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A round-up of the other soccer stories of the day in brief...

Lawrence hopes for move to Celtic

LIAM Lawrence has pleaded with Stoke not to price him out of a move to Celtic. Midfielder Lawrence believes he no longer has a future with the Potters and is desperate to join the Hoops this summer.

Celtic have reportedly bid €1.5million for the 28-year-old, who said in the Stoke Sentinel: "Celtic are a massive club and I just hope Stoke and Celtic can come to an amicable agreement for me."

Lawrence revealed he had discussed the prospect of joining Celtic with Republic of Ireland team-mate Robbie Keane, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Parkhead.

Lawrence said: “Keano says it’s an absolutely massive club with unbelievable support, stadium and training ground. He rates it as one of the biggest clubs in Britain and I’m very excited about the prospect.

“I’d love playing in front of 60,000 fans; it’s already something I’ve done and enjoyed with Ireland and Stoke this season.”

West Ham turn to Grant with four-year deal

AVRAM Grant, who resigned as Portsmouth manager last month, took on another huge Premier League challenge when he became the new West Ham United boss yesterday.

West Ham, who finished one place above the relegation zone last season, sacked Gianfranco Zola in May after almost two seasons in the job.

New co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have now turned to the 55-year old former Chelsea and Israel boss Grant to restore their fortunes.

I am delighted to welcome Avram to West Ham and am confident he will prove a success. We have taken our time over this appointment and are certain we have got the right man,” Sullivan told the club website.

Grant, who has signed a four-year-contract, said: “This is a fantastic club with great fans. I am proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It will be an exciting challenge and I am ready to do my best.

Coventry hope Westwood stays

COVENTRY chairman Ray Ranson insists he will not let goalkeeper Keiren Westwood leave for free next summer with a host of Premier League clubs understood to be chasing his signature.

The Republic of Ireland stopper (25) was the subject of a failed 11th-hour bid from Tottenham for his services in January. Ranson has revealed no official offers have yet been received now the summer window has reopened, although he is expecting contact. But first and foremost, he is hoping to tie Westwood down to a new contract, with talks having started between the two parties towards the end of last season.“Until he or his agent turn around to us and say he’s definitely not signing a new contract then we are very optimistic. ”

- ASTON Villa will play Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Saturday, July 24th (kick-off 3pm) in a pre-season friendly.