WEST HAM: Striker set for Baggies loan deal (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WEST HAM: Striker set for Baggies loan deal

3:17pm Monday 8th February 2010 in

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WEST BROM are set to sign West Ham striker Frank Nouble on a one-month loan deal when the window re-opens on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old forward enjoyed an extended run in the Hammers' first team as the club struggled with injuries to the likes of Carlton Cole and Zavon Hines.

But the arrival of three new strikers at the end of the January transfer window has forced Nouble back down the pecking order, and manager Gianfranco Zola believes the youngster will benefit from more regular football with the high-flying Championship outfit.

Benni McCarthy, Mido and Brazilian Ilan Araujo all arrived on deadline day of the window and all made their debuts in the 2-1 defeat at Burnley, although Ilan did manage to open his West Ham account with a late goal.

West Brom manager Roberto di Matteo told the BBC: “Frank is an exciting young player who I am delighted to welcome to the club.

“He can play in any of the three forward positions – down the middle, wide left or wide right – and we hope the next month is a fruitful one for both the club and Frank.”

Nouble could go straight into the squad to face Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night, while his spell at the Hawthorns will also include games against Cardiff, Bristol City, Derby, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.