News and shit

1. West Ham are desperate to offload veteran midfielder Freddie Ljungberg as the Hammers revert to giving youth a chance.

The Daily Mail understands that Upton Park boss Alan Curbishley has been offering the 30-year-old to other clubs in a bid to ease his bulging wage bill.

The former Arsenal star is believed to be among the top earners at West Ham, raking in about £80,000-a-week - full back Lucas Neill is in the same salary bracket - and recent matches have seen Curbishley put increased faith in his rising stars.

West Ham paid Arsenal £300,000 for Ljungberg in July last year to end the Swede's nine-year spell with the Gunners.

2. West Ham United are chasing Colchester goalkeeper Dean Gerken.

The Sun says Gerken is being lined up for a £500,000 move to West Ham from Colchester.

3. Highly rated Brazilian right wing-back Eduardo Ratinho is expected to sign a one year deal with Melbourne Victory. The young Corinthians player is said to be looking at a move to England in the future and wants to play in Australia to build his English skills and adapt to the style of play while his agent works out issues with his working visa.

4. Young Queensland Roar winger Robbie Kruse looks headed for a move to the Dutch League. Numerous people have commented on his myspace page asking him about the move. Not particularly reliable however his form last A-League season surely hints at an overseas move

And finally Pim Verbeek’s illness before the China game has been rumored to be caused by Graham Arnold. It has been alleged by a certain silver haired analyst (aren’t they all silver haired?) on The World Game that he saw Arnold serving Pim a bowl of lasagna. The lasagna had apparently been prepared by the same London chef who used to cook for Spurs two seasons ago. The same SBS analyst claimed that Graham Arnold had caused the air to be much thinner in China as well.