Manchester City have agreed a fee with West Ham for England goalkeeper David James. James: Man City fee agreed (JamieMcDonald/GettyImages) James will join the club as a direct replacement for former England number one David Seaman, who has decided to retire from the game after suffering a recurring shoulder injury. James, who attended a meeting with the Football Association in Manchester on behalf of the England players yesterday, was reportedly at City's training ground on Tuesday. West Ham announced confirmed that a fee has been agreed for James, who is set for a medical on Wednesday. A statement from West Ham said: 'David has been given permission to discuss personal terms with Kevin Keegan and, providing they are concluded the deal will be finalised without delay. 'The club would like to thank David for the loyalty and service he showed during his time at the Boleyn ground.' Hammers manager Alan Pardew explained the reason for allowing James to leave. 'While you never like to see a player of David's quality leave your club this is a move which, when you look at the bigger picture, is suitable for all parties,' Pardew told West Ham's website. 'From our point of view, and I feel sure our supporters will understand this, we had to bring in some revenue to reinvest in the playing staff before it was too late. 'I was not prepared to just shrug my shoulders and let things drift along and positive action had to be taken to move things forward. 'The sale is in no way is a reflection of David's ability or character - don't forget I made him captain recently - but it was a case of prioritising. 'The fact is that the money from this transfer will fund the acquisition of players that I feel will increase our chances of promotion at the first attempt - and that is the sole reasoning behind my agreeing to it. 'Obviously people will have to wait and see who those players are, but I am confident that in the long run, disappointed as we are to be losing an England international, this move will benefit the club. 'I am looking to bring in another keeper, and I am also looking to strengthen the outfield to a considerable degree so we can move forward as soon as possible.' James joined the Hammers in July 2001 from Aston Villa for £3.2m and made 102 league and cup appearances. Keegan told City's website: 'David James is a tremendous acquisition. 'We have been looking to strengthen the goalkeeping position and to secure the England number one is terrific news.' from soccernet
Holy Cow! Not only is this great for City, but the national team too. Sven shoulda said "our best goalie must be playing in the premiership." All around, good deal.
Not exactly ecstatic at the news. KK and the lads need to turn things round very quicky. From 4th in the table to hovvering just above the relegation zone (not having won in almost 2 months) is very worrying indeed. James is going to be under pressure to perform.
He seems like an upgrade from Seaman, although not as much as one might hope. The internet radio guys doing the cup replay expect him to start on Saturday.
Well I wish the team could play with a little passion, like they really want to represent the club. KK has got some real tosh at the club, who seem to just happy with a paycheque. At least when we were 2nd Div, they played with heart.
True, but this is a younger flapper, and this season, City probably won't be in any of the kind of big games where James won his reputation as a fumbler. As I said above, he is an upgrade from Seaman, and it sounds as though Ellegaard still needs some seasoning, so I'm not unhappy about it.
Well let's se how things develop, especially after last night's win. Need some wins in the league too. This MB is dead for City on the whole. Seen the BBC MB?