West Ham star free to leave

West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert could seal a loan switch to Real Madrid before the transfer window closes on Monday afternoon.

The Frenchman has been given permission to talk to the Spanish giants after struggling to establish himself as a first-team regular at Upton Park.

Chief executive Scott Duxbury told West Ham's official website: "Julien has struggled to get into Gianfranco Zola's team this season and, despite the high hopes we had for him when he joined us 18 months ago, he has not had the best of times.

"He had asked the manager about a possible move, and we felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid.

"If it does not happen then we will, of course, welcome Julien back into the squad.

"I was first contacted by Madrid on Friday morning and, after extensive negotiations, we have agreed in principle a deal that would see them paying us a £1.5million fee to take Julien until the end of the season.

"His long-term future would then be reviewed in the summer, with a significant transfer fee payable should Madrid want to take up their option.

"If Julien does go on loan, then we will look to quickly bring in a replacement."