Deano off to Forest?

Hammers striker Brian Deane could be set for a surprise move to first division strugglers Nottingham Forest, according to reports.

Forest revealed on their official website tonight that new boss Joe Kinnear had made an audacious move for the 36-year-old striker, attempting to take Deane to the City Ground on loan for the rest of the season.

But, according to the story, Hammers boss Alan Pardew has refused to sanction the move for a player he bought little more than 3 months ago.

Kinnear, speaking tonight revealed:

"I spoke to Alan Pardew about the possibility of signing Brian on loan. He [Pardew] wants to keep hold of him as he is on the bench - so that situation is on hold at the moment."

Deane - signed on a free from Leicester back in October - has been in excellent form since moving to East London, scoring 6 goals in 10 starts whilst impressing with his all-round contribution.

So much so that he kept new signing Bobby Zamora out of the team for the visit to Bradford last weekend - although how much longer that will continue for is questionable due to Zamora's impressive debut as Deane's replacement in the same game.

Still it is quite clear that should he remain at West Ham, Deane still has a major part to play in this season's campaign - starting with this weekend's FA Cup fifth round tie at Fulham, for which Bobby Zamora - for one - is unavailable.