Rumours - True or False?

By James Truby
June 22 2005

You read them everyday in the papers and on the net, some of them are true, some false but in reality it lies somewhere in between. Is Shorey coming and what about Sidwell? What club will Helguson choose and did we make a bid? Will Ray Parlour become a Hammer?

1. Nicky Shorey - We are told that there is still a chance Shorey will join, however Reading and West Ham have problems when it comes to fees.

2. Steve Sidwell - Linked at the time with Shorey, our source originally felt Sidwell was the stronger bet mainly because Pardew rates the player so highly and that Sidwell views Pardew in a similar light. This could still be a surprise deal, however the Royals want a big fee and Pardew may face facts and plump for a European alternative.

3. Heidar Helguson - West Ham are believed to have made an offer acceptable to Watford, the only problem is that once this is known other clubs can match it and better it. All players have a value ceiling but we think the Helguson signing is still far from over.

4. Ray Parlour - A very familiar summer rumour which could well become reality, Parlour would love to come back and Pardew is said to be keen to get players with proven track records alongside those who have time on their side.

Like other organisations our sources will be wrong more often than not, however Pardew is a busy man with £20 million to spend and he would be silly not to enquire as to the avaliability of so many players even if they have played for Holland (nudge, nudge), of course this not mean that we are going to sign him!