Fredericks revels in Hammers switch
Right-back Ryan Fredericks has left top-flight new boys Fulham to join Premier League rivals West Ham on a four-year contract.
The 25-year-old is new Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini’s first signing when his deal begins on July 1.
Fredericks, impressive in the Cottagers’ Championship campaign which ended with victory in the play-off final, said: “We’ve been speaking about it for a while and trying to get things in place and finally, we’ve got it over the line.
“It’s amazing for this deal to finally happen.
“West Ham United is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
“Obviously, it’s an exciting time for West Ham. The club have just brought in a new manager, and everyone knows his CV and what he has done in England before and in other leagues as well. “I’m sure I can learn a lot from him. It just felt like, for the next step of my career, I would be best suited coming here.” Pellegrini commented on Fredericks: “Ryan has good character, is hungry to succeed, and has shown me that he has great desire to be a West Ham United player. I look forward to working with him.”
Aston Villa have suspended chief executive Keith Wyness with immediate effect, without giving a reason for the decision. The club were reportedly due to make a normal tax payment on Friday which did not happen – although Villa are working with HMRC to resolve the issue.
Freed Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, 33, will spend pre-season with Villarreal in a bid to regain full fitness following an Achilles operation.