No Pjanic attack
JUVENTUS midfielder Miralem Pjanic insists that the speculation over his future this summer is untrue.
Pjanic (right) has reportedly been the subject of strong interest from Manchester City and Barcelona.
And other speculation has claimed that the Italian giants will cash in on him following the mega-money arrival of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
But the Bosnia international has dismissed the rumours as false and says that he is happy in Turin.
“I listen to a lot of things that are not true,” said Pjanic, 28.
“I’m cool and I’m preparing for my new season. That’s what’s the most important.
“What I did the last two seasons for Juventus was really great and I am happy with what I’m doing here.
“I don’t care about what they are writing because I listen and I read a lot of things and a lot of things are not true.” DAVID HYDE
SUNDERLAND have signed Peterborough defender Jack Baldwin for an undisclosed fee.
Baldwin, 25, has penned a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light following the Black Cats’ relegation to League One. He will further bolster Jack Ross’ backline, joining fellow defensive recruits Tom Flanagan, Alim Ozturk, Reece James and Glenn Loovens on Wearside.
Ross said: “Everybody knew we were looking to strengthen again in this area of the pitch and now we’re comfortable with where we’re at in terms of central defensive options. Jack is proven in this league and he’s at a good age.”
FELIPE ANDERSON wants to go down in West Ham folklore like legend Bobby Moore.
He would actually settle for Paolo Di Canio or Carlos Tevez but he is determined to pick up the baton and run with it.
The quiet Brazil midfielder – who has one cap at international level – has tattoos on his left arm of his family, Jesus and the five Olympic rings after winning the gold medal in his own country.
He says there could be another image inked on his arm if he makes a success of his time with the Hammers.
Anderson knows his club-record £36million arrival from Lazio has immediately put a target on his back.
But he learnt his trade playing in the streets and did not enjoy the luxury of playing on grass until he was 13.
That was alongside his pal Neymar when he was signed by Santos, Pele’s former club. Anderson said: “I’m ready for all challenges. I can accept what being a record signing means to West Ham fans and the opposition but it excites me.
“In Italy it was more about the technical side of the game. Here I understand it is faster and tougher.
“But I spoke to my great friend Willian and he urged me to come here and enjoy what the Premier League has to offer. He said it has made him a better player.
“I can’t wait. In Brazil, unless you are rich no one gets it easy. You have to fight. I grew up playing on the streets with my friends and I think that had an effect on me technically.
“Now I’m here in Europe making my dreams come true. My dream was to be the best player in the world and now I’m playing here, where I have always dreamt of being. I want to show my value in one of the best leagues in the world.
“I was in Italy for a time and there I was able to grow as a player and grow as a man as well. I still have a way to go but that’s what I want to do while I’m here.
“In Brazil you have to be a certain age to play in an academy, so I started playing when I was very young and I was playing in the street until I was 11 because I couldn’t join an academy.
“I started to play on dirt pitches from the age of 11 and then on to grass. When I turned 13 I joined Santos in a more professional atmosphere.”
Anderson, 25, is baby-faced and curly-haired – move over David Luiz – and is well aware Hammers need a new cult hero. He is not frightened to fill the role. He