West Ham United

THE ESSENTIAL

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has tipped new signings Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard to fire his side to promotion.

Steve Harper has joined Brighton on loan ahead of their clash with West Ham. The Newcastle goalkeeper, 36, arrives on a one-month loan deal.

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert is all set for his 400th start for the Saints when they entertain West Ham at St Mary's in the Championship.

West Ham's deal for the Olympic Stadium following the London 2012 games has collpased due to the delays caused by the legal dispute with Tottenham. West Ham are said to have welcomed the move and will bid again in a new tender process.

Doncaster Rovers have stepped up their efforts to sign Mahamadou Diarra and Frederic Piquionne. Diarra is a free agent after he left Real Madrid in the summer while Piquionne would be a loan signing from West Ham.

George McCartney has gone back to West Ham United after signing on a season-long loan deal from Sunderland. The 30-year-old left the Hammers in 2008.

Matthew Upson has signed for Stoke following his release from West Ham United. The England international, 32, has signed on a two-year deal and joins fellow veteran centre-half Jonathan Woodgate at the Britannia stadium.

Leeds winger Max Gradel is set to reject approaches from Fulham and West Ham in order to join French side Lille, and have a crack at the Champions League.

Bolton's Matt Taylor and West Ham's Carlton Cole could both be on their way to Stoke after being linked with moves to the Britannia stadium.

With Carlton Cole likely to leave Upton Park this summer, West Ham have began talks with Blackpool frontman DJ Campbell. With 13 goals last season, he is also getting interest from Premier League clubs.