West Ham striker Freddie Sears to join Crystal Palace on season-long loan

West Ham striker Freddie Sears looks set to join Crystal Palace on loan after rejecting approaches from Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday. The 19-year-old was expected to join Wednesday on a season-long loan but has decided to stay in London - also ending any hopes newly-promoted Championship side Peterborough had. Sears scored on his debut for the Upton Park club in March last year just five minutes after coming on as a substitute against Blackburn. That remains his only goal in 24 appearances. Meanwhile, Manchester City are believed to be  stepping up their interest in Hammers defender Matthew Upson and have made a firm inquiry about the player's availability.