West Ham United FC

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Hammers seal Jimenez loan

24 Jun 2009 - 07:34:41

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West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has sealed a deal to bring Internazionale midfielder Luis Jimenez to Upton Park on a season-long loan.

The 25-year-old Chile international has only made 13 starts for Inter during his two seasons at the San Siro and spent most of last term on the substitutes bench.

The former Fiorentina player has reportedly already being granted a work permit to play in England. The Hammers also have the option of signing Jimenez on a permanent basis next summer.

Speaking about the player last week, Zola said: "He is one of those who play the way I like. It's not easy to sign non-EU players in England, but I think these problems can be solved."

Irons chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's official website after the deal was sealed: "I am pleased we have been able to secure Luis' services. Many clubs were after him so we have had to work quickly.

"We were determined to get the deal done as Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next season."

Meanwhile, Valon Behrami hopes he will be able to return to action in August as he continues his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The Switzerland international suffered the injury at the beginning of March but is pleased with the way his recuperation has gone.

He told the Hammers' official website: "My work is going very well and, if I continue like, this I will be able to train with the rest of the team on August 10.

"After two or three weeks working at a high intensity, I hope to be back in the team in the last week of August."