Hammers News - West Ham United FC

West Ham go to bitter rivals Spurs on Saturday and having an in-form Mohammed Kudus could be key to getting the victory.

West Ham take on Tottenham Hotspur when the Premier League resumes this weekend.

Yet another international break has seen top stars from the Hammers and Tottenham jet off all over the world to represent their countries.

Spurs have already been dealt a couple of blows with their current best player Brennan Johnson coming off injured for Wales.

Meanwhile Lucas Bergvall was forced to withdraw from Sweden’s squad according to The Evening Standard.

It also remains to be seen whether Son Heung-Min and Richarlison will be available for Tottenham against the Hammers.

West Ham have their own issue with summer striker signing Niclas Fullkrug still out with an Achilles and calf injury.

It seems extremely unlikely the big German forward will now make it back for the Spurs game.

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The Hammers have also been coy on claims Fullkrug may require an operation.

Fresh disaster for Hammers star Kudus

One thing is for certain, Julen Lopetegui will need star boy Mohammed Kudus and the likes of Jarrod Bowen in top form if West Ham are to come away from Tottenham with a result.

Kudus has had a tough time of it this season.

He finally scored his first goal of the campaign in the 4-1 win over Ipswich before the break. That came after a bust-up with Lopetegui which saw him subbed off at half-time of the match before.

The Hammers ace was named captain of Ghana for their double header with Sudan in AFCON qualifying.

The Black Stars could only draw 0-0 last week, prompting a backlash from the country’s passionate fans.

Some of whom claimed Kudus – who missed a sitter in the game – has been cursed after being handed the number 10 shirt.

Now there’s fresh disaster for Kudus and West Ham hope his return isn’t delayed ahead of Spurs.

West Ham eyes have been fixed on Ghana’s reverse fixture against Sudan on Tuesday.

Ghana needed to win to have any hope of qualifying for the next AFCON.

But Kudus once again missed chances as the Black Stars lost 2-0 to make some unwelcome history.

West Ham hope star boy’s return isn’t delayed ahead of Spurs

For the first time in 20 years Ghana won’t qualify for the African Nations.

While that is a crying shame for Kudus, West Ham’s focus has immediately turned to getting the 24-year-old back to east London as soon as possible.

There were already concerns about this game as Sudan are playing their matches in Libya due to conflict in their own country.

It made world news this week that Nigeria’s players decided to boycott their own AFCON qualifier against Libya – in Libya – after being stranded at an airport in the country for 16 hours with no food or drink.

The team called it “mind games” and it came as The Super Eagles squad was expected to land at Benghazi Airport on Sunday only for the charter flight to be diverted to Al Abraq, 200km away, with no alternative transport offered.

Captain William Troost-Ekong said no reason was given for the change, adding that the airport’s gates had been locked and the group had been left “without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games”.

But after being stranded there for more than 16 hours, he said he and the team had “decided that we will not play this game,” adding that “mistakes happen, but these things on purpose have nothing to do with international football”.

No special West Ham arrangements for Kudus yet

Hammers News has been told West Ham are understandably keeping an eye on Kudus with the huge match against Spurs fast approaching.

Although at the time of writing, sources have confirmed to Hammers News that no special arrangements have been made to try and ensure the club get their star boy back ASAP on a private jet.

West Ham can pile the pressure on Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou with a win.

The Hammers will go above Spurs in the table if they take all three points.

Kudus being available and ready will be key to their hopes of that.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur will meet on Saturday but the most important battle between the two clubs could be won off the pitch.

Money makes the world go round and that’s never been more true than in the Premier League.

There’s no love lost between West Ham and Tottenham in the stands, on the pitch or in the boardroom.

That will become apparent when the London rivals meet in the Premier League this weekend.

But the most important contest between the Hammers and Spurs might be off the pitch and very much centres around money.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur have been actively looking for fresh investment.

Earlier this summer The Sun’s Matt Hughes revealed West Ham were one of six Prem clubs using advisers Rothschild and Co to bring in fresh funds amid strict and restrictive new PSR rules.

Hammers and Spurs actively seeking new investment

Meanwhile Tottenham have been targeted by PSG’s Qatari owners for investment in the last year.

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Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky became West Ham’s second biggest stakeholder by purchasing 27 per cent of the club for £150m almost three years ago.

Many Hammers fans hoped Kretinsky, who is now worth a whopping £13bn, would eventually launch a full takeover bid at the London Stadium.

There were claims that could be the case from a former West Ham employee over the weekend.

But a top source inside West Ham denied that’s the case.

Back in August it was claimed a well known name with a £500m fund was weighing up buying into West Ham or Tottenham.

Now the mega rich financier has chosen between West Ham and Spurs amid two big updates.

Financier has chosen between West Ham and Spurs

After selling her stake in Newcastle, Amanda Staveley is said to have raised half a billion pounds which she wants to invest in another Premier League club.

West Ham’s fierce rivals Tottenham were chief among her targets according to Bloomberg recently.

But in the wake of news of a potential investment in Spurs, a top Hammers board source claimed a Staveley-led fund could buy into West Ham instead.

Especially with the Gold family’s West Ham stake being up for sale since last year.

It seems Staveley made have made her choice, though.

And it’s bad news for the Hammers.

Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed Staveley is in active talks to invest in Tottenham.

Talks are seemingly so serious she could go after her former manager as her first order of business if it goes through.

“Intriguingly the Tottenham job could come up if Amanda Staveley and her team can get into a position of power,” Nixon said on his Patreon.

“Staveley is a massive supporter of Howe from Newcastle days and he would be top of their wish lift if things do not improve for Ange Postecoglou.

“The projected buy-in by Staveley and her money men is taking some time to happen and that project still appears weeks from completion.”

Staveley seen at Spurs, what next for West Ham?

After Nixon’s update, a picture has emerged of Staveley which underlines that Spurs stand to benefit from her investment rather than West Ham.

The woman who helped open the door for Newcastle to become the richest club on the planet was seen schmoozing in a box at Tottenham’s ground during the NFL match there at the weekend.

With a full Kretinsky takeover ruled out, it begs the question whether the Hammers will find a suitable buyer for the Gold family stake.

At least 10 per cent of the family’s 25 per cent stake in West Ham has been up for almost a year now.

On October 31st last year, Vanessa Gold said she wants to sell to ‘the right partner’.

“I have spoken to each of the other three major shareholders at West Ham United, David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and Tripp Smith, who have been very supportive,” she said.

“Any transaction to purchase some of our shares will be with my father’s legacy at the forefront of my mind which, of course, prioritises his beloved West Ham United.

“I have appointed Rothschild and Co to advise us on any discussions and will keep the other shareholders, the club and our supporters updated on any significant developments.”

West Ham United travel to north London to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.

The upcoming Premier League clash between Tottenham and West Ham is a vitally important one for both sides.

It has been claimed that numerous key Tottenham players could be back to full fitness in time for the game this week.

Meanwhile, Heung-min Son took to Instagram yesterday to declare that he will be back in action for Spurs soon.

Julen Lopetegui desperately needs a result on Saturday, and we are all desperate to see our team pick up all three points against our fiercest rivals in the Premier League.

After Tottenham were handed some good news regarding one of their injured players earlier this week, a new claim has now emerged to the contrary.

Terrible news for Tottenham ahead of vital West Ham clash

The only real injury concern that the Hammers have right now is Niclas Fullkrug.

Meanwhile, Spurs have numerous players who are doubtful for the big London derby this weekend.

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However, Richarlison was expected to return for the West Ham clash. Now though, it appears as though that may well not be the case.

According to a new report from Football.London, the Brazil international is expected to return to training soon, but the Hammers clash will come too soon for him to make his return to action.

Not being able to call upon the former Everton striker will be a big blow for Spurs and Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham are heavily reliant on Dominic Solanke right now, and that’s a lot of pressure to put on the striker, taking his price-tag into consideration as well.

I have a sneaky feeling that this weekend’s clash could be a huge chance for the Hammers to turn over our old foes.

West Ham have a decent record away at Tottenham in recent years actually, having won three times at their place since 2017.

Hopefully we will make that four on Saturday, and with Richarlison out, we will have a good chance of doing just that.

West Ham United travel to north London to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.

The current international break is really dragging isn’t it? They always do to be fair, but not having West Ham there to ruin my weekend just doesn’t feel right!

The Hammers will be back in action in just five day’s time, with a huge Premier League clash with Tottenham on the horizon.

It has been claimed that numerous key Tottenham players could be back to full fitness in time for the game this week.

Although there are concerns about Micky van de Ven being played in the left-back position for The Netherlands, due to his hamstring problems in the past.

Meanwhile, the Hammers will be without Niclas Fullkrug, who remains injured after picking up an Achilles problem and a calf issue this time last month.

Julen Lopetegui will be desperate for his players to put in a big performance for him against Spurs, as will the fans.

The Hammers head coach is under intense pressure at the London Stadium right now, but a win against our fiercest rivals in the Premier League will drastically change the narrative.

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However, a message has just been posted on social media that will fill Lopetegui, the West Ham players and the fans with dread…

Official Insta message West Ham fans were dreading ahead of Tottenham

The Hammers fans will be fully aware of just how difficult the upcoming game against Spurs will be on Saturday.

They are a very good team, and each and every one of our players will have to be 100 per cent on it, if they are to return to East London with a positive result to show for their efforts.

With that in mind, the latest news coming out of north London is great for them, but not so good for us…

Heung-min Son has taken to his official Instagram account to provide an update on his injury ahead of the big London derby this weekend.

The South Korea international has suggested that he’s closing in on a return to action:

Now, if Son is ready to play against us on Saturday, it will be a massive boost for Tottenham, and really bad news for West Ham.

Son back for Spurs vs Hammers a big blow for us

The 32-year-old has been one of the best and most consistent attackers in the Premier League over the past nine years.

He has bagged a super impressive 164 goals and 86 assists in 415 games in all competitions for Spurs since he moved to the north London club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

Despite his advancing years, Son remains one of the most prolific, clinical forwards in the game, and he still has plenty of pace.

The West Ham defenders will have to be on their A games if Heung-min Son does indeed start for Tottenham on Saturday.

It could be a very tough afternoon in north London for us.

Let’s just hope that all of our big names turn up, and that our defenders nullify any kind of threat Spurs pose inside the final third.

West Ham United head up to north London next Saturday to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The Premier League clash with Tottenham will be a vitally important one for West Ham, and it will show us if we really have made some progress under Julen Lopetegui.

Before the clash with Ipswich last weekend, there was talk of Lopetegui’s job being under threat, but he allegedly assured the board that he will turn things around.

The 4-1 win was hugely important for Lopetegui in the end, and it earned him some much-needed breathing space, especially after his highly publicised fall-out with Mohammed Kudus the week before.

The win over the Tractor Boys will not be enough on its own for the Hammers head coach though.

The pressure is still very much on him at the London Stadium, and he desperately needs a positive result against Tottenham a week today.

The game will be vital for Spurs as well, and unfortunately for them, they face a nightmare scenario ahead of the Hammers clash…

Tottenham face nightmare scenario ahead of West Ham clash

Spurs will have one very big concern right now.

The north London outfit face the Hammers next weekend, and they will be incredibly worried about Micky van de Ven ahead of the huge London derby.

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The Holland international played 90 minutes for his country in the left-back position during their 1-1 draw with Hungary on Friday night.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has highlighted the need to be careful with Van de Ven when playing him as a left-back in the past, due to the physical demands of the the role (Football.London).

The Dutchman is a key player for Spurs, what with his recovery pace, and he enables them to press high up the pitch as a team.

Tottenham signed Van de Ven from Wolfsburg last summer for around £43 million (Sky Sports).

The 23-year-old has quickly established himself as an indispensable player for Spurs, what with his blistering pace, strength in the air and aggression in the challenge.

He has proven himself to be crucial to everything good that his team do.

Immediately after he sustained an injury last season, Tottenham lost three and drew one of their next four games.

Tottenham praying for Van de Ven ahead of West Ham clash

Described by the Independent as ‘unstoppable’, Van de Ven has really impressed in the Premier League, and he has been one of Tottenham’s best players over the past year.

In fact, he won their player of the season award last season, so it’s clear to see just how crucial he is for them.

Ange Postecoglou missed Van de Ven badly when the Dutchman picked up a serious hamstring last season, and was forced to miss over two months of action.

And given Postecoglou’s concerns about Van de Ven playing in the left-back position, the Australian will undoubtedly be really worried about the former Wolfsburg defender’s fitness when he returns from international duty.

The Netherlands are set to play Germany on Monday night, and with Jurrien Timber and Nathan Ake unavailable for selection, the Spurs man will most likely start in the left-back position once again.

Tottenham face the nightmare scenario of Micky van de Ven picking up an injury whilst playing for Holland ahead of the West Ham Premier League clash next weekend.

That’s international football in a nutshell for you – four two-week periods every season where managers and fans all over the world are praying for the safe return of their players!

West Ham go to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur when the Premier League action resumes next Saturday and there may be some big news ahead of the clash.

There is no love lost between Spurs and West Ham on or off the pitch.

There have been some iconic matches, goals and moments between the two London rivals down the years.

Tottenham have a slight edge over West Ham in terms of overall victories.

But both the Hammers and Spurs have enjoyed some really competitive matches, especially in the Premier League era.

The two sides are going into the match in very different mindsets.

West Ham finally breathed life into the new Julen Lopetegui era with a comfortable 4-1 win over Ipswich before the international break.

Meanwhile Tottenham Hotspur blew a 2-0 half-time lead at Brighton to lose 3-2.

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Spurs will have been wallowing in that demoralising defeat while West Ham will have had 14 days to bask in some much-needed positivity.

When Premier League action resumes on October 19th, Tottenham host West Ham in north London.

The Hammers have one big injury issue and two slight concerns ahead of the derby.

Three West Ham concerns for Tottenham clash

Star West Ham duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jarrod Bowen sparked concern with a no-show at training this week.

Both were seen limping after the win over Ipswich. Bowen was furious with fellow former Hull star Jacob Greaves after a painful foul on him.

The Hammers talisman was seen walking gingerly after that and at the end of the game.

But with another week to go it is hoped their absence from training was simply rest and recovery and that both will be available for Tottenham.

A player who probably won’t be, though, is big summer striker signing Niclas Fullkrug.

The German has been out for five games with an Achilles and calf issue.

West Ham were non-committal over rumours Fullkrug now needs an operation. As things stand there are no guarantees the £23.5m striker signing will be available for Spurs.

Fullkrug was also nowhere to be seen in training footage.

Lopetegui and Ange Postecoglou have both lost a host of key players to international duty.

And it seems there may be some bad news for Tottenham Hotspur as a result.

Spurs hit by potential blow to best player ahead of West Ham

Because Spurs have been hit by a potential major blow to their best player ahead of the big West Ham clash.

Brennan Johnson is head and shoulders Tottenham’s best, most in-form and dangerous player right now.

The former Forest man – who was heavily linked with a move to West Ham under David Moyes – simply can’t stop scoring.

After a difficult start to the season, Johnson was criticised by some Tottenham fans.

But his efforts to prove his doubters wrong have been nothing short of spectacular.

Johnson made it seven goals in seven games when he scored the opener for Wales in their 2-2 away draw against Iceland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday night.

Tottenham’s top scorer was substituted just after half-time, though.

Johnson ‘seen hobbling’ before being subbed off

And BBC Sport claim the Spurs star was seen hobbling and suggested the substitution was injury-related.

“He was hobbling earlier in the half,” the report states.

“Spurs fans will have their fingers crossed he’s OK, other than being metaphorically on fire.”

Johnson was booked in the game which means he is suspended for Wales’ other fixture.

Whether he will now return to Tottenham early for medical assessment ahead of West Ham remains to be seen.

If he does miss the game, it will come as a huge relief for Lopetegui and the Hammers.

Tottenham have quality options of course.

But to lose a player in such red hot goalscoring form will be a bitter blow for Postecoglou.

West Ham take on bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next weekend but they could have a major new issue.

West Ham and Tottenham will be going into their Premier League clash in very different moods after the international break.

Spurs welcome the Hammers to north London for a 12.30pm kick-off in 10 days’ time on Saturday October 19th.

West Ham finally breathed some life into the tenure of new boss Julen Lopetegui with a convincing 4-1 win over Ipswich.

Meanwhile rivals Tottenham Hotspur blew a 2-0 half-time lead at Brighton to lose 3-2.

The demoralising defeat puts pressure on Ange Postecoglou while Lopetegui is feeling less of it after West Ham’s much-needed win.

There is no love lost between West Ham and Tottenham, on or off the pitch.

Rivalries will resume and as well taking the bragging rights, the Hammers can go above Spurs with a win.

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Make no mistake, though, Lopetegui is still under pressure too.

And Tottenham away marks the start of another difficult run of games.

The Spaniard has been operating with pretty much a full squad all season.

After making nine signings in the summer, West Ham’s options are among their strongest for many years.

Except up front.

Spurs clash had been mooted for return of injured West Ham star

Until the 4-1 win over Ipswich, the Hammers had looked somewhat toothless. That’s despite having talents such as Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville.

Many feel that has been down to the man they signed to make sure they are ruthless and not toothless – Niclas Fullkrug – has missed the last five games.

Fullkrug picked up an Achilles and calf injury during the September international break with Germany.

He has not been seen since for West Ham.

Ahead of the Brentford game recently Hammers News shared a big blow from inside the club that Fullkrug was out until after the October international break.

It was then revealed there was no guarantee the Germany forward would be back for the Tottenham game.

Fullkrug teased he could be back for Tottenham in a social media post this week.

Now West Ham have responded to devastating claim about new star Fullkrug ahead of Spurs.

Eyebrows were raised when the Hammers opted to sign 31-year-old Fullkrug in the summer.

Many fans wanted to see the club sign a young, dynamic striker with pace.

Hammers News even revealed majority owner David Sullivan desperately wanted new Spurs striker Dominic Solanke but could match their £65m offer.

West Ham respond to devastating Fullkrug claim ahead of Spurs

Jhon Duran was another big target. But West Ham ended up going for Fullkrug despite his worrying injury record.

Supporters have voiced anger that Fullkrug has rather inevitably missed half the season so far through injury.

Now top sources inside West Ham have responded over claims Fullkrug will miss the Tottenham game and perhaps many more as he needs an operation.

Speaking to Sean Whetstone, the top brass at West Ham are not categorically ruling out that an operation is needed for the German striker.

But they are unaware if that is the case and the hope is that he will be available for Tottenham, to take his place on the bench at least.

“Club sources are in the dark over claims that Niclas Fullkrug needs an operation,” Whetstone said.

“The club source insisted they had heard nothing about any West Ham player requiring an operation but admitted anything was possible.

“The last medical update the club source was told is Fullkrug is expected to be on or near the bench for the away trip against Spurs.”

Postecoglou on the other hand has received a boost after it emerged he will welcome back three key Tottenham stars for the West Ham game.

West Ham United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League after the international break ends on October 19th.

The Premier League clash with Tottenham will be a vitally important one for West Ham, for more reasons than one.

Firstly, it’s a London derby, so Julen Lopetegui will be fully aware of just how much the fans will want to see a big performance from the players.

And secondly, the Spaniard is still under huge pressure at West Ham, regardless of Saturday’s 4-1 win over Ipswich Town.

The Hammers are currently sitting in 12th in spot in the table, having taken only eight points from our opening seven games.

The problem for Lopetegui and his players is that things are set to get even harder now, with a nightmarish run of fixtures on the horizon.

Tottenham away is the start of that horror run in 11 day’s time, and Spurs have just been handed a major boost ahead of the game.

Major triple Tottenham boost is bad news for West Ham

Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to have some of his key players back from injury for the clash with the Hammers.

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And it seems like that’s exactly what will happen.

According to a report from Premier Injuries, Son Heung-Min, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are all in line to return to action on October 19th – the day we play Spurs.

Those three players are vitally important to Tottenham, so it will be a huge boost for them to have them back.

However, at the same time, it will be terrible news for the Hammers.

In fairness, we actually have a decent record away at Spurs.

Since our Carabao Cup clash with them in October 2017, West Ham have won three and drawn two of the nine games we’ve played against them away from home.

A win for West Ham against Tottenham on their patch this time will be a tall order though.

Let’s hope that Lopetegui gets his players fired up for this one, but Spurs will be majorly boosted by having three of their top attacking players back fit and available for selection.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are going into the October international break in very different moods and mindsets.

West Ham finally have lift off to life under Julen Lopetegui after a comfortable 4-1 win over Ipswich.

Meanwhile bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur blew a 2-0 half-time lead at Brighton to lose 3-2.

There is nothing worse than going into an international break off the back of a demoralising defeat like Spurs have just suffered.

On the flip side, winning in style as West Ham did gives the club 14 days to bask in some much-needed positivity.

When Premier League action resumes on October 19th, Tottenham host West Ham in north London.

There is no love lost between the Hammers and Spurs. On or off the pitch.

Rivalries resume and there’s plenty on the line besides the usual bragging rights.

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For the Irons there are plenty of incentives to go to Tottenham and repeat what they did last season when they recorded a 2-1 victory.

Now West Ham can pile the pressure on Spurs and prove Karren Brady wrong in the process.

Now West Ham can pile the pressure on Spurs

If Lopetegui was under pressure at West Ham then Ange Postecoglou is now sharing that spotlight.

Spurs – like the Hammers – have lost three games already this season.

Postecoglou is under scrutiny after making it clear he ‘always wins something in his second season’.

That has already been used as a stick with which to beat the Australian.

Many observers feel Postecoglou’s tactics are too naïve. Jamie Carragher said last week that Spurs are simply too easy to play against under Postecoglou.

West Ham vice-chair Brady is not the most popular person among her club’s fans.

But if she had it her way Postecoglou would probably be managing the Hammers instead of Spurs.

When David Moyes’ future was uncertain last year West Ham were heavily linked with the then Celtic boss.

Brady appeared to make it very clear who she thought should replace Moyes were he to depart back then.

Brady wrote a gushing column about Postecoglou and the job he had done at Celtic.

West Ham’s vice-chair predicted Postecoglou’s unique style would be a massive hit in the Premier League.

The Australian boss has since brought that unique style to Tottenham instead. But it’s dividing opinion over whether it can really bring success.

Now West Ham have several incentives for the forthcoming clash against their second biggest rivals behind Millwall.

Hammers can prove Karren Brady wrong in process

Thanks to Tottenham’s collapse against Brighton, Lopetegui has a carrot he can dangle in front of his players.

Because if West Ham beat Spurs on their own patch again, they will go above them in the table.

As a second big incentive, a West Ham win would pile the pressure on Postecoglou ahead of a tough run of games before the ominous November international break.

A win for Lopetegui will really have fans onside behind the Spaniard.

But it would also go some way to proving Brady wrong about Postecoglou being a big success in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s defeat at Brighton meant it was the 10th time Spurs have lost after being two or more goals ahead.

Fans have been reacting angrily and Postecoglou himself acknowledged the situation, calling it “the worst defeat” since he took charge.

West Ham could put their foot on Postecoglou’s head further still in a couple of weeks.

Lopetegui and Hammers fans couldn’t wish for better incentives.

Let two weeks of build-up begin.

Something bigger than the fight for a European spot and bragging rights could be on the line when West Ham play Tottenham Hotspur.

When the fixture list is released every summer one of the first games West Ham and Tottenham fans look for is against one another.

Spurs like to play down the rivalry with the Hammers.

But make no mistake this is just as big a game for Tottenham as it is West Ham nowadays.

West Ham and Tottenham have both spent money improving their squads over the summer.

The Hammers have been one of the busiest clubs in the league, signing nine players and counting.

Spurs meanwhile beat West Ham to Dominic Solanke – a player Hammers News was exclusively told majority owner David Sullivan would loved to have brought to the London Stadium.

Arguably West Ham’s biggest capture of the window was defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

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The French centre-back was genuinely wanted by Man United and Juventus in the summer.

West Ham will have big Todibo news against Spurs

UEFA blocked Man United from signing him due to strict multi-club ownership rules as a result of INEOS’ involvement with Nice and the Red Devils.

Former Barcelona defender Todibo had looked set to sign for Juve.

But West Ham managed to beat the Italians to the 24-year-old ball-carrying centre-back.

After a disrupted pre-season, Todibo has only made one start for West Ham so far in a win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

He looked understandably rusty in that game. But West Ham fans saw enough to serenade their new start with the William Saliba chant.

So the international break has come at the perfect time for him to catch up.

Although he has been relatively good thus far, Konstantinos Mavropanos is expected to make way for Todibo in the starting line-up long-term – starting after the international break.

The match against Tottenham will be on the horizon by then.

Permanent West Ham move will be sealed if all goes to plan

And West Ham will have big news about Todibo against Spurs if all goes to plan for Julen Lopetegui.

When West Ham announced the signing of Todibo from Nice it was stated it was “an initial season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent in summer 2025”.

But it has since been claimed the deal in actually contains an obligation to buy for around £30m.

“It’s a virtual obligation,” the top West Ham spokesman told Hammers News when the deal was sealed.

The Times also revealed the precise details of the clause and fee. And for around £7m cheaper than being reported elsewhere.

“Todibo’s initial loan from Nice will turn into a permanent deal worth £26.8million next summer if he starts five Premier League matches,” The Times reports.

That’s where Tottenham Hotspur come in.

A win at Spurs and a new signing?

Because should Todibo come into the side at Fulham after the international break – and assuming he stays fit – he will make his fifth Premier League start away at Spurs on October 19th.

What better way to announce yourself as a permanent West Ham signing than helping them beat fierce rivals Tottenham in their own back yard?

That will be the hope and plan for Lopetegui.

There is a feeling at West Ham that Todibo can prove himself to be one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League alongside the likes of Saliba and Tottenham’s own Micky van de Ven.

The Hammers will be hoping they have a win and top new signing to celebrate after the trip to north London next month.