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Manchester City v Reading, Tottenham v Stoke, West Ham v Everton, Newcastle v QPR, West Brom v Norwich, Southampton v Sunderland live

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PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: All the action from around the grounds as it happens

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UPDATED:

16:06 GMT, 22 December 2012

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Premier League as Manchester City host Reading in one of six games kicking off at 3pm. Elsewhere it is Newcastle v QPR, Southampton v Sunderland, Tottenham v Stoke, West Brom v Norwich and West Ham v Everton. Send me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Live scores

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Manchester City 0-0 Reading

Newcastle 0-0 QPR

Southampton 0-1 Sunderland

Tottenham 0-0 Stoke

West Brom 1-1 Norwich

West Ham 1-0 Everton

Wigan 0-1 Arsenal FT

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All the latest from the Championship

All the latest from League One

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All the latest from the SPL

16.05: Everton nearly find an equaliser at Upton Park but Nikica Jelavic wastes a good chance by firing straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen.

16.04: Just the one change at the break with West Brom sending Graham Dorrans on for Marc-Antoine Fortune.

16.01: Just the four goals in the first half but games have a tendency to open up in the second period when it's like this, so expect much more in the next 45 minutes.

15.58: From InfostradaLive:

Zoltan Gera scored his fourth PL goal of the season. Only once has he scored more in a single season – six for West Brom in 2004-05.

15.55: Biggest surprise of the half has to be Reading keeping a clean sheet at the break against a Manchester City side that has scored in their last 40 home games.

Biggest confusion has to be Everton's disallowed goal. I'm still scratching my head at that.

West Ham have dropped deeper since scoring with Everton having the majority of the play.

15.52: From InfostradaLive:

In top 5 leagues (PL/Liga/Bundesliga/Serie A/Ligue 1), only Barcelona (16) are on longer unbeaten league run than Norwich (10).

15.49: It's half-time across the board in the Premier League.

15.46: Claims for a Southampton penalty as Emmanuel Mayuka is body-checked by Carlos Cuellar but nothing is awarded by the referee – I've seen those given.

15.45: GOAL! WEST BROM 1-1 Norwich

The Baggies have pressed for an equaliser and finally get one. Olsson's header is tipped on to the crossbar by Mark Bunn but Zoltan Gera converts the rebound.

Back on form: Steven Fletcher (right) pounced before the break to give Sunderland the lead

Back on form: Steven Fletcher (right) pounced before the break to give Sunderland the lead

15.44: GOAL! Southampton 0-1 SUNDERLAND

James McClean plays through Sessegnon, but although the forward scuffs his shot, the ball falls for Steven Fletcher who makes no mistake from six yards out.

15.42: A disappointing spectacle at St James' Park. Newcastle are on top but Green has hardly been tested in the QPR goal as Demba Ba wastes successive free-kicks from promising positions.

15.40: Decent stop from Reading keeper Adam Federici, who manages to keep out Gareth Barry's header following a Carlos Tevez cross.

15.38: Nearly a trademark Spurs goal. Dembele releases Bale down the left wing but his cross for Emmanuel Adebayor is headed over by the striker. Best chance of the game.

15.35: Reading have impressed me in that they have held out for this long, but to their credit they have shown ambition going forward too.

Kolo Toure's clearance is brought down by Jobi McAnuff, who lays the ball off for Jem Karacan to shoot just over the crossbar from 25 yards.

15.32: Newcastle are on top against QPR but haven't found a breakthrough as yet as Robert Green punches clear a Vurnon Anita corner.

15.29: From OptaJoe:

5 – Robert Snodgrass has scored (3) and assisted (2) five goals in his last five Premier League appearances for Norwich City. Form.

Set-piece special: Norwich celebrate after Robert Snodgrass's (second right) free-kick handed them the lead

Set-piece special: Norwich celebrate after Robert Snodgrass's (second right) free-kick handed them the lead

15.26: GOAL! West Brom 0-1 NORWICH

Peter Odemwingie gives away a free-kick and from the set-piece, Robert Snodgrass fires into the top corner.

Ben Foster thinks he should have saved it but that doesn't change the fact that the Canaries are once again in front in the Premier League.

15.24: You sense Manchester City will score at any moment as they lay siege to the Reading goal. Javi Garcia sees a shot deflected over.

15.21: Maybe a bit too much scrutiny…

From Sportsmail's Laura Williamson at the Lane:

'Steven N'Zonzi and Mousa Dembele have clashed twice already. The Stoke man's very fortunate the ref didn't see his elbow in holding off Dembele earlier.'

15.19: Interesting scenes at Tottenham by the way. As Spurs go to take a long throw, the referee stops play to have a word with Ryan Shawcross about his shirt pulling. The defender looks to be under heavy scrutiny from referees now following that headbutt from Everton's Marouane Fellaini last week.

15.18: From Sportsmail's Laura Williamson at White Hart Lane:

At #THFC, feeling a bit sorry for Aaron Lennon whenever either side have a corner. Still 0-0. #landofthegiants

Taking advantage: Carlton Cole pounced to fire West Ham ahead against Everton

Taking advantage: Carlton Cole pounced to fire West Ham ahead against Everton

15.15: GOAL! WEST HAM 1-0 Everton

Well wouldn't you know it. Football can be a cruel game and here is proof as the Hammers go straight up the other end and take the lead through a neat Carlton Cole strike.

15.13: Everton are very unfortunate not to be in front. Leon Osman thinks he has converted a chance at the back post from a corner, but the goal has puzzlingly been ruled out – the midfielder (and David Moyes) look furious.

Moments earlier, Victor Anichebe headed a Leighton Baines free-kick off the ground and over the crossbar for the Toffees.

15.11: Back to St Mary's but this time it's a chance for the hosts as Rickie Lambert's free-kick is deflected just wide by Sunderland's Craig Gardner.

15.08: West Brom are another home team on the back foot. Jonas Olsson's headed clearance only falls as far as Robert Snodgrass, but the Norwich midfielder rifles straight at Ben Foster.

15.05: So much for that tense start on the south coast too. Sunderland's Stephane Sessegnon lets fly from 30 yards out, with Southampton stopper Kelvin Davis tipping over the bar.

15.03: Stoke nearly score within seconds of kick-off. Kyle Walker plays a disastrous ball across goal that is intercepted by Kenwyne Jones, but the Stoke striker fires off target. Huge let-off for Spurs and especially the full-back.

On the charge: Manchester City's Sergio Aguero (left) battles with Reading's Mikele Leigertwood

On the charge: Manchester City's Sergio Aguero (left) battles with Reading's Mikele Leigertwood

15.01: Away we go then folks.

14.59: Finally as the teams make their way out, check out Martin Keown's preview of the weekend's action with his Boot Room.

14.56: And finally from the Hawthorns where West Brom will try and end Norwich's unbeaten league record that stretches back to the start of October:

West Brom v Norwich
West Brom: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Popov, Morrison, Brunt, Odemwingie, Gera, Dorrans, Lukaku. Subs: Myhill, Ridgewell, Rosenberg, Long, Jara Reyes, Tamas, Fortune.

Norwich: Bunn, Whittaker, Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Snodgrass, Tettey, Hoolahan, Johnson, Pilkington, Morison. Subs: Steer, Martin, Howson, Jackson, Elliott Bennett, Barnett, Kane.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)

14.53: Are we set for a nervy contest at St Mary's Both sides playing on the south coast today hover narrowly above the relegation zone:

Southampton v Sunderland
Southampton: Kelvin Davis, Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Shaw, Puncheon, Cork, Schneiderlin, Mayuka, Lambert, Ramirez. Subs: Boruc, Hooiveld, Steven Davis, Rodriguez, Do Prado, Richardson, De Ridder.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, Cuellar, O'Shea, Rose, Johnson, Colback, Larsson, McClean, Sessegnon, Fletcher. Subs: Westwood, Bardsley, Campbell, Wickham, McFadden, Vaughan, Bramble.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)

14.50: Manchester City hand an unexpected Barclays Premier League debut to defender Karim Rekik as bottom side Reading visited the Etihad Stadium.

The 18-year-old Dutchman started in the absence of injured left-backs Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov while senior centre-halves Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott only make the bench.

Kolo Toure and Matija Nastasic are the centre-back pairing.

Reading make four changes following their 5-2 defeat by Arsenal earlier in the week with Jem Karacan returning from injury and Chris Gunter, Ian Harte and Alex Pearce also coming in.

Star showing: Adel Taarabt helped QPR on their way to their first Premier League win last weekend

Star showing: Adel Taarabt helped QPR on their way to their first Premier League win last weekend

14.48: Interesting fixture at St James' Park. Can the Hoops record back-to-back wins after picking up their first victory of the season last weekend Or can the Toon arrest an alarming slide down the table:

Newcastle v QPR
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon, Anita, Tiote, Perch, Gutierrez, Ba, Cisse. Subs: Harper, Bigirimana, Marveaux, Shola Ameobi, Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Ferguson.

QPR: Green, Da Silva, Ferdinand, Nelsen, Hill, Mackie, Mbia, Granero, Faurlin, Taarabt, Cisse. Subs: Murphy, Diakite, Traore, Derry, Wright Phillips, Onuoha, Hoilett.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

14.45: Spurs have been one of those teams you just can't trust this season, but they have the chance to end the day in third with a win over Stoke at White Hart Lane:

Tottenham v Stoke
Tottenham: Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Caulker, Vertonghen, Lennon, Sandro, Dembele, Bale, Defoe, Adebayor. Subs: Friedel, Parker, Gallas, Naughton, Sigurdsson, Livermore, Townsend.

Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Cameron, Shotton, Nzonzi, Whelan, Etherington, Jones, Walters. Subs: Sorensen, Palacios, Whitehead, Upson, Kightly, Crouch, Jerome.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

14.42: QPR defender Jose Bosingwa is missing from the 18 at Newcastle today after being fined for refusing to sit on the bench last week.

It is understood the former Chelsea full-back, who was said to be injured yesterday, was punished for his reaction to being left out for the victory over Fulham, and he does not figure at St James' Park as Anton Ferdinand, Fabio da Silva and Esteban Granero are drafted into the starting line-up.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew names the same side which started against Manchester City on Saturday after James Perch recovers from a neck problem.

14.39: It's full-time at the DW Stadium, where Arsenal have managed to hold on and secure a 1-0 win at Wigan – the Gunners move into third in the table, the Latics remain 18th and in the relegation zone.

14.37: Full line-ups from Upton Park where Everton will hope to record an away win that could see them end the day in a Champions League spot:

West Ham v Everton
West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Tomkins, Collins, Reid, O'Brien, Noble, O'Neil, Taylor, Nolan, Jarvis, Cole. Subs: Spiegel, Collison, Maiga, Diarra, Spence, Moncur, Lletget.

Everton: Howard, Heitinga, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Gibson, Neville, Pienaar, Jelavic, Anichebe. Subs: Mucha, Oviedo, Naismith, Hitzlsperger, Barkley, Vellios, Duffy.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Left out: Gael Clichy (right) is replaced in the Manchester City starting line-up by 18-year-old, Karim Rekik

Left out: Gael Clichy (right) is replaced in the Manchester City starting line-up by 18-year-old, Karim Rekik

14.34: And here is the full team news from the Etihad Stadium:

Man City v Reading
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Toure, Nastasic, Rekik, Barry, Javi Garcia, Toure, Silva, Aguero, Tevez. Subs: Wright, Kompany, Lescott, Milner, Dzeko, Sinclair, Razak.

Reading: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, McAnuff, Leigertwood, Karacan, Tabb, Kebe, Pogrebnyak. Subs: Taylor, Shorey, Le Fondre, Hunt, Gorkss, Robson-Kanu, Guthrie.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

14.31: West Brom keeper Ben Foster returns after a seven-game absence with a groin injury in place of Boaz Myhill for the home Barclays Premier League clash with Norwich.

Albion boss Steve Clarke makes two other changes with midfielder Graham Dorrans and striker Romelu Lukaku replacing the suspended Youssouf Mulumbu and rested top scorer Shane Long respectively.

Norwich make one enforced change with striker Grant Holt ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced by Steve Morison.

14.28: Some interesting team news coming from Manchester City as 18-year-old Karim Rekik makes his first start for the club at left-back in place of Gael Clichy.

14.27: Southampton's Emmanuel Mayuka is handed his first Premier League start in this afternoon's clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland.

The Zambia international comes in for injured captain Adam Lallana and his inclusion is one of two changes to the side that beat Reading 1-0 last time out, with Gaston Ramirez replacing Jay Rodriguez.

Steven Fletcher, Adam Johnson and Danny Rose all overcome knocks to start for Sunderland at St Mary's.

14.24: Everton captain Phil Neville makes a surprise return from knee surgery for today's Barclays Premier League game at West Ham.

Neville was ruled out for up to eight weeks just over a month ago but he is back in the side this afternoon, with David Moyes also handing a rare start to Victor Anichebe and recalling Johnny Heitinga.

West Ham draft in James Tomkins in the only change to their starting XI.

Attacking boost: Gareth Bale is a key player in Andre Villas-Boas' Tottenham side

Attacking boost: Gareth Bale is a key player in Andre Villas-Boas' Tottenham side

14.21: Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson return to Tottenham's starting XI as Andre Villas-Boas looks to move his team ahead of Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League with a win over Stoke at White Hart Lane.

Emmanuel Adebayor overcomes a hamstring problem to start up front while Scott Parker has to settle for a place on the bench.

Ryan Shotton comes in for Charlie Adam, who has been given compassionate leave due to the death of his father, while former Spurs striker Peter Crouch is named among the Stoke substitutes.

14.18: First up though we have one game already underway as Wigan and Arsenal are currently doing battle at the DW Stadium.

There is just over 15 minutes left and there has been one goal so far. Click here to see who has got it and to follow our live coverage with Martin Domin.

14.15: Yesterday may have been the start of the great Christmas get away for a well deserved break (or sadly not).

But it's business as usual if you happen to be a professional footballer (or not if you play in the Football League).

It's a full programme in the Premier League though, with the usual bunch of six afternoon games coming at you (seven if you if you include today's 5.30pm kick-off) and the team news for them is on the way.

Christmas crackers: Manchester City, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham are in action from 3pm

Christmas crackers: Manchester City, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham are in action from 3pm

Newcastle 0 West Ham 1 – match report

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Newcastle 0 West Ham 1: Nolan refuses to celebrate after sinking former club

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UPDATED:

17:29 GMT, 11 November 2012

Former skipper Kevin Nolan returned to haunt his old club as West Ham condemned Newcastle to a first defeat in six games.

Nolan's 39th-minute strike, so typical of the goals he once scored for the Magpies, was enough to edge a tight encounter in which the visitors enjoyed the better of the first half but had to survive a stern examination after the break.

Newcastle were once again far from their best, but did create more than enough chances to get something out of the game and would have done but for some poor finishing and the resilience of goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who produced fine saves from Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Is that it Kevin Nolan refused to celebrate after scoring for West Ham

Is that it Kevin Nolan refused to celebrate after scoring for West Ham

MATCH FACTS

Newcastle: Krul, Santon, Simpson (Obertan 79), Williamson, S Taylor, Ferguson, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez (Anita 24), Cisse (Sh Ameobi 45), Ba

Subs not used: Elliot, Amalfitano, Bigirimana, Marveaux

Booked: Ben Arfa

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Reid, McCartney (Demel 66), Tomkins, O'Brien, Nolan, Jarvis (Maiga 34), Benayoun (O'Neil 52), Noble, Diame, Carroll

Subs not used: Spiegel, Collins, Cole, Hall

Booked: Noble, O'Brien

Goal: Nolan 37

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Opposite number Tim Krul prevented Andy
Carroll from opening his West Ham account with a 72nd-minute save with
the visitors threatening on the counter-attack.

But ultimately it was Sam Allardyce, who was sacked by Newcastle after
just eight months at the helm, who was smiling as Alan Pardew was left
to bemoan another disjointed display and defeat at the hands of his
former employers in front of a largely disappointed crowd of 51,855.

There were too many familiar faces for comfort as the two sides took to
the pitch, with Nolan and Carroll key members of the Newcastle side
which fought its way back from relegation back into the top flight.

But it was perhaps the Magpies who had the greater cause for concern as
they went into the game without suspended duo Fabricio Coloccini and
Cheick Tiote, two of the men they rely most on in a scrap.

And that is exactly what it turned out to be as the Hammers launched a
series of direct balls towards Carroll and then looked to pick up the
pieces.

There was little to choose between the sides and even less to recommend
the game for much of the opening period, with both teams struggling to
find a telling final ball.

Matt Jarvis fired high and wide at one end and Papiss Cisse was
similarly wasteful at the other during the opening skirmishes, and
although Frenchman Ben Arfa lit up St James' Park with a series of
enterprising runs which left claret and blue shirts trailing in his
wake, neither goalkeeper was called upon to make a save until 25 minutes
had elapsed.

Cheer up! Nolan's team-mates were delighted with his contribution at his old club

Cheer up! Nolan's team-mates were delighted with his contribution at his old club

Even then, Jaaskelainen had little difficulty in collecting Yohan
Cabaye's dipping long-range effort and the game looked to be heading
into the break in stalemate until an explosive final few minutes.

The visitors forced their way ahead with six minutes of the half left to
play when full-back Davide Santon could only head Mark Noble's
left-wing cross out to full-back Joey O'Brien, who looked to have
dragged his right-foot shot harmlessly across the face of goal.

However, as he had done so many times at the Gallowgate End while
wearing a black and white shirt, Nolan turned up in exactly the right
place to divert it past Krul.

Remember me Andy Carroll received a mixed reception from Newcastle fans

Remember me Andy Carroll received a mixed reception from Newcastle fans

Nip and tuck: Shane Ferguson (left) tries to steal the ball in the first half

Nip and tuck: Shane Ferguson (left) tries to steal the ball in the first half

The 30-year-old really should have doubled the lead within two minutes
when he was played in by midfielder Mohamed Diame, but guided his
left-foot shot wide of the post.

Newcastle finally responded to mount a sustained assault on the West Ham
goal as time ran down and Shane Ferguson was desperately unfortunate to
see his goalbound shot hit George McCartney on the back and drop safe.

Ben Arfa saw an injury-time effort deflected into the side-netting and
Jaaskelainen got down well to parry Cabaye's well-struck effort as the
Hammers survived until the whistle.

Mixing it up: Carroll challenges former team-mate Steven Taylor

Mixing it up: Carroll challenges former team-mate Steven Taylor

The Finn came to his side's rescue once again within two minutes of the
restart when he somehow managed to claw Ba's header away after O'Brien's
attempted clearance had dropped nicely for him.

Jaaskelainen fielded another long-range effort from Cabaye four minutes
later, but was grateful to see Ba's effort from similar range fly past
his far post seconds later.

The home side might have fallen further behind had substitute Gary
O'Neil made more of the free header with which he was presented from
Nolan's 59th-minute cross.

Glad to be back Andy Carroll returned to his former club

Glad to be back Andy Carroll returned to his former club

Ben Arfa left McCartney for dead five minutes later, only to drift his
cross over Ba's head as he dived in, and the Senegal international and
Cabaye both forced saves from Jaaskelainen in quick succession.

Half-time substitute Shola Ameobi headed just wide from Cabaye's
69th-minute corner and Jaaskelainen pulled off a fine stop to keep out
Ben Arfa's drive two minutes later.

Krul blocked bravely to deny Carroll a first goal for his latest club as
the Londoners staged a breakaway with Nolan providing a tailor-made
final ball.

Raphael Spiegel joins West Ham

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Hammers snap up Swiss starlet Spiegel as boss Big Sam recruits third keeper

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UPDATED:

12:31 GMT, 23 July 2012

Swiss roll: Sam Allardyce has signed keeper Raphael Spiegel

Swiss roll: Sam Allardyce has signed keeper Raphael Spiegel

West Ham have signed their third goalkeeper this summer after raiding Grasshooper Club Zurich for Switzerland starlet Raphael Spiegel for an undisclosed fee.

The 6ft 3in 19-year-old Swiss Under 20 international arrives at Upton Park on a three year deal with the option of a further year.

Manager Sam Allardyce is expecting the teenager to provide cover for Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, who he snapped up from Bolton and Portsmouth respectively.

Fantasy football 2012

Spiegel has represented his country at Under 17, U18, U19 and U20 levels after impressing between the sticks for Grasshopper Club's second team in the Swiss third division.

The Hammers, meanwhile, departed for Germany on Monday morning ahead of their three-game pre-season tour.

Jussi Jaaskelainen makes West Ham debut in 1-1 draw at Boreham Wood

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Jaaskelainen makes bow for West Ham as Big Sam's side draw at Boreham Wood

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UPDATED:

01:55 GMT, 11 July 2012

Jussi Jaaskelainen made his West Ham bow as Sam Allardyce's side were held to a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly at Boreham Wood.

Sam Baldock followed up his goal in the 3-1 defeat to Austria Vienna with the opening strike after 27 minutes, finishing off some fine work from the lively Ricardo Va Te.

Despite being in control for much for the game, the Hammers – who fielded two different sides for each half – were pegged back after the break with Inih Effiong punishing some lacklustre defending.

Sign on: Jussi Jaaskelainen and Sam Allardyce sign autographs at Meadow Park

Sign on: Jussi Jaaskelainen and Sam Allardyce sign autographs at Meadow Park

West Ham first Premier League team in training ahead of big kick-off

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New boys West Ham first back as Premier League clubs prepare for pre-season return

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UPDATED:

17:39 GMT, 1 July 2012

Euro 2012 may be coming to an end but the football juggernaut rumbles on as West Ham were the first Premier League side to return to training after the summer break.

Sam Allardyce, who led his side to promotion via the Championship play-offs, is clearly keen to get a head start on his rivals before the big kick-off on August 18.

While the England stars are resting up on beaches across the globe, Allardyce handed control over to assistant Neil McDonald, who oversaw training.

First day back: West Ham gear up for their return to the Premier League as pre-season gets underway

First day back: West Ham gear up for their return to the Premier League as pre-season gets underway

New signings Jussi Jaaskelainen, Mohamed Diame, George McCartney and Stephen Henderson, who made his move from Portsmouth permanent, were present as they got to know their new team-mates.

'I think we got the boys in to make sure they were all back in off their holidays, were fit and well and got all their gear ready for travelling away to Austria,' said McDonald.

'We did a quick session for about an hour and were all tested for their weights and body fats. It was good to see them all interacting with each other and we had a couple of new players as well, which was great.

New boys: George McCartney, Stephen Henderson, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mohamed Diame

New boys: George McCartney, Stephen Henderson, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mohamed Diame

'It was a nice, relaxed day. We fly to Austria and start the proper work on Monday ahead of welcoming Aston Villa in six or seven weeks' time.'

The Hammers squad will fly to Austria for a week-long training camp on Monday, The trip will end with a fixture with FK Austria Wien at the Franz Horr Stadium on July 7.

McDonald said the players would be put through their paces in hot sunshine.

Quick smart: West Ham won promotion to the Premier League by beating Blackpool at Wembley

Quick smart: West Ham won promotion to the Premier League by beating Blackpool at Wembley

'Everyone looks really good and we're really happy with what we've seen. We'll be doing plenty of football as well as fitness work before finishing off the first week with a great game, so we're really looking forward to it.

'The players have had a good break but we're all excited. Pre-season is always difficult but always enjoyable, so we've got to make sure we get everybody through the next six or seven weeks and available for the first game against Villa.'

P.S. Not everyone in the Premier League has been working hard…

While West Ham's stars were toiling in training, Joe Hart and Andy Carroll were among those who have yet to return to pre-season training.

They preferred to enjoy the sun in Ibiza as they recover from their exertions at Euro 2012 with England.

Over the disappointment already England stars relax in Ibiza after their quarter-final exit at Euro 2012

Over the disappointment already England stars relax in Ibiza after their quarter-final exit at Euro 2012

George McCartney joins West Ham

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Big Sam makes George his boy as Sunderland defender McCartney rejoins Hammers

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UPDATED:

09:14 GMT, 1 July 2012

Permanent: McCartney spent last season on loan at West Ham

Permanent: McCartney spent last season on loan at West Ham

West Ham have signed Sunderland defender George McCartney on a two-year contract for what will be his third spell at Upton Park.

The 31-year-old came through the youth system at Sunderland before moving to the Hammers where he spent two years from 2006 to 2008 before rejoining the Black Cats.

McCartney then enjoyed a successful season-long loan in east London last season as the Hammers made an immediate return to the Barclays Premier League.

The Northern Irishman becomes the club's fourth summer capture following the arrivals of goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson from Bolton and Portsmouth respectively and Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame from Wigan.

'I am delighted to be coming back to West Ham and this time on a permanent basis,' said the Belfast-born full-back, who won West Ham's Players' Player of the Year award last season.

'It was great to be part of the side that won promotion for the club last season.

'It was a fantastic way to end the campaign last year and I am really looking forward to being back in the Premier League with West Ham.'

West Ham target Nathan Redmond in 1million move from Birmingham

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West Ham prepare 1m cut-price bid to snatch Birmingham teenager Redmond

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UPDATED:

08:37 GMT, 26 June 2012

Bargain hunt: West Ham have set their sights on Nathan Redmond

Bargain hunt: West Ham have set their sights on Nathan Redmond

Premier League new boys West Ham are ready to raid cash-strapped Birmingham for winger Nathan Redmond in a bargain 1million deal.

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene last season, impressing in the Championship and Europa League to land the club's young Player of the Year award.

According to the Birmingham Mail, the newly-promoted Hammers are ready to take advantage of the financial uncertainty at St Andrew's and offer a cut-price 1m plus further add-ons to snatch the 5m-rated starlet.

Managerless Birmingham, who missed out on automatic promotion last season following their play-off failure, were forced to sell promising 20-year-old Jordan Mutch to Cardiff last week.

The midfielder's 2.5m departure caused outcry from the fans, who would be equally disappointed if exciting winger Redmond left for Upton Park, where former Brum owners David Sullivan and David Gold are in control.

In the frame: Along with Redmond (L), West Ham have been linked with Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne

In the frame: Along with Redmond (L), West Ham have been linked with Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has already made three summer signings with Mohamed Diame joining goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson.

Allardyce has identified new wingers as his priorities but is understood to be keen to recruit defenders and a striker.

The Hammers are tracking Sporting Gijon centre back Alberto Botia while Crystal Palace pair Nathaniel Clyne and Wilfried Zaha have been linked, along with Sunderland's George McCartney, West Brom's Jonas Olsson and Inter Milan striker Luc Castaignos.

Guti is West Ham target

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Allardyce aiming to bring Madrid legend Guti to West Ham

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UPDATED:

08:08 GMT, 15 June 2012

Sam Allardyce is aiming to bring 35-year-old former Real Madrid midfielder Guti to West Ham.

Having agreed a deal with Jussi Jaaskelainen, the manager is looking to further bolster his Barclays Premier League squad by picking up the Spaniard on a free transfer.

Guti, who won La Liga five times and the Champions League three times with Real Madrid, was released by Besiktas in November last year and is considering a move to England.

Trophy winner: Guti with some of his Real Madrid silverware

Trophy winner: Guti with some of his Real Madrid silverware

A Guti representative, Barry O'Connor, told The Sun: 'West Ham will make a final decision before the next season starts. I cannot discuss what terms could be offered.'

Allardyce will hope Guti's experience will help keep West Ham away from relegation danger next season. He has already signed one of his Bolton old boys in Jaaskelainen.

The 37-year-has agreed personal terms on a one-year deal with the Hammers with an option for a second year, and will move to Upton Park when his Wanderers contract expires at the end of the month.

The former Finland international told West Ham's official website: 'I'm delighted to be joining West Ham United. After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and I'm really looking forward to it.

West Ham sign Jussi Jaaskelainen

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Jaaskelainen excited by West Ham switch after sealing deal to leave Bolton

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UPDATED:

14:41 GMT, 13 June 2012

Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed a move to West Ham, and revealed he could not wait to join the Premier League newcomers.

The 37-year-old has agreed personal terms on a one-year deal with the Hammers with an option for a second year, and will move to Upton Park when his Wanderers contract expires at the end of the month.

The former Finland international told West Ham's official website: 'I'm delighted to be joining West Ham United. After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and I'm really looking forward to it.

On the move: Jussi Jaaskelainen is set to join West Ham on a free transfer

On the move: Jussi Jaaskelainen is set to join West Ham on a free transfer

'Everything has happened really quickly. When the opportunity was offered to come to West Ham I didn't think twice and I just told my agent to sort it out as quickly as possible.

'I appreciate Bolton giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my contract was up and for the efforts the chairman made in trying to get me to stay.

'I would like to thank the fans for all their support over the years and I wish the players and, in particular, (manager) Owen Coyle all the best in gaining promotion at the first attempt.'

Jaaskelainen, who joined Bolton in 1997 from Finnish club Vaasan Palloseura, played for eight years under current Hammers boss Sam Allardyce at Wanderers.

The emergence of young Hungarian keeper Adam Bogdan limited his opportunities last season though, as Bolton were relegated to the Championship.

Jaaskelainen is set to kick off West Ham's summer spending spree as Allardyce eyes shock moves for Juventus duo Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia.

The Hammers boss was filmed meeting Juve director Fabio Paratici and reports in Italy claim the Upton Park boss is keen on the wingers.

Krasic and Elia have both been told they can leave Turin this summer as the Serie A champions try to raise cash to sign a world-class striker.

In demand: Juventus midfielder Milos Krasic

In demand: Dutch winger Eljero Elia

In demand: Juventus duo Milos Krasic (left) and Eljero Elia (right)

But there is competition for both players. Zenit St Petersburg have opened talks to sign the pair, though Elia is thought to be keen on a rival bid from Schalke.

English clubs have monitored them, with Liverpool recently being offered either as a makeweight in a bid to sign Luis Suarez, while Krasic turned down a move to Tottenham in January.

Krasic, 27, had an impressive start to his Juve career after moving from CSKA Moscow two years ago, but he fell out of favour with boss Antonio Conte last season and featured in just seven Serie A games.

Elia, 25, only arrived from Hamburg last summer, but fared even worse – playing just four league games and losing his place in the Holland squad ahead of Euro 2012.

Jaaskelainen, meanwhile, is Upton Park-bound as West Ham seek to replace Rob Green, who is set to join QPR after agreeing a 50,000-a-week deal to move across London.

The England goalkeeper, 32, is a free agent after West Ham refused to meet his pay demands and failed to agree a new contract.

Jaaskelainen has ended his 15-year stay at Bolton after turning down a new deal, but is set to be reunited with former boss Allardyce in east London.

West Ham to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen and look at Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia

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Allardyce to seal Jussi reunion before setting sights on Juve duo Krasic and Elia

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UPDATED:

08:41 GMT, 13 June 2012

Jussi Jaaskelainen is set to kick off West Ham's summer spending spree as Sam Allardyce eyes shock moves for Juventus duo Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia.

The Hammers boss was filmed meeting Juve director Fabio Paratici and reports in Italy claim the Upton Park boss is keen on the wingers.

Krasic and Elia have both been told they can leave Turin this summer as the Serie A champions try to raise cash to sign a world-class striker.

On the move: Jussi Jaaskelainen is set to join West Ham on a free transfer

On the move: Jussi Jaaskelainen is set to join West Ham on a free transfer

But there is competition for both players. Zenit St Petersburg have opened talks to sign the pair, though Elia is thought to be keen on a rival bid from Schalke.

English clubs have monitored them, with Liverpool recently being offered either as a makeweight in a bid to sign Luis Suarez, while Krasic turned down a move to Tottenham in January.

Krasic, 27, had an impressive start to his Juve career after moving from CSKA Moscow two years ago, but he fell out of favour with boss Antonio Conte last season and featured in just seven Serie A games.

Elia, 25, only arrived from Hamburg last summer, but fared even worse – playing just four league games and losing his place in the Holland squad ahead of Euro 2012.

In demand: Juventus midfielder Milos Krasic

In demand: Dutch winger Eljero Elia

In demand: Juventus duo Milos Krasic (left) and Eljero Elia (right)

Jaaskelainen, meanwhile, is Upton Park-bound as West Ham seek to replace Rob Green, who is set to join QPR after agreeing a 50,000-a-week deal to move across London.

The England goalkeeper, 32, is a free agent after West Ham refused to meet his pay demands and failed to agree a new contract.

Jaaskelainen has ended his 15-year stay at Bolton after turning down a new deal, but is set to be reunited with former boss Allardyce in east London.