Pablo on his way

Forgotton man Pablo Barrera is set to return to Mexico having been given permission to speak to Cruz Azul.

The 25-year-old winger, who joined West Ham in a £4million switch from UNAM in the summer of 2010 on the back of a good World Cup in South Africa is set to return to his home country after making just 13 starts for the Hammers.

Having failed to settle in England, Barrera was sent on a season-long loan to Real Zaragoza for the duration of the 2011/12 season - but only managed to make 12 starts for the Blanquillos.

And having returned to England, West Ham have now given him permission to speak to other clubs with view to a permanent move.

Speaking via Twitter on West Ham United's account, a brief statement read: "The club can confirm that Pablo Barrera has been given permission to talk to Mexican club Cruz Azul with regard to a possible transfer."

Barrera joined West Ham after the Irons beat off competition from the likes of Espanyol and Everton to clinch his signing two years ago next month.

Speaking after putting pen to paper on a four-year contract, the little Mexican said: "I am very excited about the opportunity and the possibilities of playing for West Ham. I will do my best.

"The fans can expect that I will give 100 per cent to succeed for the team and to play better than I have ever played before. I like to excite the supporters.

"People have said that I am the sort of player that the fans want to have the ball as often as possible because I can make things happen."