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West Ham United have been, surprisingly, one of the most active teams in the transfer market this summer.

The Hammers have already purchased Argentine attacking sensation Mauro Zarate, defender Cheikhou Kouyaté, and marauding left-back Aaron Cresswell… as well as about to announce the signing of Diego Poyet.

At this rate many Irons fans are already hoping for the Premier League kick-off to see their new stars in action, but with two months of potential transfer activity still remaining, West Ham could do with a few more additions.

The World Cup has now reached the semi-finals and the we’re only a week away from celebrating a new world champion, but were there any players that stood out in the group stages that West Ham can swoop in to sign?

We take a look into Group F, which saw Argentina and Nigeria progress at the expense of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran. Are any players worthy of Sam Allardyce’s notice?

Here are SIX WORLD CUP STARS West Ham should sign from Group F.

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Ahmed Musa

Age: 21

Club: CSKA Moscow

Position: RW

Nationality: Nigeria

Estimated Value: £10million

Ahmed Musa has been regularly scoring at his young age but really burst into the scene when he scored both goals in Nigeria’s tight contest against Argentina this summer, the first Nigerian to score two goals in a World Cup fixture.

West Ham would love to have a winger capable of chipping in with a few goals, with his menacing pace and dribbling down the right side a danger for any opponent.

He would however be one of West Ham’s more expensive purchases, with a £10million believe to be the minimum.

Augusto Fernandez

//www.youtube.com/embed/vY5q36GZ7Os

Age: 28

Club: Celta Vigo

Position: RW

Nationality: Argentina

Estimated Value: £5million

Sam Allardyce has promised some attractive attacking football this coming season and a swoop for Augusto Fernandez could be exactly what the Hammers need.

Mauro Zarate’s adapting to Upton Park won’t be easy, but the signing of Fernandez would help with that aspect as well as give an added dimension to the West ham attack.

Usually deployed as a right winger, the 28-year-old is good on the ball and capable of putting through an incisive through ball to a forward… especially of Zarate’s calibre. A swoop of around £5million could see the La Liga outfit negotiate for his transfer.

Muhamed Besic

Age: 21

Club: Ferencváros Budapest

Position: CM

Nationality: Bosnia-Herzegovina

Estimated Value: £2million

One of the stars of the Bosnian side, the young central-midfielder has amazing stats of 91% passing accuracy in the group stages (6th in the rankings). Besic has also played centre-back, proving his versatility and ability.

Although West ham have just signed midfielder Diego Poyet, a player of this calibre for only £2million would be a steal and would provide the Hammers with for once a midfield capable of controlling the pace of the game.

Kenneth Omeruo

Age: 20

Club: Chelsea

Position: CB

Nationality: Nigeria

Estimated Value: £2million or Loan

Chelsea have been known to purchase young talent and send them out on loan, but with Omeruo’s amazing performances during the World Cup West Ham should come knocking to sign the Nigerian centre-back.

Omeruo is extremely strong in the air and a very capable tackler. The 20-year-old won 12/14 aerial duels (whoscored.com) and would be a reliable partner for the future to newly signed Kouyate. If not the Hammers should even consider a loan, making their back-line extremely difficult to penetrate.

Ashkan Dejagah

Age: 27

Club: Fulham

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Position: RM

Nationality: Iran

Estimated Value: £3million

Don’t let Dejagah’s choice to play for Asian side Iran fool you, the Fulham man has played for Germany in all Youth levels and impressed while doing so. He also won the Bundesliga back in 2008 with Wolfsburg, being an essential player in the triumph.

The right winger is quick and good on the ball, but more importantly tracks back well, contributing to the team’s defence. West Ham could use a player of this ilk, as Sam Allardyce may have promised attacking football but in the end still values defensive solidity.

With the Cottagers relegated, the Hammers could lure Dejagah for around £3million.

Efe Ambrose

Age: 25

Club: Celtic

Position: RB, CB

Nationality: Nigeria

Estimated Value: £4million

With the signing of Aaron Cresswell completed, ‘Big Sam’ has a left back that pushes up in support of the attack. And if the manager wants balance on the other side, could make a bid for Nigeria right-back Efe Ambrose.

The Nigerian is a useful outlet during an attack but is extremely solid defensively, and has a large amount of experience playing all four of Nigeria’s World Cup games as well as regular games in the UEFA Champions League for Celtic.

If Sam Allardyce can convince the 25-year-old to make a move to Upton Park, Hammer fans could very well see the revolution they were finally hoping for.

Manchester City have been handed a tricky Champions League group, with the draw being kinder to Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Premier League champions crashed out of the tournament last season in the group stage, and will have a fight on their hands to progress again this term.

Roberto Mancini’s men are in a group with three other domestic champions, as they face Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.

Chelsea will defend their crown this season and have been handed Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjaelland as opponents in Group E.

Arsenal take on Olivier Giroud’s former side Montpellier, Schalke and Olympiakos, whilst Manchester United will come up against Galatasaray, Club Cluj and Braga.

Finally, Scottish champions Celtic have been handed a monumental task after qualifying for the group stages, with Neil Lennon’s men to face Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow.

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The first round of fixtures will take place on September 18.

By Gareth McKnight

Referees are getting more and more stick for their decisions on the pitch, but it could be argued that their jobs are getting much harder.

Last week’s Champions League tie between Barcelona and Manchester City saw a number of free kicks awarded for theatrical falls instead of real fouls.

In fact, many said that Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi had a poor game – Samri Nasri was lucky not to be sent off for a tackle on Neymar and there was some debate as to how much contact was made for Man City’s penalty (although you could say justice was done when it was saved!).

Football is an ever-changing game.

It’s not just about being able to control a ball anymore; it’s about having the mindset to know when and how to “over perform” contact in order to gain an advantage over your opposition.

I think Neymar shot himself in the foot against City – at the time I counted 7 rolls he made after going down. He looked like he had been one of the actors who is shot during Romeo and Juliet, not that he had been kicked in the leg.

While it was a shocking challenge – Neymar would have had more chance if he had gone down and stayed still rather than rolling round like an idiot. But that was just one of many.

There is a debate as to whether theatrically falling is cheating, but I think it’s just bending the rules to gain an advantage.  Players want to win games and they will do anything in their power to make sure it happens.

So how do we expect referees to be able to tell the difference every time between a theatrical fall and a definite foul?  Whether it’s cheating or not, it’s making it harder for referees to decide on what is a foul and what is not.

Referees are on the lookout for theatrics when it comes to players going down- now the more they play up the less likely a player is to get anything from it.

But the whole point is, referees are not always going to get it right. They are only human after all, but as the game develops it’s only fair that we remember that for the referees too.

David Silva was fuming when he was given a yellow card for a challenge on Lionel Messi – and even after pundits had seen the tackle numerous times – they still couldn’t decide between them whether it was a foul or not.

So if they can’t do it with as many replays as they want – how do we expect referees to always get it right at the time?

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Diving and making the most of a bit of contact is not going to be eliminated from the beautiful game, whether people want it to or not.  It’s just not going to happen- it is here to stay!

We cannot expect referees to always to get it right and usually the right and wrong decisions even themselves out in a season, so maybe it’s something we, as fans, are going to have to accept.

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According to Sport, via Metro, Chelsea have entered the battle with Manchester United to sign Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

Much to the frustration of the Spanish champions, Gareth Bale has faced numerous injury complications over the duration of the previous 18 months that has kept the Welshman out of the Madrid team.

What’s the story?

It is reported that Real Madrid have become increasingly annoyed with Gareth Bale’s injury concerns and they’re prepared to sell the Welshman in the forthcoming January transfer window.

Sport report that Real Madrid are looking at a fee of around £80m for Bale, who has attracted interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Coincidentally, Bale rejected a move to Old Trafford in favour of joining Real Madrid in 2013, and it is thought that the 28-year-old is open to returning to the Premier League in the New Year.

Is he worth £80m?

Gareth Bale, valued at £67.5m by transfermarkt.com, is currently in his fifth season with Real Madrid, and despite the injury woes he has endured of late, the Welshman has managed to register 163 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring an impressive 71 goals.

Even this season, the former Tottenham star has scored four goals in 13 games, which is illustrative of his ability to make an impact despite not being in pristine physical condition.

At the age of 28, Bale is conceivably reaching the pinnacle of his capabilities, and there’s no doubt that the Welshman would make a significant impression at either Chelsea or Man United.

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The Southampton youth product is lethally proficient from free-kicks, and he’s also become very lethal in the air. During his international career, he has illustrated his ability to play as a forward which displays the versatility that his arrival would provide United or Chelsea.

So the rumours were true, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has entered the one of the biggest European games in the club’s history at Real Madrid with a wakened team… Steven Gerrard and Mario Balotelli take to the bench, while Fabio Borini, Lucas and Kolo Toure make the team to play the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo… Naturally Twitter has gone into ‘crisis mode’.

Uh oh!

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French international striker Loic Remy is set to leave Olympique Marseille with Tottenham and Newcastle waiting in the wings, The Sun reports.

Remy’s season has been blighted by injury resulting in poor form, which has restricted the striker to one first team start, eight sub appearances and a failure to hit the back of the net in Ligue 1 this season.

Les Bleus international’s own frustration is now very much apparent, with his agent Bruno Satin hinting at the possibility of his Stade Velodrome exit.

“If they [Olympique Marseille] were to get an offer of £10million, the club would let him leave.”

Remy was close to moving to White Hart Lane last summer, commenting that discussions with Tottenham representatives took place, but ultimately ‘came to nothing.’

With news of Chelsea nearing a shock move to bolster their attacking options by bringing Luis Suarez to the Bridge, Brendan Rodgers might soon feel the need to fill a void left by the Uruguayan.

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Meanwhile, Newcastle will be keen to add another stiker to a team sitting 14th in the Premier League and scoring a mere 13 goals in 13 games this season.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has urged his side to concentrate for 90 minutes after they conceded a late equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday to draw 1-1.

Joleon Lescott had headed the Premier League champions into the lead in the first half, but Laurent Koscielny denied the hosts all three points with a late strike.

The Italian boss feels that his men took their eye off the ball and allowed the Gunners back into the game.

“I don’t know if we lost our concentration but it’s strange,” the home coach told Sky Sports after the game.

“Eight, 10 minutes to go to finish the game, we should have had our concentration 100 per cent.

“We had the game under control. [It was] only for the last 10, 15 minutes… I don’t know why we don’t continue to play.

“We were too deep. The problem is we need to close when we have a chance to score,” he concluded.

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Sergio Aguero made a return for City in the game, who now take on Aston Villa at home in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

By Gareth McKnight

At the start of last season Manchester United had an embarrassment of riches in their striking department, as Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney were all vying for two spots.

It seemed like Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal had too much to choose from, however, fast forward twelve months, loss of form and the failure of Falcao to produce goals has left United, potentially, with just three strikers… Wayne Rooney and a duo that look likely to leave in Javier Hernandez and Van Persie.

Although the latter of the two had a decent season – albeit it wasn’t to the standard the Dutchman is capable of considering his heroics in the 2012/13 campaign – it looks like RVP will leave Old Trafford this summer and go to Fenerbahce, so LVG will be needing to fill a void in his striking ranks.

So, what are the options? Van Gaal will have a fair bit of money to spend, so there is no doubt the best strikers around are within his sights.

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Harry Kane

One striker that United have been heavily linked with this summer already is Spurs man Harry Kane. And although United have ruled out any interest at the moment that is not to say that there isn’t some strength to links with Kane, and Van Gaal could well be looking to get a deal done for the England man.

Kane is a hot prospect, he is only 21 and has already managed 20 Premier League goals in a campaign, albeit just once. That’s the major question mark over Kane, can he do it again and again?

But the prospects of a repeat do look good, however, as he is a scorer of all types of goals – tap ins, headers and long rangers all seem to come easily to the striker – and he certainly has the appetite and determination needed to succeed, reflected by his five loan spells before his breakthrough season.

Thomas Muller

Another striker United have been heavily linked with is Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller. Whilst the German is not really considered as an out and out forward, his impressive goalscoring record when played up front is enough to show he is fully capable of filling that role.

A stumbling block with the deal could be Muller’s desire to go from Bayern to United, as, although strides are being made, it is fair to say Van Gaal’s men are still some way behind their German counterparts.

But the promise of first-team football in a striking role at a massive club could well convince Muller to join. The fee, however, would be very high.

Gonzalo Higuain

An alternative could be Gonzalo Higuain. The man who has been linked with just about every big club in need of a striker, the Argentinian is a quality forward, and although he may be into his late twenties there is no doubting his abilities.

The former Real Madrid man is a phenomenal goalscorer – he is nailed on for twenty goals every season, he is a great finisher and is a proven performer.

He could be the man Van Gaal is looking for. Even though he doesn’t have Premier League experience he has played in the top divisions in Spain and Italy for years now. United would have to move fast as Arsenal are heavily interested in Higuain.

Edinson Cavani

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A former Napoli striker now plying his trade at PSG, Edinson Cavani is another option the Red Devils could look to sign. The Uruguayan has been consistently linked with moves to England for some time and maybe a switch away from Paris could be the kick he needs to get his career going again.

The long-haired striker had an incredible scoring record in Italy, however, his goals to game ratio has dropped a fair bit in Ligue 1 and Cavani has not produced in some big matches for PSG.

But positively Cavani is a proven scorer, is athletic, strong and is a genuine top player. United would know what they are getting.

Alexandre Lacazette

Another striker who is at the top of the tree in France is Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to England recently and it looks as though his destination could be Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old is currently one of Europe’s best marksman. He finished top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with a whopping 27 goals in 31 matches and was voted player of the season. With figures like that it is only a matter of time before a big money move happens, and United need to make it.

Lacazette could be the ideal man to rejuvenate United’s front line, with his pace, power and goals.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is still interested in signing West Bromwich Albion centre-back Jonny Evans before the end of the month.

What’s the story?

Arsenal – along with Manchester City – were strongly linked with a move for Evans last summer, but the defender ultimately stayed at the Hawthorns.

Man City have since switched their attention to Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, leaving Arsenal as the frontrunners to sign Evans before Wednesday night’s deadline.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are interested in a late move for the Northern Ireland international, but are not prepared to pay the asking price of £20m.

Indeed, the report claims that Evans could leave West Brom in the summer for £3m if the Baggies are relegated, and the Gunners are wary of over-paying for the 30-year-old.

Would Evans be a good signing for Arsenal?

In short, yes. Arsenal are not exactly well stocked at centre-back, and the Gunners are crying out for some fresh blood to boost their back-line.

West Brom boss Alan Pardew has continually insisted that his club will not be selling Evans on the cheap, and Arsenal really need to bite the bullet before Wednesday’s deadline.

It might be that the Gunners have to pay a premium for Evans, but they would be signing a player that has really impressed since leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2015.

Evans, who is valued at £13.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, is fast closing on 100 appearances for West Brom in all competitions, and has again been extremely impressive this season.

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At 30, Evans is the perfect age to boost Arsenal’s defence.

The Gunners are desperately trying to get a deal for Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the line, but will also have one eye on sealing the signature of one of the most consistent centre-backs in the top flight.

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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has stated that Raheem Sterling’s recent comments over a new Reds deal were disgraceful

The England international looked to clear the air over recent speculation in a BBC interview, but ended up worsening the situation for himself with questionable comments.

Sterling stated that he was flattered by Arsenal’s reported interest in him and admitted that he had turned down a new bumper payday at Anfield.

Carragher, who spent his entire playing career with the Merseyside club, has stated that Sterling made a major mistake by going to the press.

“They [Sterling and his advisers] couldn’t have got that more wrong,” Carragher wrote in his Daily Mail column.

“Jordan Henderson, don’t forget, is in a similar contractual position, but the differences between their situations is enormous. Jordan has played as well, if not better, than at any time in his career this season.

“He will be out of contract in 12 months’ time but, as negotiations continue, you are not hearing anyone calling him a money-grabber. Why? Because he and his agent aren’t using the media to engineer a move or put pressure on Liverpool to improve his contract.

“This, more than anything, is my biggest problem with Sterling and his agent. For a 20-year-old and his agent to be taking on Liverpool FC in the public domain is a disgrace.

“I have no issue about players maximising their earning potential, but the agenda that is being driven from Sterling’s camp is beyond a joke.

“The only way any good could have come from the BBC interview was if Sterling had said he was going to sign a new deal.

“Anything else, as he has discovered, was always going to create a massive problem. They cancelled talks with the club, but not with the media. If you don’t want people talking about an issue, don’t talk about it yourself.”

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Sterling is set to face Arsenal for Liverpool in a key Premier League clash this afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.

With the Reds suffering from injury concerns, the young attacker is set to star in North London.

It remains to be seen what reception the 20-year-old will receive, with his future at Anfield looking even less secure following this week’s interview.