Barrera departure on hold

Zaragoza have pulled out of the deal to sign West Ham United's Pablo Barrera on loan, according to reports.

The Mexican winger - who excelled in the recent Gold Cup competition - is the only one of West Ham's first team squad yet to feature in pre-season. However a deal to take him to the Spanish club appears to have fallen through, according to reports emanating from Spain this morning.

The collapse of the deal is said to have occurred after West Ham asked Zaragoza to pay the player's wages in full plus a loan fee. The Spaniards apparently assumed they would be taking Barrera - who cost United £4million last summer - on loan for nothing, with West Ham playing his wages.

West Ham's stance is said by Marca to have altered following the Gold Cup, after which the club are said to have received a number of enquiries regarding Barrera from clubs in Russia, France and England.

The 24-year-old Mexican joined West Ham from Pumas a year ago last week, but has thus far failed to settle in England.

Considered surplus to requirements by former manager Avram Grant, Barrera's appearances for the club have been few and far between. His last first team outing came back in February in the 5-1 fourth round FA Cup win over Burnley.

The player - who is understood to have been one of Barry Silkman's deals - is currently contracted to West Ham until 2014, although the club have the option of excercising a one-year extention.