly take his players on bucket collections to raise funds as Bournemouth teetered on the brink of financial ruin.

Charity is no longer needed when this little seaside club can splash out £18million in the space of 48 hours.


West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet (right) equalised for the visitors with a stunning free-kick after 67 minutes at the Vitality Stadium


The French midfielder's effort from 25 yards cleared the Bournemouth wall and bounced in off the crossbar giving Artur Boruc no chance


West Ham forward Enner Valencia scored a free kick of his own to make it 3-1 with just six minutes of the 90 left to play and seal victory




The Ecuadorian had earlier given the Hammers the lead after firing into the roof of the net from inside the penalty area


The West Ham players rush to celebrate with Valencia after the striker completed the turnaround for the visitors with his first goal


Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter (left) opened the scoring for the home side after 17 minutes with a low effort from outside the area


West Ham striker Andy Carroll sits on the turf after picking up an injury and had to be replaced after just 15 minutes

But despite the expenditure and Bournemouth taking the lead here, West Ham fought back in the second half, Payet and Enner Valencia scoring stunning free-kicks and the Ecuadorian adding a third.

West Ham’s night was marred when they lost Andy Carroll to an injury early on — his seventh since signing in 2012.

Manager Bilic said it was a ‘really bad situation’ and that Carroll had hurt a hamstring, but indicated it was likely to mean a matter of weeks out rather than months.

Bournemouth have been the most active Premier League club in the January window, bringing in Benik Afobe from Wolves for £10m, Juan Iturbe on loan from Roma with a view to a permanent £14m transfer and Lewis Grabban for £8m from Norwich. There had not been time to include the trio’s names in last night’s programme.

Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall paid out of their own pockets on several occasions to keep the club afloat in their darkest League Two days, six years ago. Now the finances come from Maxim Demin, their Russian billionaire owner.

‘It’s not a comfortable feeling for me,’ Howe admitted. ‘I’ve been right through the journey. The year we had a transfer embargo, we had 13 or 14 players. To think in a few years’ time we’d be spending millions of pounds on players wouldn’t have seemed possible.


Benik Afobe (left), making his debut following a £12million move to Bournemouth from Wolves, sees an effort saved by Adrian


West Ham midfielder Mark Noble (right) slides in to win the ball from Bournemouth goalscorer Arter during the early exchanges


West Ham winger Michail Antonio escapes with the ball after getting away from Bournemouth full back Adam Smith

‘I take every penny we spend very seriously. I take that responsibility and try to make good decisions for the football club. Not just for now but for the long term.’

Afobe was the only one of the three new signings to start, with the other pair on the bench. And the excitement about their arrivals at first seemed to leave Bournemouth in a daze as West Ham threatened within 10 seconds of the start.

Defender James Collins hoofed the ball down the middle, home skipper Simon Francis tried to head it back to his goalkeeper and it fell short.

Valencia was able to get a toe on the ball, but goalkeeper Artur Boruc blocked with a leg.

Carroll, the club-record £15m signing, went off after 12 minutes, shaking his head as he limped down the tunnel.

And West Ham’s luck got worse when Bournemouth took the lead five minutes later. Arter struck a shot from 25 yards which was close to Adrian, but the West Ham goalkeeper could only push the effort inside his right post.

Afobe then squandered two chances for a debut goal. He met Alan Smith’s cross from the left but headed just over from close range. Then winger Junior Stanislas slipped him in with a lovely pass and Afobe went to round Adrian — but left the ball behind.

Those missed opportunities could have been more of an issue during the half-time team talk had Boruc not pulled off an instinctive save just before the break.

Nikica Jelavic, who had replaced Carroll, crossed from the right and the ball nicked Steve Cook’s shoulder and was heading into the top-right corner before Bournemouth’s goalkeeper dived back to tip the ball wide.

Howe brought on Iturbe for the struggling Matt Ritchie four minutes after the restart. Grabban came on, too, in place of Afobe.

But while the new boys tried to adjust, Bournemouth’s old heads were performing well and Arter volleyed narrowly wide with a bouncing effort on the hour. Dan Gosling hit another shot, from the kind of range Arter had scored from, but this time Adrian beat it out.


West Ham striker Carroll, who has been plagued by injury since joining the club, receives treatment after going down

Another £700,000 on top of the fee paid for Afobe would have secured Payet for Bournemouth last summer, and he showed Howe what he missed in a mesmerising second-half show.

The Frenchman levelled on 67 minutes, looping an effort up and into the top-left corner with his right foot, from near the left corner of the box.

Then he set up the second, crossing low from the right for Valencia to finish with 15 minutes remaining.

‘West Ham fans always love those kinds of players with a bit of magic and Payet has more than a bit,’ Bilic said. ‘When I see players who go for much more money, he’s a bargain.’

Payet was no longer on the pitch when, with five minutes remaining, Valencia took a free-kick from out on the left. A shot didn’t look on, but he found the near top corner.


Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc does well to react and tip a deflected cross wide of his near post to keep the lead intact


Another of Bournemouth's new signings Juan Iturbe came off the bench shortly after half-time to replace Matt Ritchie


The Argentine winger, who arrived on loan from Roma this month, tussles for possession with Carl Jenkinson (right)


Payet celebrates in front of the jubilant away supporters after drawing the Hammers level with a brilliant free-kick

Match Facts

Bournemouth (4-1-4-1): Boruc 6; Smith 6, Francis 5.5, Cook 6, Daniels 6; Surman 6; Ritchie 6 (Iturbe 49 6), Gosling 6, Arter 7.5 (Murray 80), Stanislas 6.5; Afobe 6.5 (Grabban 71 6)

Subs not used: Federici, Pugh, Distin, O’Kane

Scorer: Arter 17

Booked: Smith

Manager: Eddie Howe 5

West Ham (4-2-3-1): Adrian 5; Tomkins 6 (Jenkinson 61 6), Collins 6.5, Ogbonna 6, Cresswell 6; Obiang 6, Noble 6.5; Antonio 7.5, Payet 8 (Song 78), Valencia 8.5; Carroll 6 (Jelavic 15 6.5)

Subs not used: Randolph, Reid, Oxford, Cullen

Scorers: Payet 67, Valencia 74, 84

Booked: Payet

Manager: Slaven Bilic 7.5

Referee: Martin Atkinson 7

Stadium: Vitality Stadium

Attendance: 11,071

MOTM: Valencia






Guardian

Enner Valencia strikes twice as West Ham hit back to beat Bournemouth

Ben Fisher at Vitality Stadium

The teams ran out on to the field to the soundtrack of Kanye West’s Power and the scene felt more akin to a Bournemouth nightclub but in the end there was no cause for celebration.

Eddie Howe’s squad were boosted by three new signings this month for almost £20m – Benik Afobe, Juan Iturbe and the returning Lewis Grabban. Only four years ago Bournemouth shattered their transfer record on the striker Matt Tubbs, now at Portsmouth, for £800,000.

This was supposed to be the start of a new era but Dimitri Payet’s magical display stole the show, leading to his manager, Slaven Bilic, labelling the Frenchman a bargain at £10.7m. Payet, making his first start since November due to injury, capped a fine display with an unstoppable free-kick which found its way into Artur Boruc’s goal and sent West Ham on their way to a third straight league victory.

“West Ham fans love a player with a bit of magic and he has more than a bit,” said Bilic. “I do not know why people are so surprised because he came from one of the biggest clubs in Europe [Marseille]. Maybe we are giving him more responsibility but he is enjoying it and we are enjoying him. He is deciding the games, he is doing things that are very hard to do in football and he is bringing the whole team 20 yards up without even kicking a ball.”

West Ham started the game with intent and played Bournemouth at their own game: hassling, pestering and pressing. Howe’s new £9m record signing Afobe was so keen to hit the ground running, he flew into the opposition half before the referee, Martin Atkinson, had even blown his whistle. Inside the first minute Bournemouth’s captain, Simon Francis, failed to clear Mark Noble’s high ball and his header landed at the feet of Michail Antonio, whose effort was kicked away by the feet of Boruc before the West Ham captain Noble fired the rebound over.

Andy Carroll, in search of his third goal in three league matches, saw his evening end prematurely – the former England striker suffering a pulled hamstring after 15 minutes. “It is a bad situation for us,” said Bilic, without putting a timescale on Carroll’s possible return.

Carroll’s early exit seemed to give Bournemouth the impetus to kick on. Andrew Surman passed the ball inside to Harry Arter, who veered away from Pedro Obiang before sending a low drive – too powerful for the palms of the West Ham keeper Adrián – into the bottom corner. Bournemouth were now in the groove. Matt Ritchie played a short corner with Adam Smith and the full-back crossed for Afobe, who nodded just over. Arter then dummied for Daniels, whose thumping left-foot shot forced a smart stop from the West Ham keeper.

Just after Afobe wasted an opportunity when clean through on goal West Ham forced Boruc, a free transfer in the summer, into another fine save. Payet slid a pass through for Nikica Jelavic, Carroll’s replacement, whose shot from a tight angle deflected off the defender Steve Cook and goalwards only for Boruc’s strong left hand to intervene. Payet then left Boruc’s fingertips stinging after an acrobatic save.

So much of West Ham’s success this season has stemmed from Payet and the winger began to take centre stage again. Payet was in a destructive mood and scored his sixth goal of the season with a right-foot free-kick after 67 minutes. Eight minutes later he turned provider for Enner Valencia, crossing for the Ecuadorian to lash home from inside the box.

“When he makes a mistake in training that by his standards he should not have done he is crazy and he is angry at himself,” said Bilic. “That is what makes him a leader and a player that says, ‘OK, we are down, I have to step up’ and he came out second half and said it is going to be all about me.”

After 84 minutes Valencia sealed West Ham’s fourth straight victory, sending his set piece, from an area not dissimilar to where Payet had previously prevailed, past a hapless Boruc.

Bournemouth hope they have found a gem of their own in the on-loan Roma forward Iturbe, although he had a difficult evening. “It is difficult for Juan to come into that environment and I think we have work to do with him to get his fitness up,” said Howe. “I do not think we can expect too much from him too early.”





Telegraph

Dimitri Payet magic inspires comeback
Bournemouth vs West Ham - Not only did Payet score breathtaking free-kick to equalise he singlehandedly created visitors second for Valencia

By Jeremy Wilson, Vitality Stadium

Bournemouth have spent £18 million on three players during the past week but this game was ultimately decided by surely the best £10 million investment throughout the whole of last summer.

With West Ham United trailing 1-0 until the 67th minute, the creative wizardry of Dimitri Payet was the unmistakeable catalyst for an emphatic comeback. Not only did Payet score a quite breathtaking free-kick to equalise but he then created West Ham’s second for Enner Valencia before the Ecuadorian himself produced an equally memorable set-piece to seal a 3-1 victory.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe simply described the two free-kicks as “world class”. Slaven Bilic said that it was a performance from the very finest West Ham traditions.

It had been Payet’s first start since suffering his ankle injury in October and, in his joyous celebrations with the away fans, it was clear that West Ham have found a new cult hero.

“He cost big money but when I see some of the players who were much more than him it is a bargain,” said Bilic. “West Ham always used to love those kind of players with a bit of magic. He has more than a bit. You can win and win with style - this was more than three points.”

It also extends West Ham’s unbeaten run to nine games and takes them into the top five of the Premier League, although the sight of Andy Carroll limping off here after only 15 minutes took some shine off the wider performance.

The extent of the hamstring damage is unclear, with Bilic estimating another three week lay-off. It follows the knee ligament surgery that sidelined him for seven months of last year. “It’s a really bad situation for us because he was back looking sharp, strong, covering the full pitch,” said Bilic.

Carroll had certainly begun well here by leading West Ham’s attack with his usual vast physical presence, but his injury initially had a tangible impact on the rest of the team and, within two minutes of his departure, Bournemouth took the lead.

Andrew Surman passed to Harry Arter who, having shown quick feet to cut inside Pedro Obiang, unleashed a low, dipping shot that was badly misjudged by Adrian. Bournemouth then created a flurry of opportunities to potentially put the game beyond West Ham.

Adam Smith’s precise cross delivered new signing Benik Afobe with a free header from the edge of the six-yard box but he directed the ball over. Afobe then had a second clear chance to extend Bournemouth’s lead but his hesitation when one-on-one with Adrian suggested some debut nerves.

West Ham also started the second half with purpose, although Michail Antonio’s outstanding run past several Bournemouth players was not matched by a finish that he dragged well wide. Bournemouth then themselves lost one of their key attacking players when Matt Ritchie limped off with a dead leg and was replaced by Juan Iturbe, their new loan signing from Roma.

If West ham were to equalise, it soon became evident that Payet would himself have to deliver the decisive touch and he did so spectacularly. Smith had fouled Antonio 30 yards from Artur Boruc’s goal, with Payet stepping up to curl a wonderful free-kick that sailed above the Bournemouth wall before grazing off the bottom of the cross-bar and then nestling into the top corner.

Payet was not finished and evaded challenges from both Iturbe and Charlie Daniels before crossing for Valencia to volley West Ham into the lead. Valencia then settled the match with a brilliantly instinctive free-kick to surprise Boruc and beat the Bournemouth goalkeeper at his near-post.





HITC

West Ham fans react on Twitter to Pedro Obiang's performance

Pedro Obiang impressed as West Ham beat Bournemouth.

Dan Coombs

Dmitri Payet will grab the headlines after helping to inspire West Ham to a win at Bournemouth, but Pedro Obiang was a real unsung hero.

The midfielder was excellent in the middle of the park, helping Slaven Bilic's side get a hold of the game, and proving why he deserved to keep Alex Song out of the starting line-up.

Obiang was signed from Sampdoria in the summer but found his start to life at the club delayed by injury. He is beginning to now really establish himself, and his display in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth was one of his best for the club.

He was effective in midfield alongside Mark Noble, who played well once again, and completed all 90 minutes.

It was just the sixth start the Spaniard has made this season for West Ham in the Premier League, with a further eight appearances from the bench.

Obaing's game is not flashy. He did not have a shot at goal or create a chance for a teammate, but he was effective in possession, and competitive in the ground and in the air, giving his side a real edge.

Supporters are becoming increasingly impressed with the 23-year-old, taking to twitter to praise his display. Here is a look at the comments after and during the game...

Over the moon with that win. What a 2nd half performance. Obiang and Payet #whufc
— Taylor Hall (@taylorhall11) January 12, 2016

Obiang was brilliant. Ogbonna a monster. Payet is simply top class. Antonio was immense! #WHUFC
— Adam Moore (@mooro_skipbear) January 12, 2016

Obiang looked our best player 1st half. Enner should've gone up top, he's having no joy on the wing #coyi
— Dandino (@dandino66) January 12, 2016

Pedro Obiang, Antonio and Payet have been absolute class tonight Mr @davidgold !!! #whufc
— I h8 tottscum (@growurbeardslav) January 12, 2016

Obiang went under the radar as usual, outstanding performance again, so composed and calm on the ball, for me he is better than song
— Lionel Payet (@LionelPayet) January 12, 2016

Obiang was great again today, quality player @Obiang14
— Bradley (@BradCruickWHU) January 12, 2016

Obiang is a severely underrated player. So calm on the ball, never gives the ball away. Deserves to keep Song out the squad imo!!!
— Mitchell Pearce ⚒ (@Pearcey_) January 12, 2016

Is it bad I only just realised Obiang is only 23 My word what a prospect we have with him.
— ⚒ West Ham Steve ⚒ (@WestHamLondon) January 12, 2016

Obiang is slowly but surely cementing his place in the first team. Very underrated.
— Elliot Buckley (@ElliotBuckley94) January 12, 2016





London24

Arsenal and West Ham scouts confirmed to be watching Portuguese teen playmaker


Arsenal and West Ham were among a number of clubs watching Paços de Ferreira youngster Diogo Jota on Monday.

Brad Pinard

The 19-year-old is making a name for himself in Portugal and played a key role in Pacos’s 2-1 win over Vitoria Setubal. Playing either centrally in the number ten role or out wide, Jota has become a key man for the Europa League chasing side who are improving season-on-season. Benfica have already contacted Pacos over the availability of Jota, and talks are continuing, but a move to the Premier League could well be on if Arsenal or West Ham make a bid.

“It is public knowledge that the business is well underway, but there are still some details to be finalized,” Jota’s lawyer said at the weekend. “Right now I just want to think about the matches and then come back to talk about Diogo Jota process or from other players, but I can assure that we will always defend the interests of the club.”





Tottenham And West Ham Set To Do Battle For Perfect Partner For Kane And Carroll



By Andrew Gibney

The story of Wissam Ben Yedder currently feels like the longest running transfer saga in France. For over 18 months now, the 25-year-old French-born forward has been on the brink of leaving Toulouse - but yet, despite disagreements and disappointments - he remains at Le Tefece.

Once again, teams are queuing up to land his services. Marseille want him to provide an alternative solution to Michy Batshuayi, Lyon see him as key component to their second half of the season, and on this side of the channel, both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in making a move this month.

The former international futsal player was a late bloomer, making his Toulouse debut at the ripe age of 20 - almost a veteran by Ligue 1 standards, but it was in 2014 that he really caught the eye, scoring 18 goals in the calendar year.

Even though his recent years has been clouded with transfer speculation, drops in form and uncertainty over his future, the forward has always found a way to score goals - that continued this weekend with a hat-trick in a crucial relegation six-pointer against Stade de Reims.

It wasn't spectacular, but it showed you everything you need to know about his game. Ben Yedder is a poacher. Ghosting in at the back post to meet Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro's cross goal header for his first, then pouncing on Jonny Placide's dreadful fumble to spin and finish with his left-foot.

His third was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch, racing towards goal before unleashing an unstoppable right-foot thunderbolt to seal his and Toulouse's third in the 3-1 victory.

That took his tally for the season up to seven in 17 games, but more impressively since the end of November he has scored nine goals in all competitions ' talk about putting yourself in the shop window.

After a terrible start to the season, Toulouse have spent most of their time trying to climb out of the relegation zone, and with Ben Yedder failing to perform it looked like the drop to Ligue 2 was inevitable.

They almost lost him before the campaign began as Spanish side Sevilla were very close to signing the striker, but they couldn't stump up the €10 million needed and Ben Yedder was stuck at the Stade Municipal - and it showed.

However, now he is back in form and TFC look capable of surviving the early season scare. But there is a belief that they won't be able to sustain this improved form without him. They sit 18th on 20 points, but are only 10 points behind Nice in fourth. Falling down a division would be a disaster for President Olivier Sadran, and the predicted fee wouldn't be enough to cover what they would lose if they dropped down to the second tier.

Anyone who scores goals in Ligue 1 will catch the attention of Premier League scouts. Ben Yedder has scored 52 in the last four seasons, that is an impressive return, especially for a team like Toulouse,

Most of his best play has come beside a partner, be it in previous boss Alain Casanova's 3-5-2, or this season in Dominique Arribage's 4-4-2 diamond, one thing is clear, Ben Yedder is not a lone striker.

This season it has been Dane Martin Braithwaite running the line, with his diminutive partner chasing the space behind. Ben Yedder will push down the channels, make darting runs and look to exploit any holes in the opposition defence.

If either Spurs of West Ham are looking for a striker to play up top on his own, Ben Yedder is not the man for the job. At just 5 foot 6 inches tall; he isn't big or strong enough for the role, especially not in the Premier League.

Although he is quick along the ground, he doesn't have the outright pace that would make him an option the wing. His game is based on his instinct and his low centre of gravity. Turning quickly, running in between defenders, his futsal days mean he is blessed with excellent skill, balance and guile with the ball at his feet.

Signing Ben Yedder as an alternative to Harry Kane wouldn't make a lot of sense in the Spurs attack. However, asking him to play with the England international would be a thrilling prospect. West Ham also have the type of players that could help the forward thrive in the right system - there is no doubt that he would certainly add to both squads, but he has to be utilised properly.

You don't score that many goals in Ligue 1 without being a top striker, but it has to be in the right system. To put someone of Ben Yedder's physical stature up front in the Premier League on his own, would be a recipe for disaster.

jimbo2. 9:46 Thu Jan 14
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Good on yer mate!

Texas Iron 4:33 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Cheers

terry-h 3:24 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Cheers Alan.

The ecstasy on the fans' faces at Payet's free kick goal says it all really.
Yet the ref deemed it necessary to book the Frenchman over the incident. Unbelievable!

gph 2:24 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks, Alan

charleyfarley 12:33 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Ta Al

Westcliffhammer 12:30 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan

Alan 12:27 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Ben Yedder story added.

Darby_ 12:20 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Obrigado, Alan.

Thanks Alan 12:10 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

ted fenton 12:07 Wed Jan 13

ted fenton 12:07 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Takashi Miike 11:35 Wed Jan 13

Far East Hammer 11:57 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan

Alwaysaniron 11:51 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan

Takashi Miike 11:35 Wed Jan 13
Re: Wednesday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan