Argentine international Javier Mascherano has told West Ham that
he wants to leave the club.
The 22-year-old arrived at Upton Park along with international
team-mate Carlos Tevez on 31 August.
But he has played just six minutes since the defeat at Tottenham on
22 October and the midfielder said: "I must get out of here.
"I cannot stay at West Ham any more like this, without playing. At
my age my game will stagnate if I don't play."
If I am not playing in the West Ham team I will have to leave to
continue my career
Struggling Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has been linked with West
Brom's Nigel Quashie as a replacement.
The 28-year-old midfielder joined the Baggies from Southampton in
January 2006 and has vast experience of battling against
relegation.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Spanish club Real Zaragoza have been
linked with Mascherano, who added: "I came to England to do well
but I have not had the opportunities necessary to show what I can
do.
"If I am not playing in the West Ham team I will have to leave to
continue my career with another team."
But under Fifa rules Mascherano is not able to play for another
club until the end of June.
Fifa rules state that one footballer cannot play for more than two
clubs between 1 July and the end of the following June - and
Mascherano has already turned out for Brazilian side Corinthians
and West Ham since last summer.
However, national associations are able to apply to Fifa for a
dispensation - potentially opening the way for Mascherano to end
his frustrating stay at Upton Park.
Italian side Juventus reportedly pulled out of a move to sign
Mascherano citing the complications with the player's
contract.
Mascherano has played in seven games since joining West Ham in
August, five in the Premiership and the two Uefa Cup ties against
Palermo.