Two in twenty four hours

West Ham have revealed that they have signed Everton winger Niclas Alexandersson on a short-term loan spell - making him Trevor Brooking's second capture within 24 hours.

Alexandersson completed the temporary switch to East London earlier this evening, becoming the Hammers' second loan signing of the week behind Newcastle full-back Wayne Quinn who joined on a month's loan yesterday.

The 31-year-old Swedish international will meet his new team-mates tomorrow morning at Chadwell Heath for the first time - and is likely to be included in the 16-man-squad to face Reading at Upton Park on Saturday.

Caretaker boss Brooking - preparing for his seventh game in charge of the club - told whufc.com tonight:

"You can try the untried youngster but you are really looking for someone who has played in the Premiership.

"I know Niclas has played at the top level and it was just about making sure he is match fit and with the right attitude. If he plays as we know he can perhaps it will be extended a bit longer.

"We certainly needed another midfielder and, ideally, wide right because that is what you need to play a 442 - which you will at times in this league."

Alexandersson has spent the last three years at Goodison Park, playing 68 times. He was brought to England by Sheffield Wednesday in 1997 who paid FC Gothenburg £750,000 for his services. A tidy profit was made when he fetched £2m from the blue half of Merseyside.