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A former Newcastle chief could buy into West Ham instead of Spurs after raising £500m, a board source has suggested.

The woman who effectively helped turn Newcastle United into the world’s richest club could invest her millions into West Ham next rather than bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

That’s the suggestion being made by a source close to West Ham’s board following reports linking Amanda Staveley to potential investment at Tottenham.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought an 80% stake in Newcastle in October 2021.

That was a month before Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky became West Ham’s second biggest stakeholder by purchasing 27% of the Hammers for £150m.

The other 20% of Newcastle was originally split between London-based property developers Reuben Brothers and Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi.

‘Ex Newcastle chief could buy into West Ham instead of Spurs’

After selling her stake in Newcastle, Staveley is said to have raised £500 million for a fund that will invest in another football team.

And West Ham’s fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur are among her potential targets, Bloomberg has reported again on Monday.

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But the ex Newcastle chief could buy into West Ham instead of Spurs after raising that £500m suggests a board source.

Sean Whetstone is a top tier Hammers source close to majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.

And he has suggested Staveley could ‘kick the tyres’ at West Ham given some – or all – of the Gold family’s 25% stake in the club has been up for sale since last October.

Board source: Staveley could eye Hammers after raising £500m

Whetstone makes it clear it is speculation at this stage.

But he says it would be a surprise if Staveley did not look to buy into West Ham. Especially as the former Newcastle chief’s potential for investing in Spurs is being played down with Daniel Levy around.

“It would be surprising if Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners don’t kick the tyres at West Ham at a possible investment,” Whetstone said.

“Staveley sold 5.7% of Newcastle United last week and is said to want a new project in football. According to Bloomberg, Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners have reportedly raised £500million to invest in football with a number of Premier League clubs being looked at.

“It is further claimed initial discussions have been held with Rothschild and Co about taking a minority stake in Spurs, but experts have quickly poured cold water on that claim saying it would be difficult to assert any real influence over Daniel Levy.

“Nine months ago, Vanessa Gold announced she was considering selling a proportion of his family’s 25% in West Ham with Rothschild and Co acting as advisors.

“Buying a minority stake in West Ham could help Staveley and her firm broker a much larger deal in the future from within to make a potential takeover bid at a later date. Just speculation at this stage but never say never!”

Gold family stake in West Ham still up for sale

The likes of The Times claimed West Ham’s Gold family stake was attracting interest from the Middle East and US.

Last month The Sun’s Matt Hughes reported West Ham are one of six Premier League clubs using advisers Rothschild and Co to bring in fresh funds in order to strengthen the squad without breaching PSR.

But West Ham refuted the claim in an exclusive response to Hammers News.

The club said there is no point because West Ham can’t use the money anyway.

“It’s not true that Karren (Brady) has enlisted Rothschild and Co to help find new investment for West Ham,” the top source at West Ham exclusively told Hammers News last month.

“Even if you get new investment, under the new rule of wages-to-turnover – and wages INCLUDES amortisation of transfers – you can’t use the money!”

Last month Hammers co-owner Kretinsky all but ruled out a future full takeover of West Ham.

The Staveley situation could certainly change the landscape, though, given the fund that has been put together and her track record with Newcastle.

Watch this space.

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Ivan Toney is a wanted man this summer, with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur chasing his signature.

With West Ham and Tottenham battling it out for the signing of Ivan Toney, it has been claimed that the 28-year-old Brentford hitman would prefer to move to North London rather than the East End.

Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui is clearly keen to bolster his centre-forward ranks at the London Stadium this summer.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is in the same boat, and the Australian’s interest in Toney will undoubtedly be problematic for the Hammers.

Tottenham have European football on offer this season, so it doesn’t surprise me that the striker would want to join them over us.

However, the situation has just been completely flipped on its head, and it’s not great news for either West Ham or Tottenham…

Ivan Toney to West Ham twist after U-turn on Tottenham transfer

The England international is one of the very best in the Premier League at what he does.

He’s an exceptional finisher, is incredibly strong in the air and is well accustomed to leading the line on his own.

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Toney is absolutely perfect for West Ham, so it was a big blow when it was claimed that he wanted to join Tottenham.

Now there’s been a twist to proceedings though, and once again, it’s not particularly good news for the Hammers.

According to a report from The Sun, a serious injury suffered by Brentford’s new signing Igor Thiago has thrown Toney’s situation up in the air.

That’s because the Bees may now not be prepared to sell the 28-year-old striker, with Thiago facing months on the sidelines.

So it’s not only bad news for West Ham regarding our hopes of signing Ivan Toney, but Tottenham as well it seems.

The thing is, with the striker out of contract with Brentford in 12 month’s time, they may still find it hard to reject a decent bid from either the Hammers or Spurs.

Anything more than £30 million will surely have to be considered now by the Bees. If not, they will just lose him for nothing this time next year.

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Newcastle try to hijack West Ham summer transfer window move to sign ‘incredible’ £30m star

A legend has made a plea to West Ham chief David Sullivan about striker Ivan Toney after a major Spurs development.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are both in the market to sign a new first choice striker.

That had put the rivals on a collision course over Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who is for sale as he enters the final year of his contract.

There has been claim and counter claim made who will win the battle for Toney between West Ham and Spurs.

New Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui has made signing a striker a top priority.

And Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou wants to offload Richarlison and find a more legitimate replacement for Harry Kane.

The Sun stated West Ham and Tottenham are the last clubs standing in the race for Toney, who turns 29 next season.

Hammers and Spurs battle for Toney nears conclusion

It was confirmed to Hammers News that West Ham do have a genuine interest in Toney this summer window.

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Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has claimed David Sullivan wants a deal to bring Toney to West Ham at a knockdown price.

But the Posh chief suggested word in the US, where he resides, is that Spurs are more likely to win the race.

Yesterday Spurs looked to have hit West Ham’s Toney hopes with a hammer blow.

It was claimed Spurs will be the clear winners in the fight for penalty king Toney himself only wants Tottenham.

That’s despite Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg previously claiming Toney could be leading the line for West Ham next season.

Legend’s Toney plea to Sullivan after Spurs development

Footage of Toney celebrating at the Euros with Jarrod Bowen had West Ham fans dreaming they would beat Tottenham to the Bees forward.

So the latest news that Spurs will win the race is gutting for Hammers fans.

But Frank McAvennie thinks West Ham can still – and should – rescue the move.

The legend has made a plea to West Ham chief David Sullivan about Toney after the Spurs development.

Tagging the striker and West Ham in on a social media post, McAvennie said the Hammers must front the £40-50m it might take to beat Tottenham to Toney;

“Don’t know what you guys think but Ivan Toney for 50 million pounds looks not a bad deal,” McAvennie said.

“West Ham – he’s the kind of striker to bring everything together. Come On You Irons.”

Would Toney be a better fit for West Ham or Spurs?

In terms of West Ham, the pro in terms of Toney is that he would be a better fit for the target man role and would address the club’s very immediate need for a striker.

Toney is also ideal for counter-attacking and set-piece situations, both of which are West Ham’s strong points.

At Spurs, the big pros are the fact Toney very much fits a high-pressing style.

While Lopetegui is planning to introduce that at West Ham, Spurs are already up and running in that approach.

Toney could fill Kane’s void almost seamlessly.

While he would undoubtedly be superb at West Ham, ultimately, Toney’s playing style and strengths seem to align slightly better with Tottenham’s needs and tactics.

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There looks to have been a clear winner between Spurs and West Ham for Ivan Toney but Aston Villa could get more for Jhon Duran.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur have been engaged in a two-way battle for Ivan Toney.

But that looks to be nearing its end game for Spurs and the Hammers with Aston Villa intrinsically linked too.

Because West Ham, wary of missing out to Tottenham, have had a number of other striker targets on their shortlist including Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran.

There has been claim and counter claim made about the fight between Spurs and West Ham for Toney as Julen Lopetegui and Ange Postecoglou search for a top quality new forward.

One club that doesn’t need a new striker is Aston Villa. Ollie Watkins is one of the best around in the Premier League.

Clear winner between Spurs and West Ham for Toney

Hence a lack of game time for frustrated Colombian star Duran at Villa Park.

Brentford are definitely selling Toney this summer with The Sun stating West Ham and Tottenham are the last clubs standing in the race for the 28-year-old.

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It was confirmed West Ham do have a genuine interest in Toney this summer window.

But the top spokesman inside the club has told Hammers News West Ham won’t pay Villa’s original £35-40m asking price for Duran.

West Ham revealed Aston Villa’s impatient 20-year-old is ‘one of many’ forwards they are in for.

But it has started to become increasingly clear the Aston Villa back-up striker is West Ham’s top target.

And now we may have found out why.

Because there’s a clear winner between Spurs and West Ham for Toney but Aston Villa could get more for Duran.

But Aston Villa could get more for Jhon Duran

According to Give Me Sport sources, Toney is now more likely to join Tottenham than the Hammers because they have not been actively negotiating deals for alternative targets.

That’s because Spurs are confident Brentford will drop Toney’s price tag from its current £30-40m both they and West Ham have been quoted.

GMS claims Tottenham’s ability to strike a deal could come down to whether they can sell Richarlison.

All the evidence you need to prove the claim that Spurs have the advantage over West Ham for Toney comes in the renewed push for Villa’s Duran.

Serie A SIDE Napoli made an approach to Villa for Duran only to be told he’s joining the Hammers for £31m.

The Times is also claiming West Ham are inching ever closer to signing Duran for £30m plus.

Villa are said to be open to selling Duran to West Ham so they can raise funds to sign Joao Felix.

Who is getting the better deal?

So although Spurs may win the race for Toney at around £30m or less, West Ham could actually be sending more money Villa’s way for Duran.

That may raise eyebrows in some quarters.

Duran is nearly nine years Toney’s junior. He has much less experience and is unproven at the highest level.

But many would argue West Ham would be doing the better business for the medium to long term.

Spurs manager Postecoglou has made it perfectly clear he wants a new forward brought in.

And Toney would be an instant fix.

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony claimed West Ham chief David Sullivan wants a deal for Toney at a knockdown price.

This new claim that Spurs are more likely to win the race at a lower price tallies with further information from the Posh chief after what he heard in the US.

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A football club chairman thinks he knows who the winner will be between Spurs and West Ham for striker Ivan Toney.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are the last clubs standing in the race for Ivan Toney this summer it is being reported.

It was not that long ago that it seemed there would only be one winner for the Brentford and England star.

And that was neither West Ham or Tottenham but London rivals Arsenal instead.

So there was serious encouragement for the Hammers and Spurs recently when it emerged the Gunners had withdrawn their interest after a meeting with Toney went badly.

West Ham are currently prioritising signing a new striker.

Journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed West Ham do have an interest in Toney this summer.

And Tottenham are hoping to offload Richarlison as they scour the market for a striker to follow in the footsteps of Harry Kane.

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West Ham and Spurs in two-way battle for Toney

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has made it abundantly clear to Daniel Levy he wants a new striker.

That has pitted West Ham and their fierce rivals Tottenham against one another for Toney but there has been claim and counter claim of late with little substance.

For example it was recently claimed Spurs had trumped West Ham by bidding for Toney.

Then Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg stated Toney could be leading the line for West Ham next season with Brentford wanting between £30-40m.

A new report from The Sun has confirmed it is now a two-way fight in the race to sign the 28-year-old with West Ham in one corner and Spurs the other.

And a club chairman thinks he knows winner between Spurs and West Ham for striker Toney.

West Ham’s majority owner David Sullivan is a billionaire living the dream of owning his boyhood club.

But even he lives with regrets that haunt him.

Chairman thinks he knows winner of Toney battle

Sullivan lists his decision not to act on the advice of close friend Barry Fry and sign Toney from Peterborough for just £10m among the worst of all his time in football.

Peterborough chairman and successful businessman Darragh MacAnthony knows Sullivan well.

It was he who revealed Sullivan’s deep regret at having missed out on Toney previously.

And MacAnthony believes he won’t make the same mistake again as he backs West Ham to beat Tottenham to Toney.

“For me, the betting man would say, knowing what Sullivan is like at West Ham, he has always loved Ivan Toney,” MacAnthony said about the two-horse race between the Hammers and Spurs for the striker when speaking on talkSPORT (July 19, 12.24pm).

“He (Sullivan) will try and basically get him at a drop-down bargain off Brentford. And I know that Brentford people in there will be like no chance.

“But I know Sullivan will try, and if he had any common sense, he would because that would be the best signing that West Ham have made in 12 years instead of some foreign players for £70 million who couldn’t hit a barn door.”

Sullivan getting Brentford bargain is not far-fetched

Pictures of Toney celebrating with West Ham star Jarrod Bowen at the Euros had the club’s fans dreaming of a potential new forward line next season.

If MacAnthony is right that dream could soon become a reality.

Toney would be the perfect foil for West Ham’s array of attacking talent.

The same argument could be made for Spurs of course.

MacAnthony’s suggestion that Sullivan could get Toney for a knock-down price is not as far-fetched as it may seem either.

The ex Newcastle academy star turns 29 next season and his value has already taken a hit with clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea dropping out of the race following his ban for breaking betting rules.

Brentford have also made life difficult for themselves by signing and announcing Toney’s replacement Igor Thiago all the way back in February.

Usually that would be seen as good business to get the replacement for a star player in the door before selling him.

But in this case, the likes of West Ham and Spurs know Brentford cannot go into next season with Toney on the bench behind his heir.

So the buying clubs hold a distinct advantage in negotiations.

Toney was a late comer to the Premier League and has scored 36 goals in the top flight in the last three seasons.

He has played in all four professional leagues in England for a variety of teams and his career tally stands at 164 goals in 408 games.

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So it seems like Tottenham Hotspur could hijack a priority transfer for West Ham United this summer.

West Ham and Tottenham both need to strengthen in the summer transfer window, with Julen Lopetegui particularly in need of numerous new signings.

The Hammers head coach has already signed three players, but he needs to add at least another three or four more to his ranks before the transfer window slams shut.

Lopetegui is said to be lining up a move to sign a top-class central midfielder, once he gets the addition of a new striker over the line.

West Ham are in desperate need of more competition and cover for Edson Alvarez, especially after Flynn Downes left the club to join Southampton.

We lack any kind of pace, power or mobility in the middle of the park. That could all change though, if Lopetegui manages to secure one of his prime transfer targets.

The perfect player is out there waiting for us, and has been for quite some time.

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However, Spurs are now threatening to totally derail one of Lopetegui’s extremely exciting summer transfer plans…

West Ham disaster as Tottenham could hijack Scott McTominay move

According to a report from The Sun, Spurs are ready to hijack the Hammers’ move to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United this summer.

West Ham have been heavily linked with a move to sign the 27-year-old this summer, as recently as earlier today.

Manchester United allegedly want around £35 million for McTominay this summer, according to Manchester Evening News.

Missing out on the Scotland international to Spurs would be a huge blow for the Hammers.

The Scot has absolutely everything we need in the middle of the park, what with his tremendous power, energy, stamina, athleticism and a knack for scoring important goals.

He is a real powerhouse, and would compliment the styles of Edson Alvarez and Lucas Paqueta perfectly.

Signing the Man United star for £35 million would represent great value for the Hammers as far as I’m concerned.

However, Tottenham winning the race for Scott McTominay this summer would be huge for them, and it would also be a bitter blow for West Ham at the same time.

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Spurs will be on red alert after a claim about a West Ham move for Ivan Toney from a journalist with strong sources at the club.

West Ham and bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with Brentford star Ivan Toney this summer.

But until recently it appeared there would only be one winner as the Hammers and Spurs jostled for position – London rivals Arsenal.

There was real encouragement for West Ham and Tottenham recently when it emerged Arsenal have withdrawn their interest after a meeting with Toney went badly.

It is clear West Ham and Spurs are both in the market for a striker.

For the avoidance of doubt West Ham have confirmed to Hammers News the club is currently focused on bringing in a new forward.

And Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has also made it abundantly clear to Daniel Levy he wants one too.

Hammers and Tottenham in two-horse race for Toney

According to widespread reports over the last few months, that has pitted West Ham and their fierce rivals Tottenham against one another for Toney.

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Speculation that the Irons and Tottenham were in for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke has dampened of late with Toney the key name in the frame.

It was recently revealed Spurs had leapfrogged the Hammers with a bid for Toney.

That bid was reportedly rejected. And since then there has been a hush around Toney’s future as he earns cult hero status with cameo roles for England on their run to the Euro 2024 final.

West Ham have been linked with Villa’s Jhon Duran of late. But, crucially, the club has confirmed to Hammers News that Duran is not the only forward they are looking at.

Now Spurs are on red alert after a journalist’s claim about a West Ham move for Toney.

Roshane Thomas is the West Ham reporter for The Athletic.

Spurs on red alert after claim about West Ham move for Toney

As a result he has strong contacts at the club.

Thomas has delivered an update on West Ham’s striker search.

And it seems to be great news for Tottenham.

Because the path looks clear for Postecoglou to sign Toney as Thomas claims West Ham have not made any approaches for the Bees forward.

“West Ham’s summer targets also include Youssef En-Nesyri, of Spain’s Sevilla, French club Lens’ Elye Wahi and Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson,” Thomas said.

“They have not made any approaches for Brentford’s England international Ivan Toney…

“Steidten has backed Lopetegui with the signings of Wes Foderingham, Guilherme and £40million Wolves defender Max Kilman. The task of landing a proven striker will be his most important challenge yet.”

Path now clear for Tottenham?

Thomas’ update will be a major boost for Spurs and bitter blow to the hopes of many West Ham fans.

Images of Toney celebrating with Hammers talisman Jarrod Bowen at the Euros had West Ham supporters dreaming of seeing them doing the same in the claret and blue next season.

Of course the fact West Ham have not made any approaches for Toney doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t.

West Ham’s majority owner David Sullivan is a big fan of Toney.

In fact Sullivan lists his decision not to act on the advice of close friend Barry Fry and sign Toney from Peterborough for just £10m among the worst of all his time in football.

Journalist Graeme Bailey exclusively told Hammers News that West Ham do have an interest in Toney this summer.

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg also recently stated Toney could be leading the line at West Ham next season with Brentford looking for between £30-40m.

But Thomas’ update will clearly give encouragement to Tottenham as they seek to finally replace Harry Kane.

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West Ham United are being linked with a shock move to sign Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon this summer.

The 27-year-old Tottenham full-back is on the West Ham radar in the summer transfer window it seems, after Ange Postecoglou made an emphatic decision regarding the Spaniard’s future in north London.

The Hammers were actually linked with a move to sign Reguilon in the summer of 2022, but he joined Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan instead.

Julen Lopetegui is clearly on the hunt for a new left-back this summer, with Emerson Palmieri being heavily linked with a return to Italy.

Ideally, the West Ham boss will sign a rapid left-back this summer – someone with real energy, dynamism and athleticism.

Reguilon certainly has all of those qualities in abundance, and if he’s available for a decent price this summer, the Hammers definitely should have a look at the very least.

It would be so refreshing to see Lopetegui properly upgrade the left full-back position before the start of the new season.

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So what’s the current state of play?

Tottenham make Sergio Reguilon decision as West Ham eye swoop

The Spaniard is a fantastic player on his day, and he proved during his early days with Spurs that he has game-changing ability.

There’s undoubtedly a very good player in there somewhere, because we’ve all seen him produce the goods in the Premier League before.

Could he rediscover the early form he displayed with Tottenham elsewhere though?

I believe he has all of the tools to do exactly that, it’s just a case of whether he’s up to the task mentally.

According to a report from AS, West Ham boss Lopetegui has expressed an interest in signing Reguilon this summer.

That’s because Tottenham have made it clear that the former Real Madrid man will leave the club this summer.

Interestingly, the Hammers chief managed the 27-year-old for 39 games during his time in charge of Sevilla.

I actually think the left-back could be a really good signing for the Hammers.

If Emerson leaves, he’d be a great replacement for him but if the Italian stays at the London Stadium, he’d provide great competition and cover for him.

Reguilon joined Tottenham from Real Madrid in the summer of 2020 for around £28 million (talkSPORT).

He was initially a huge hit with Spurs, but his form dipped badly. Loan spells away at Atleti and Manchester United failed to yield dividends for him, but he did impress with Brentford during the second half of last season.

Sergio Reguilon is an elite player and has all of the attributes that West Ham currently need.

The Spaniard has pace in abundance, exceptional technical ability and has the energy and stamina needed to play in either the left-back or left wing-back positions.

Sure, he has had a tough time over the past couple of years, but his performances for Brentford last term were hugely encouraging.

I strongly believe that the Spaniard would be a great signing for West Ham this summer.

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Julen Lopetegui faced the media for the first time as West Ham boss and left rivals Spurs and Arsenal completely rattled.

When the Hammers appointed Julen Lopetegui many were unsure whether he was the right man to replace David Moyes.

After one press conference the Spaniard is already living rent free in the heads of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal as he quickly turned doubt into hope.

Karren Brady wanted Ange Postecoglou at West Ham when backing him to be a hit in the Premier League.

But Spurs took affirmative action to end a cycle of boring managers and football. Now Tottenham have a charismatic boss playing front-footed, attacking football.

That’s something West Ham fans have been craving and Arsenal have had ever since Mikel Arteta became their manager.

There were sexier names on West Ham’s reported managerial shortlist when they were searching for Moyes’ replacement.

New Hammers boss lays down his marker

But after flirting with Ruben Amorim and being linked with the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Paulo Fonseca, the Hammers went from ex Wolves boss Lopetegui.

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The 57-year-old is tasked with combining style and substance at West Ham while closing the gap once again on the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal.

The gulf between the Hammers and the Gunners means that is a very tall order indeed.

But West Ham could and should certainly be pushing the likes of Spurs, as they had been doing in recent seasons under Moyes.

West Ham have managed something neither Arsenal or Spurs have done in recent seasons by winning a major trophy. A European one at that.

That ended a 43-year major trophy drought and gave the Hammers bragging rights over their London rivals like Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.

West Ham’s new boss officially took charge yesterday and went in front of the press to mark the occasion.

Lopetegui rattles Spurs and Arsenal in first West Ham address

And Lopetegui left rivals Spurs and Arsenal rattled in first West Ham address.

Having been heavily linked with AC Milan in the summer, Lopetegui was asked why he chose West Ham.

The former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss was also asked about his ambitions for the club.

His answer left Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and other London rivals raging.

Because Lopetegui has stated that he sees West Ham as the London club. And he promised to ‘make a big noise’ as he pointed out West Ham’s superior stadium capacity, fans and huge potential as reasons the Hammers are a major threat to the Gunners, Spurs and co.

“I am very happy to be here,” Lopetegui said, as reported on the club’s official site.

“This is where I want to be. I’m at a big club, in my opinion the London club, and I think we have big potential.

“You look at the stadium, the fans – everything is in place here, we have a great environment. In terms of the squad, I think we have a great platform to go out and make a big noise.

“I want to take advantage of those strengths and help take the club to the next step…

“We have one of the highest attendances in Europe with 62,500 supporters (and plans to raise that to 66,000).”

Lopetegui also went on to repeat his bold statement in separate interviews with the likes of CBS Sports in the US.

West Ham are massive and Lopetegui wants to show why

The comments were instantly picked up on by fans of Tottenham and Arsenal in particular on social media.

Many responded in mocking tones. But the reaction spoke volumes. Already rattled by West Ham winning a trophy since their last taste of silverware, the Gunners and Spurs bit hard.

From West Ham’s point of view it was extremely refreshing to hear such a bullish approach.

It is a far cry from the more dour – albeit some would argue realist – demeanour of Moyes, who liked to play things down and put Arsenal, Spurs and the established top six on a pedestal.

Now Lopetegui has made it clear he’s here to try and knock them off it.

And West Ham’s rivals don’t like it one little bit.

With Tim Steidten leading the operation after building that all-conquering Bayer Leverkusen team, who’s to say the Hammers can’t.

West Ham fans like to remind everyone they are massive everywhere they go.

Now Lopetegui wants to have Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea looking over their shoulders.

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Brahim Diaz is a player who’s been closely tracked by West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur over the past year or so.

In fact, West Ham‘s interest in signing Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid goes all the way back to the summer of 2020.

Now Tottenham have thrown their hat into the ring for the diminutive Madrid ace as well it seems, but there’s a very big problem indeed.

Interestingly, Diaz recently switched international allegiances from Spain to Morocco, after not being given a chance to shine by the country of his birth.

He is a hugely talented player, but it seems like he will never fulfil his potential in the Spanish capital due to the immensely strong competition for places.

That’s not to say that he isn’t a world-class player in the making, because he almost certainly is.

I feel like Diaz just needs to be given the platform to showcase his talent on a regular basis, and then everyone will see the best of him.

So could he move to the Premier League anytime soon?

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Brahim Diaz to Tottenham twist sends message to West Ham

The Hammers will now know exactly where we stand.

That’s because a new claim has emerged regarding the silky attacking midfielder’s future in Spain.

Foot Mercato claim that Tottenham have made a move to sign the 24-year-old Real Madrid star.

Los Blancos gave an instant response to Spurs – the player does not want to join them, and they don’t want to sell him either.

That’s a really big twist because there’s no way he’s getting regular football ahead of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Viniciuis Junior or Rodrygo.

It seemed for all the world that he’d leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, and it has been reported that an exit from Madrid for the midfielder was almost certain (Atalayar).

So if Tottenham don’t have any chance of signing him, then neither do West Ham unfortunately.

Steidten has been tracking Diaz since last year, and the Morocco international would be a dream signing for the Hammers.

In spite of the recent claims about Tottenham’s struggles to sign Diaz, West Ham should be pushing the boat out to bring him to the club. He is a generational talent and would flourish alongside the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.

He can play on either wing or in the number 10 position, and possesses truly stunning technical ability.

The Real Madrid star is just as strong with his left foot as he is with his right, and is very similar to former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla.

Tottenham have apparently failed with a move to sign Brahim Diaz, and that really doesn’t bode well for West Ham.

However, that doesn’t mean we should give up the pursuit of the super talented 24-year-old.

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