Transfer Gossip-The January Transfer Window so Far

Lacina Traore

Traore, aged 23, had just completed a move to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco from Anzhi Makhachkala for an undisclosed fee. Monaco decided they would let the man from Ivory Coast leave on loan until the end of the season as he would would find it hard to break into the team with Falcao starting up front. West Ham were first to make a move for the 6ft 8 giant. Monaco agreed to let him join us and everything was going well. A work permit was granted and now all that was needed was a pen and paper. Traore definitely chose the wrong time to get cold feet, for West Ham anyway. Everton were quick to make an offer for Lacina. A move to the Merseyside must have seemed more attractive to Traore as soon after he side for Martinez. Another failed transfer attempt West Ham.

Carlton Cole

When we realised we had still failed to sign a back up striker for Andy Carroll we had no choice but to re-sign Carlton Cole who we had released at the end of last season and was a free-agent. Cole was more than happy to re-join the side and when he made his first appearance you could tell he wanted to make a point. Big Sam only gave Carlton a 6 month contract so he had to make that point quickly. Cole was quick off the mark and has kept his tally ticking over since.  He has scored 5 goals and is our top scorer in the league. Definitely a good signing on Sam's part but should he have been let go in the first place without a better replacement? i think not.


Roger Johnson

It was very apparent that West Ham needed Defenders. When a team resorts to playing George McCartney at centre-back you know they they are really lacking. Allardyce would probably have brought anyone in but the signing of Wolves' Roger Johnson was definitely not a bad one. He is experienced and certainly isn't a bad player. Most importantly he could do the job at hand. Another loan deal for West Ham but with the injuries we have at the moment it may not be that bad.




The Ones That Got Away....

Shane Long was a huge opportunity for us. A proven premier league goal scorer with skill and talent. Some how Sam Allardyce didn't even look into buying the striker. His lack of height probably didn't appeal to 'hoof it up' Sam. Hull city picked up the young irish man for about seven million, less than half of what we spent on Andy Carroll who is still yet to make me feel we should have signed him.

Nikica Jelavic is also another player who West Ham should have tried to sign. Yet again a well proven goal scorer in the Premier league who joined Hull City instead. This is another one i really don't understand. I heard that Sam enquired into purchasing the Croatian but yet again didn't pursue it. Surprise Surprise....


Leaving Home...?

When news started flooding in that Young Ravel Morrison was no longer on speaking terms with coach Sam Allardyce i knew there could be trouble. Soon teams through out the premier league were talking about Morrison but Fulham cam out as the leaders in the race for the ex manchester united player. Rumours spread of Ravel leaving but still nothing came of it. He then told reporters that he didn't plan on leaving West Ham. Letting Morrison go could have been a huge mistake!

Blair Turgott once again has gone out on loan, this time to league one side Rotherham. It's a good for the 19 year old to get first team football even at a lower level.



Ross McCormack
Leeds yesterday rejected an offer for captain Ross McCormack from West Ham. No surprise really, McCormack is their top scorer and captain so it would a bit more than £3.5m.