Hammers linked with Japanese star
Today it is the turn to recycle the news that AC Milan’s Japanese international Keisuke Honda has been linked with the Irons after falling down the pecking order under boss Sinisa Mihajlovic. Honda, who arrived at the San Siro on a free transfer in 2013, has started just four of Milan’s 17 Serie A matches this season.The 29-year-old’s lack of game time has attracted interest from West Ham, Spurs and Everton claim the Daily Express today repeating claims Italian publication Tuttosport.
However the player is having none of it saying “I will tell you one thing clearly: I won’t leave Milan of my own accord,” to the Japanese publication Nikkan Sports.
“I came to Milan with unshakeable determination and unless they tell me they don’t want me, I’m going nowhere. I won’t run away.
“It’s more difficult than I imagined it would be at Milan, but of course I won’t give up.
“Of course I have to accept my disappointing performances, but I have confidence of fighting back. I know it will be difficult to win back my place but I haven’t given up.”
Bilic was asked specifically about Honda joining the Hammers in January back in October and answered:
“We will see in January, but they are just rumours,” Bilic said, when asked about interest in Honda.
“We have done the majority of the job in August and I’m happy with the team. It doesn’t mean that we’re not, if possible, going to get one or two or offload one or two, but nothing major in terms of numbers. But if something exceptional comes our way then you never know. But we have done our job and we are OK.”