West Ham United

Repka 'agrees new Hammers deal'
West Ham's Tomas Repka has signed a new two-year deal, according to reports in the Czech Republic. The Czech-based Sport newspaper quoted Ondrej Chovanec - agent of the 31-year-old defender. Chovanec told Sport that the terms were "considerably less" than when Repka joined from Fiorentina for £5m in 2001. Repka was set to leave, despite having a year left on his contract - but the club's promotion to the Premiership has seemingly changed his mind. Repka has made more than 150 appearances for the Hammers. But he has had disciplinary problems - and has picked up 49 yellow cards and four reds in his time at Upton Park.

Noble pens long-term Hammers deal
Midfielder Mark Noble has signed a new four-year deal at West Ham. He made his full debut last season on his way to 16 outings, including 10 starts, and came on as a substitute in the Championship play-off final. "We think very highly of Mark," manager Alan Pardew said of the 18-year-old, who joined the club aged 12. "If he keeps on working hard and continues to develop as he has, there is no reason why he cannot become a top player for this club." Pardew added: "He and his family love this club and he has made a terrific start to his senior West Ham United career."

Hammers chase Gabbidon, Collins
Cardiff centre-back pair Danny Gabbidon and James Collins are being lined up to join Premiership new boys West Ham. Hammers boss Alan Pardew is a long-time admirer of Collins, 21, and is prepared to take both the Wales internationals. The total bid is thought to top £3m, but this is likely to rise depending on clauses in the deal and appearances. Top scorer Peter Thorne was off-loaded to Norwich on Friday, as new boss Dave Jones seeks to slash the cash-strapped Bluebirds' wage bill by a third. West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge confirmed that the London club is "in talks with a number of potential new signings". "Rest assured, we are out there talking to a number of targets identified by Alan Pardew and we hope to have some positive news very shortly," Aldridge said. "But... negotiations can take some time and must remain confidential in order for us to conclude them successfully." Cardiff City owner Sam Hammam refused to confirm that West Ham had made an approach for Collins and 25-year-old Gabbidon, who have also interested Birmingham, Everton and Blackburn. But the former Wimbledon supremo did give a clear indication that more sales are likely to follow. "Clearly sacrifices have to be made and this is a summer of sacrifices", Hammam said. "The problem is that if you want to get the maximum price for your top players then you don't sell them on the 1st of July, you sell them on the 28th of August (when the summer transfer window closes). "Then you would probably be able to get between 50% and 100% more than you would get now. "But if you wait until then you cannot restructure your team, so it is a Catch 22 situation that will probably take a lot of art by the club and Dave Jones to juggle that." As well as lowering the wage bill, Hammam said the club needs to raise a minimum of £2.5m. After that target is achieved, Jones will still need to sell if he wants to buy new players. Hammam also said he was sorry to lose Thorne, but insisted that the striker's departure was financially necessary. "Peter Thorne is a big loss to the club, but Peter was a massively high earner and we really need to trim the budget - that's a fact, we can't do it in any other way," Hammam said. "So partly in trimming the budget and partly because of the style our new manager wants to play it was a pretty easy decision to make. Former Sunderland midfielder Jeff Whitely became Jones' first signing on Friday on a free transfer, while Willie Boland signed a new deal. But the turnstile has been operating more in the opposite direction, with Lee Bullock joining Hartlepool and a contract offer to Darren Williams being withdrawn this week. There is also speculation that first-choice goalkeeper Tony Warner could return to former club Millwall after just one season at Ninian Park. But Hammam was able to quash rumours that defender Chris Barker would be going to either Nottingham Forest or Peterborough United. Cardiff City is £30m in debt and last season flirted with both relegation from the Championship and the threat of administration. The Bluebirds needed to sell skipper Graham Kavanagh to Wigan and accept a loan from the Professional Footballers' Association to make ends meet. Much of the debt has been acquired as a result of the delays to the construction of a new 30,000-seater stadium and retail park.

Hammers swoop for defensive trio
West Ham boss Alan Pardew has completed a triple swoop for Cardiff centre-back pair Danny Gabbidon and James Collins and Charlton full-back Paul Konchesky. Gabbidon, 25, Collins, 21 and Konchesky, 24, have signed long-term contracts at the Upton Park club. The total fee for the trio is thought to be around £4.5m - and may rise depending on clauses and appearances. "Danny can compete at the highest level, James is an excellent prospect and Paul's a top player," Pardew said. Pardew added: "With the signing of James and Danny we now have five of the best young centre-backs in the country. "Danny comes to West Ham United with a lot of experience for a player of his age. "At just 25 years old he is already a key player for the Welsh national team and has shown a lot of maturity in his performances. "Pace and agility will be his major assets as Danny makes the transition to the Premier League. "James is probably lacking experience as he joins the club, but do not underestimate his potential." The moves leave new Cardiff boss Dave Jones with a huge hole in his defence, but goes some way towards his task of cutting the cash-strapped Bluebirds' wage bill by a third. "Clearly sacrifices have to be made and this is a summer of sacrifices", Cardiff City owner Sam Hammam said. As well as lowering the wage bill, Hammam said the club needed to raise a minimum of £2.5m. Konchesky has made 168 appearances for Charlton and Pardew is delighted to have captured a player with so much Premiership experience. "He is only 24, but has well over 100 Premier League games to his name and I feel he can only get better from here. "His great strength is going forward from full-back and that could be a real asset this season." Konchesky himself added: "This is a real strong group of players - a good blend of youth and experience. "If we play well as a team, we'll have a great chance of not only surviving in the Premier League, but also taking the club forward over the next few seasons."

Hammers switch surprises Collins
West Ham recruit James Collins admits he is startled by how quickly he and Wales colleague Danny Gabbidon were transferred from Cardiff City. "It's strange, me and Gabbs (Gabbidon) went back to training with Cardiff on Thursday and since then it's all taken off," the central defender, 21, said. "But we're delighted and excited by the prospect of playing in the Premiership. "It still hasn't quite sunk in how it's changed and that we won't be playing for Cardiff City next season." The cash-strapped Bluebirds are expected to receive close to £3.2m up front for the pair, with further money to follow depending on contract clauses and appearances. On Tuesday West Ham boss Alan Pardew also bought left-back Paul Konchesky from London rivals Charlton. With the likes of Anton Ferdinand and Elliot Ward already at Upton Park, the Hammers have the makings of an impressive defence. Gabbidon, 25, is already an international regular with 17 caps to his name, while Collins has begun to make his mark with Wales. "Me and Danny are both confident that we're good enough to play in the Premiership," Collins said. Gabbidon is also excited at the prospect of matching himself against the best week-in, week-out. "The Championship is a very good league and I felt that I've learned a lot there, but every player wants to play against the top teams in the Premier League and I'm just delighted to have that chance," said Gabbidon. "You watch the games and the great players on TV and it makes you want to be up there. I can't wait to test myself against some of the best players in the world and hopefully I can show people what I can do. "A move to the Premiership with a massive club like West Ham United is just a fantastic opportunity and now I hope to take advantage."

Swindon miss out on Melville deal
Swindon have missed out on signing West Ham's Andy Melville as the Hammers are hoping to reach a settlement with him on the remainder of his contract. Swindon had hoped to sign Melville, 36, on a season-long loan and cannot afford terms if the deal is permanent. "I cannot get involved if he's being released and I have to bid, because I haven't got the money," boss Andy King told the Swindon Evening Advertiser. "I certainly need a centre-back though as I've only got two left."

Lomas set for West Ham departure
Former Northern Ireland skipper Steve Lomas has been linked with a possible move to Scottish Premier League side Hearts or Championship side Preston. The midfielder has one year left of his contract with West Ham but Hammers manager Alan Pardew no longer regards Lomas as part of his plans. The Coleraine man's career has been ravaged by injury in recent seasons, including a serious ankle injury. Lomas, 31, joined West Ham from Manchester City for £1.6m in 1997.

Newton agrees new West Ham deal
Midfielder Shaun Newton has signed a new two-year contract with West Ham. The 29-year-old joined the London club from Wolves in March and played 11 Championship games for the club in their successful promotion campaign. Newton told the West Ham website: "I've really enjoyed my time here. Hopefully that will continue as we all look forward to attacking the Premiership. "I've a lot to thank the club and the boss Alan Pardew for. He showed faith in me," Newton told the club website.

Czech striker given Hammers trial
West Ham are giving a trial to Czech Republic Under-21 striker Petr Mikolanda, according to his agent. The 20-year-old is set to spend a two-week trial with Alan Pardew's side, which will include their three-match pre-season training camp in Sweden. Mikolanda's agent Ondrej Chovanec said: "It is an enormous chance for Petr, and it is up to him now to fight for it. "Alan Pardew wants to verify how he looks during training, and see how he will adopt to the environment." Mikolanda scored 13 goals for Viktoria Zizkov in the Czech second division last term.

Hammers keen on move for McCarthy
West Ham have admitted their interest in bringing Porto striker Benni McCarthy to Upton Park. McCarthy, 27, is keen for a move to the Premiership and has been linked with Newcastle, Bolton and Blackburn. Hammers chief executive Paul Aldridge said: "I can confirm McCarthy is on a list of possible signings. "We have received the information from one of our scouts but we're still in a premature phase and we have not officially spoken with anybody." The South African international began his career at Ajax before moving to Celta Vigo in 1999. He joined Porto in the summer of 2003 and won the Champions League in his first season with the club. McCarthy has been the club's top scorer the last two seasons but has had a fall-out with management.

Walker set for road to recovery
West Ham goalkeeper Jimmy Walker is to have an operation next week on the knee injury he suffered in the play-off final win over Preston in May. The 31-year-old fell awkwardly towards the end of the game and was stretchered off with cruciate ligament damage. "It's a cruciate operation, but it's only one and I'm hopeful that it will go well," he told the club website. "After that it's just be a case of going through the rehabilitation and waiting for the knee to heal." Walker replaced Steven Bywater as the regular first-choice keeper towards the end of last season, and he now faces competition from newly signed former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll when he returns to fitness. "It's difficult to put a timescale on it, we'll just have to wait and see after the operation," he said. "I'm hopeful that it won't be too long, though."

Falkenbergs 1-3 West Ham
Marlon Harewood scored twice as West Ham opened their pre-season tour of Sweden with a victory. Manager Alan Pardew fielded a strong side for the match and saw his team emerge as comfortable winners. In addition to the brace from Harewood, fellow striker Bobby Zamora, who scored the only goal in last season's play-off final, was on the scoresheet. West Ham are based in Gothenberg and have further games against FC Trollhattan and Vastra Frolunda.

Hutchison released from West Ham
Ex-Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison has been released by West Ham. Hutchison, 34, rejoined the Hammers from Sunderland for £5m four years ago, but featured little over the past two seasons because of knee problems. He recovered fitness in the second half of last season but could not force his way into the first-team reckoning. Hammers boss Alan Pardew told the club's website: "He's a great lad, but his contract has expired and I thought that it was best to let him move on." Hutchison, who first played at Upton Park from 1994-96, began his career at Hartlepool and has also had spells with Liverpool, Sheffield United and Everton.

Norwich laugh off Ashton rumours
Norwich manager Nigel Worthington has made it clear that Dean Ashton will not be moving to West Ham. The 21-year-old left Crewe for Norwich in January 2005, costing the Canaries £3m, and scored seven goals in 16 Premiership starts. Ashton is very highly rated but Norwich are not keen to sell. "There is no way in the world that West Ham could afford Dean so you can knock that one on the head," Worthington told the Eastern Daily Press.

West Ham complete Benayoun swoop
West Ham have completed the signing of Israeli international Yossi Benayoun, 24, from Racing Santander for £2.5m. He signed a four-year contract on Saturday, with the move confirmed when he was granted a work permit on Monday. "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining such a big club and can't wait to play in the Premiership," he said. "I know other clubs were interested in me, but I was very impressed when I met the people at West Ham. I also think my qualities suit their style of play." Boss Alan Pardew revealed his delight at capturing such a creative player for their Premiership campaign. "We're delighted to have secured the signature of Yossi and I'm sure he'll prove to be a great asset to our squad," said Pardew. "He's a creative midfield player, who brings an educated discipline to the attack. But he's also a diligent player, who hardly misses a game and has improved year on year in La Liga. "He's a player with flair, who'll be able to open the door for us when teams sit deep. We needed a player like that and at 24 he is a great signing for the club."

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