West Ham round-up: £10million summer deal expected; unexpected award nomination; midfielder hints at future

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Despite rumours of interest from Manchester United, Sky Sports claim that the Hammers are confident in their pursuit of Saint Etienne right-back Kevin Malcuit and believe that they will confirm the signing of the 25-year-old in the summer in exchange for a fee of £10 million.

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The Frenchman has impressed in Ligue Un and the Europa League for the French club and would solve a real problem for the Irons this season, with Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa failing to convince Slaven Bilic that they are a long term solution at right back when given the opportunity.

The London Stadium has reached the final shortlist of ten grounds in the Stadium of the Year competition for 2016, according to the Mirror. Despite a number of teething problems, from ticketing issues to missing seats to fan violence in the stands, the stadium could be judged the winner next week.

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The award would mark a real change in fortunes for the club since their move to their new home given the prestige of the award which is judged by architects and considers arenas from all around the world.

On loan midfielder George Dobson has told Walsall Advertiser that his future may lie away from the London Stadium though, as the 19-year-old said:

“I’ve got the rest of this season and then one more year on my West Ham contract – and then you never know what will happen. Obviously as a West Ham fan I would love to stay at the club as long as I can but you never know what the future holds… But that’s the challenge you have to set yourself and if you’re not quite good enough for that level, you’ve got to make sure you are good enough for the level just below that and you’re still having a really good career in the game.”

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The holding midfielder, who can also play in central defence, has made 17 appearances for League 1 outfit Walsall this season as he fights to make a breakthrough having twice made the bench for the Hammers in the Premier League in March last year.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Chamois Niortais FC.