Source: Daily_Mail
Juan Roman Riquelme 'would rather play for West Ham than Manchester United'
Juan Roman Riquelme's agent has confirmed that West Ham United are in pole position to sign the Argentina playmaker.[LNB]The 31-year-old former Villarreal star is out of contract with Boca Juniors and ready to return to Europe after three years in his homeland.[LNB]Riquelme has no shortage of suitors - including Brazilian giants Flamengo - but his British representative Barry McIntosh says the player would rather join the Hammers than even Manchester United.[LNB] Hammer time: Riquelme (No 10) could be set for the Premier League[LNB]'Riquelme has said that in terms of going to a club like Manchester United, it wouldn't really be an attraction to him because if he goes there they could win the Champions League - they've already done it - orthey win the FA Cup - they've already done it,' McIntosh told Sky Sports News.[LNB]'He wants to go to a club where he's going to make a mark.[LNB]'The location of London, the challenge at West Ham and working besidethe likes of Scott Parker and (new signing) Thomas Hitzlsperger have been very important factors in him considering the move.[LNB]'So unless Arsenal come in then I think the most likely destination and the one Riquelme would be most interested in is West Ham.[LNB]'But I think he'd like to be a part of the project of West Ham, and what David Sullivan and David Gold have got in mind for the future for the club, including the new stadium.'[LNB]Vision: David Sullivan and David Gold have set about transforming the Hammers[LNB]McIntosh revealed the Hammers were ahead of four other Barclays Premier League clubs, while there was also a lucrative offer on the table from Qatar.[LNB]Flamengo are understood to have offered him a two-and-a-half year deal worth £45,000 a week, while fellow Brazilian side Cruzeiro, Mexico's Atlas, and Buenos Aires side Racing Club de Avellaneda have also registered their interest. [LNB]Boca Juniors have not given up hope on him signing a new contract, but Riquelme is ready to take a better-paid move after three years of letting his heart rule his head on low wages.[LNB]The former Villarreal star almost signed for Everton three years ago,while Tottenham have also been linked.[LNB]Despite being one of the most gifted players in his homeland, Riquelme missed out on the World Cup after declaring he wouldn't play for Argentina while Diego Maradona was in charge.[LNB] West Ham waiting on Riquelme as Argentine ace weighs up England moveWest Ham eyeing Fulham star Etuhu and St Etienne striker BergessioAs Ilan talks Turkey, Bolton are ready to swoop for West Ham rejectTHE INSIDER: Birmingham finally set to sign Paul Konchesky, Stoke weigh up Emile Heskey and James Vaughan has options to leave EvertonWEST HAM UNITED FC
