Bristol City agree fee with Hammers for Sam Baldock

Bristol City are leading the race to sign West Ham United striker Sam Baldock.

The Championship club have had a bid of close to £1.5m accepted by the Hammers, who are ready to offload the former MK Dons marksman following their promotion back to the Premier League.

1. ​

   Sam Baldock

Baldock has already held talks with Robins officials and, contrary to some reports that suggest he wants to stay in London, the 23-year-old is prepared to move to Ashton Gate in his search for regular first team football.

The Bedford-born forward is the man City manager Derek McInnes wants to replace Nicky Maynard, the striker who was sold to West Ham for £1.65m in January.

Baldock last night returned from West Ham’s pre-season tour of Germany after scoring in a 2-2 draw against with German second division side Energie Cottbus. He is today expected to contact McInnes,  who is currently in Scotland with City’s first team squad.

If agreement on personal terms can be reached, a deal could be concluded in a matter of days.

Media reports in the capital claim Charlton are ready to table an offer of their own for Baldock and that the player himself is eager to remain in the South East.

But the Press can reveal West Ham have not been approached  by the Addicks and Baldock is seriously considering joining City.

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton is set to start City’s friendly at Kilmarnock tonight after signing a one-year contract.

 

‘Assepoester’ Leyton Orient wil stadion delen met West Ham

Leyton Orient wil na de Olympische Spelen in Londen gebruik maken van het Olympisch stadion. De club wil de thuisbasis delen met West Ham United, dat ook geïnteresseerd is.
Volgens voorzitter Barry Hearn betekent het het einde voor Leyton Orient als alleen West Ham het stadion, dat dicht bij het huidige pittoreske stadion van de League One-club ligt, krijgt.
‘We hebben de aanhang om het stadion vol te laten stromen’, vertelt Hearn aan Voetbal International. ‘Het wordt dan een soort San Siro-constructie zoals AC Milan en Internazionale het doen. West Ham en Leyton zitten alleen niet in hetzelfde schuitje. Zij hebben een begroting van 65 miljoen pond, wij 750.000 pond.’
West Ham is echter minder enthousiast over het delen, maar volgens Hearn heeft het cruciale gevolgen als alleen The Hammers recht krijgen op het stadion. ‘Het is een enorme gok en een groot risico’, vervolgt de voorzitter. ‘Maar als alleen West Ham het stadion krijgt hebben we nauwelijks kans om in deze buurt te groeien.’
‘Onze club is als Assepoester; nu zijn we klaar om naar het bal te gaan. Onze ambitie overstijgt de League One. We geloven in het Championship en moeten zorgen dat het nu snel gaat. Meer geld uitgeven aan spelers, het team beter maken.’
‘Het blijft wel een community club en het is onze prioriteit om die status te behouden. Maar dit gaat niet alleen om het geld. Sterker, we willen de mensen een droom geven. Het zou mooi zijn om West Ham en Leyton te laten bloeien in het Olympisch stadion.

 

Revealed: The Truth about West Ham United new boy Modibo Maiga!

It is not often West Ham sign a player that leave fans scratching their heads thinking ‘who?’ or ‘never eard of him’…my mistake, it is pretty common practice at Upton Park. The arrival of Sam Allardyce will do little to help this, there are generally only three types of players that ‘Big Sam’ signs: Veteran’s, former players or complete unknowns and for many Hammers fans the clubs new gun, Modibo Maiga, fits in to the latter category. But the big man from Bamako may have more in common with West Ham than you would think.

Modibo Maiga arrives at Upton Park to become the second Mali international to grace the hallowed turf, that’s if you count Freddie Kanoute as he hadn’t defected from France whilst he was still at West Ham. It is no surprise that the Hammers new boy is being compared to his Malian predecessor for obvious reasons, but these two have more than their nationality in common. Maiga is a forward that has some similar characteristics to Kanoute; they are both skillful and strong with the ball at their feet, they hold the ball up well, win headers and are both composed in front of goal, but the majority of Maiga’s attributes are more reminiscent of another former West Ham striker…

Demba Ba was supposed to be joined at Newcastle by Modibo Maiga during last summer’s transfer window and Maiga even went on strike to force a move. The striker was then supposed to be joining Newcastle again last January before Papiss Cisse arrived. The reason Maiga didn’t sign wasn’t down to his bad attitude, no no no, it was down to the fact his knee failed a medical in a very Demba Ba/Stoke-esq kind of way. The other theory I have is that they made up an excuse because Maiga was too similar to Ba.

 

Modibo Maïga // All 24 Ligue 1 Goals // Welcome To West Ham United from kiralolxya90 on Vimeo.

Both Ba and Maiga often find themselves in wide area’s which would leave no one through the middle, so technically it would have been difficult for them to play them together. It is not just positionally where they are similar, they score the same kind of goals; powerful headers, good finishes, whilst neither one particularly likes defending. So far we have established that Modibo Maiga is a cross between Freddie Kanoute and Demba Ba – doesn’t sound too bad? Well not all stories have a happy ending because there is another current West Ham player that Maiga has something in common with…

The bad news is it is Carlton Cole. Firstly the good news, they are different types of player and the bottom line is that Maiga doesn’t look too bad and is a far cry from Carlton Cole in terms of style and talent. But if we compare the two’s headline career stats, things are a little too similar:

Carlton Cole – total games: 298 – total goals 73 – goal to game ratio: 0.24

Modibo Maiga – total games: 149 – total goals 39 – goal to game ratio: 0.26

We also need to bare in mind that Maiga was playing in a league which is of a lower standard, but over his career he has only produced a record similar to that of Carlton Cole when it comes to goal return. His best season was in 2010/11 with Sochaux where he managed 15 goals in a very creative side where he was supported by some classy midfielders and a good partner in attack, if he is to get a similar return he will need similar service at West Ham.

It is not just all about goals, it is about what he contributes to the team, so lets look at assists and we will use Carlton Cole again as the benchmark. Carlton Cole has played 298 games and has 28 career assists – that a ratio of 0.09 or one assist every 10 games. Maiga has played 149 games and has 14 assists, which also gives him an assist ratio 0f 0.09. The good news is Maiga does have other actual playing stats that do go in his favour such as his shooting accuracy which was the second best in France’s Ligue 1 last season and he was the third best striker in Ligue 1 at converting his chances.

Like any foreign import that comes in to the Premier League, you don’t know what you are going to get. Maiga is only 24 and there is no doubt the man has potential and his pace and power should suit the Premier League. If West Ham surround him with the right type of creative players, and if he fits in to a system that allows him the freedom to roam across the front line, he should do well at Upton Park – besides he is hardly a gamble in today’s market considering he reportedly cost under £5m. The jury is out on Maiga, but a couple of pre-season goals and a few will be putting him in their Dream Team…he has everything going for him and the potential, it is up to him if he realises it.

 

‘He could be the next Kanoute’ – Introducing West Ham’s new signing Modibo Maiga

In the end, Modibo Maiga got what he wanted – a dream Premier League move. Though not the switch to Newcastle the Malian had initially hoped for, Wednesday’s announcement that the 24-year-old had sealed a £5 million transfer to West Ham brought to a close the player’s limp end to his career in France.

Don’t Miss

In January, all seemed set for Maiga to complete a switch from Sochaux to the north east, but pressing concerns over a recurring knee problem sadly put paid to a move. The striker himself was determined to see it through amid reports of a strike, which subsequently angered Les Lionceaux and then coach Mehmed Bazdarevic after the Magpies pulled the plug. Maiga will start the 2012-13 campaign in England, representing the Hammers, providing a stark contrast to the controversy that marred last year’s season opening with the Montbeliard club, after announcing he would not turn out in the side’s colours again, amid the reported interest from Newcastle. Nevertheless, Maiga did take to the field after the transfer window closed, and even managed to score four goals in three games in September 2011. Following the match against Toulouse, Maiga insulted the fervent crowd at Stade Auguste-Bonal following accusations that he was only playing well in response to the admiring glances he was receiving from Premier League scouts. The Mali international would subsequently fade away after yet another failed attempt to force a move to the Sports Direct Arena. Apart from a brief surge in form in March, which saw the forward score in five consecutive games to move Les Lionceauxaway from the relegation zone, Maiga endured a below-par campaign. MODIBO MAIGA | LIGUE 1 STATS MORE ON MODIBO MAIGA Season Games Goals Assists Booked Sent off 2007-2008 19 0 0 2 0 2008-2009 37 8 3 5 0 2009-2010 32 7 3 3 1 2010-2011 35 15 6 6 1 2011-2012 23 9 2 2 1 Total 146 39 14 18 3 Depicting Maiga’s storied rise to the Premier League, Goal.com’s West African correspondent Kingsley Kobo said: “Born in Mali’s capital Bamako and brought up at Djikoroni Para, one of the poorest districts of the city, Maiga discovered street football early enough as a pastime, when his impoverished parents couldn’t afford his education and that of his 14 siblings. “He enrolled with the Stade Malien youth team at age 13 and commenced his football training there before signing for Raja Casablanca in Morocco where he played three seasons, winning the Moroccan Coupe du Trone and the Arab Champions League. “His big break came after being discovered in 2007 by French scout Philippe Romieu, who linked him to French Ligue 2 side Le Mans, where Maiga would spend another three seasons before moving on to Ligue 1 to play for Sochaux. Maiga featured in all but one league game in 2008-09, as well as scoring just under 10 league goals on average every season. “Although Maiga is yet to achieve the fame of compatriots former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita and former Sevilla forward Frederic Kanoute (ironically, the only Malian to play for West Ham), the 24-year-old striker is already a source of inspiration to many youngsters back home in Mali, where football is widely seen as a means for a child to eternally escape poverty.” “I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here” – Maiga on Upton Park switch It was the 2010-11 season that underlined Maiga’s potential to European clubs. Sochaux benefited from the innovative measures deployed by Francis Gillot, with Maiga aided by the fluid support of Marvin Martin, Ryad Boudebouz and front-line partner Ideye Brown. The pair would be liable for much of the club’s success, scoring 15 goals apiece before clinching a convincing fifth place finish. Brown would leave France for Dynamo Kiev, as Sochaux struggled. Maiga’s impact in the second half of the season, where the club were mired in relegation woes saw the side eventually clawing back a 14th place finish – a testament to his ability. What quality would he bring to east London? For starters, the sheer powerful nature of the 24-year-old, in the mould of Mamadou Niang would typically see the striker thrive in the fast-paced nature of the English game. Maiga is a player who is generally more efficient being paired with another forward but is also capable on the flanks, bringing pace to the forward line, a trait Sam Allardyce could well utilise in the club’s first season back in the top flight. Temperament aside, Maiga is an individual who is determined not to see his Premier League career descend into mediocrity, instead voicing his underlying happiness at completing a long-awaited move. “I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United. I know West Ham are a big club in England and I’m really looking forward to representing them.” he told the club’s official website. “They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here.” West Ham have fond memories of another Malian’s striking exploits at the Boleyn Ground which will serve as a reminder to what Maiga himself will be hoping to achieve in the coming season and possibly give a flavour as to what Alan Pardew’s Newcastle missed out on. No pressure.

 

West Ham lose

West Ham United suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat at Oxford United.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce named a strong team including Carlton Cole who was making his first appearance in England this pre-season.

But the League Two side grabbed the decisive goal before half-time when Deane Smalley half-volleyed past Stephen Henderson.

The Premier League side continue their preparation for the new season at Colchester United on Saturday.

 

Maiga makes Hammers move

Malian striker signs four-year contract at Upton Park

 

Modibo Maiga: Will be turning out in the Premier League next season

West Ham United have announced that highly-rated striker Modibo Maiga has joined the club on a four-year contract from French outfit Sochaux.

The 24-year-old joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee in a deal which includes the option for two further years in London should he impress.

Maiga was expected to be on the move this summer, and was strongly linked with a switch to England.

Newcastle United came close to securing his services in 2011, but missed out and left the door open for the Hammers to make their move 12 months on.

The Mali international becomes Sam Allardyce’s fifth signing of a busy transfer window, as West Ham ready themselves for a return to the top-flight.

Tradition

Maiga joins Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson in making a move to Upton Park.

“I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United,” Maiga told the club’s official website.

“I know West Ham are a big club in England and I’m really looking forward to representing them.

“They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family, and that is one of the main reasons that I wanted to come here.

“I know some of the big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier League.”

 

Exclusive: Rivals West Ham leading chase for Millwall star

© Edmund Boyden

RIVALS West Ham have made an enquiry about signing Millwall midfielder Liam Trotter, NewsAtDen understands.

The Hammers are the first club to make contact with the Lions this summer over the 23-year-old, despite longstanding interest from Southampton.

Sources in East London claim manager Sam Allardyce made his approach last month in a bid to ascertain an asking price, but was promptly told that Trotter is not for sale.

However, it is understood that the Premier League newboys could yet return with a firm bid.

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett would be loathe to lose Trotter and has offered the former Ipswich youngster a new contract in an attempt to keep at The Den, with his current deal expiring in 2014.

Trotter has scored 13 goals in 70 appearances since signing from Ipswich Town in June 2010.

 

Hammers close on Maiga

Allardyce confirms deal for Mali striker is in pipeline

 

 

Modibo Maiga: Sochaux striker looks set to join West Ham in the coming days

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Mali striker Modibo Maiga from Sochaux.

Sky Sports understands that the 25-year-old is undergoing a medical with the East London club ahead of a proposed £4.5million move from Ligue 1.

Maiga was linked with a move to Newcastle last summer and a proposed move to St James’ Park in the January transfer window fell through.

The Mali international joined Sochaux from Le Mans in July 2010 and has since scored 24 goals in 52 games for the French side.

Allardyce admitted that a deal to bring in Maiga was in the pipeline but insisted there were still some details to be finalised before he puts pen to paper.

The Hammers boss told Sky Sports News HD: “At the moment that is progressing. That is going forward as we speak but is a little way off being clinched.”

 

Mohsni set for Hammers

Bilel Mohsni: Set to train with West Ham

Sky Sports understands that the Premier League club ready to take Southend ace Bilel Mohsni on trial is West Ham United.

The 24-year-old defender, who can also play as a striker, has been linked with a host of clubs over the past 12 months.

Stoke City and Blackpool have both seen offers rejected by Southend, but now they have confirmed that they have agreed to let him train with an unnamed club.

Sky Sports can confirm that the team in question is West Ham, and he is due to link up with them this week.

Mohsni has just a year left on his current deal, after Southend took up the 12-month option they had on him at the end of last season.

 

West Ham weigh up bid for ex-Chelsea wide man

West Ham are weighing up a move for out-of-favour Hamburg winger Gökhan Töre.

Töre has been told he is free to quit the Bundesliga outfit this summer, despite a number of impressive displays, after falling out with new manager Thorsten Fink.

The quicksilver winger, who moved to Hamburg from Chelsea just 12 months ago, turned out 22 times in the league last term, but he has been omitted from Fink’s first-team plans ahead of the new season.

Russian outfit Spartak Moscow have been strongly linked with a move, but it appears the 20-year-old is keen to return to the Premier League, where his agent has offered his services to newly-promoted West Ham.

Töre would bring an injection of pace, power and genuine width to the Hammers line-up, and while boss Sam Allardyce is keen, he has requested a trial run out first, something Hamburg have rejected.

The news of Töre’s switch away will be good news for Chelsea, who will earn 50% of the fee Hamburg receive, after including a hefty sell-on clause in the deal to sell him to Germany.