Hammers confirm four-name shortlist http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...112919,00.html
West Ham have confirmed four names are in the frame to be their new boss - Slaven Bilic, Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Donadoni and Michael Laudrup.
Hammers director Mike Lee said that both Zola and Donadoni had impressed hugely in their interviews, while Laudrup will meet club officials on Monday.
Lee also made it clear that West Ham would not wait until January for Bilic, though he did not rule out him staying as Croatia coach on a part-time basis for the October matches.
Lee told BBC Radio Five Live: "There's no favourite at the moment, we have set up a proper selection process.
"We have been surprised and pleased by the number of applications we have had and we are moving towards a short shortlist and ideally have a manager in place in time for the West Brom match next week.
"Slaven Bilic could potentially be on that shortlist but it depends very much upon his availability. If for whatever reason he was not available until January in terms of working with us I'm afraid that will rule him out.
"We have a very strong shortlist and it's going to be a tough decision with some exciting candidates.
"From the meetings that have taken place so far the two that have really shone have been Donadoni and Zola."
West Ham are resigned to waiting until after Croatia's match against England on Wednesday before they can speak to Bilic, but would welcome the chance to talk beforehand and have been in discussions with his representatives.
The fact Zola and Donadoni are Italians could increase their chances given that West Ham's director of football Gianluca Nani is a compatriot, and that they would be much happier with the continental-style working relationship than Alan Curbishley was.
West Ham's selection process has already ruled out Gerard Houllier and the former Scotland midfielder John Collins, plus former Ajax boss Martin Olsen.
Che put £121m fee on Villa's head http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...113026,00.html
Valencia president Vicente Soriano has said that Manchester City would have to pay £121million in order to land David Villa's signature.
Villa had been persistently linked with a transfer away from the Mestalla following his impressive showing for Spain at Euro 2008.
A move during the summer failed to materialise, however reports on the final day of the transfer window suggested Premier League club City had attempted to secure his services.
The new owner of City, Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, has intimated that Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment (ADUG) could back a major overhaul at the club in January with Villa thought to be high on the side's list of targets.
But Soriano has warned the Eastlands outfit off Villa, insisting only a world record offer would see the 26-year-old depart Los Che.
He said in the Daily Star: "They would have to pay his release cause - £121million."
Villa's agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, added: "Villa has said he intends to remain in Valencia, where they want to keep him for a long while.
"He has never wanted to play in English football."
Other delicious dollops of gossip...
Kevin Keegan could be back as Newcastle manager in a matter of days if owner Mike Ashley sells the club. Indian businessman Anil Ambani is interested in buying the Magpies and he is eager to reinstate Keegan. (Various)
Crystal Palace are hopeful of tying up a loan deal for Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury. (News of the World)
Ipswich want to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, 21, and Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, 20, on loan deals. (News of the World)
Crystal Palace are hopeful of tying up a loan deal for Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury. (News of the World)
Ipswich want to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, 21, and Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, 20, on loan deals. (News of the World)
AND FINALLY
David Beckham has revealed he would like to own a football club when he retires from playing. (Sunday Express) 
