Belgian defender set for Hammers switch

Belgian defender Stijn Vreven looks set to join West Ham on loan until the end of the season, according to his club Kaiserslautern.

Hammers manager Alan Pardew admitted yesterday he must look to loan players as the club have no money available for permanent signings.

Michael Novak, a spokesman for the German club, confirmed that centre-back Vreven is to travel to London next week for a trial with a view to a loan signing.

Novak told PA International: “All I can say is that he will join them on Monday for training. We are trying to arrange a loan deal.”

The 30-year-old Vreven joined Kaiserslautern from Dutch side Utrecht in July, but he has been unable to command a regular place, starting just four Bundesliga matches.