West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Hammers boost Mascherano

19 Jan 2007 - 10:00:23

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West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has reassured Javier Mascherano that he still has a future at Upton Park should his proposed move to Liverpool collapse.

The Reds are hoping to sign Mascherano on loan despite the Argentina international midfielder already being registered with two clubs this season.

FIFA regulations stipulate a player cannot represent a third club in the 12-month period between July 1 and June 30, but Liverpool have lodged an appeal with the game's governing body citing the fact that the former Corinthians star has only played six minutes of Premiership football since October.

However, should the loan switch collapse, Hammers boss Curbishley still believes Mascherano has a role to play at the struggling London club despite not featuring in his first-team plans since he replaced Alan Pardew in December.

"There is a ruling that is quite clear that it can't really happen," said Curbishley. "It is out of our hands at the moment.

"I have looked at my team selections and he hasn't featured in it. I felt that if there was an opportunity for him in this window we would allow him to go.

"If it doesn't happen he is a West Ham player. I have not dismissed him at all."