Forest in for Melville

West Ham are set to allow veteran defender Andy Melville to join Nottingham Forest, according to a report in today's Standard.

36-year-old Melville has made just five starts for Alan Pardew's side this season, and has been overlooked in favour of youngsters and loan signings in recent months.

And according to Ken Dyer in today's Standard, negotiations with Forest over a possible move are already under way.

Melville was a make-weight in the deal which took Ian Pearce to Fulham a year ago, and has struggled to make an impact at Upton Park.

Should he join Forest Melville will become the fourth (permanent) Pardew signing to leave West Ham, following in the footsteps of Jobi McAnuff, Adam Nowland and Brian Deane - whilst a fifth, Bobby Zamora, only remains at the club after rejecting a transfer window move to Crystal Palace.

* Update: Melville's move to Forest - on loan for the remainder of the season - has since been confirmed.