Quinn in

On loan full-back Wayne Quinn has had his loan spell at West Ham extended until the end of the current season.

The 26-year-old left-sided defender's current month-long loan deal ran out last weekend. But thanks to a series of solid performances the Truro-born defender has had his deal extended until next summer, when he will be free to join the Hammers on a free transfer as his contract with Newcastle is due to expire at the same time.

Current caretaker boss Trevor Brooking, speaking to whufc.com last night revealed:

"We had to make some decision on Wayne because his loan finished at the weekend. The loan has now been extended for the rest of the season.

"Newcastle didn't want to extend the loan any further and it was a case of taking him for the season or sending him back. If we had done that we would have had to have got someone else in.

"But we think he has done fine; we have to work on the defensive side, he knows that, but he is improving as each game goes by."

And on the option to make the deal permanent Brooking added:

"If Wayne impresses there is the option, as he will be a free agent this summer, of signing him permanently.

"He has a good incentive now because he is in the last year of his contract with Newcastle, so it is up to him to show his worth in the weeks ahead.

"For us it is an opportunity to judge him over a longer period - and at least Alan [Pardew] can then see him during training and in matches.

"That is why we would have liked the initial extension because naturally Alan hadn't seen him at first hand."

Since joining the Hammers on loan number 14 Quinn has made seven appearances, with the Hammers winning five of those games. He also has two assists (and two bookings) to his name.

* Brooking also revealed that the club are yet to reach a final decision on Niclas Alexandersson, whose loan spell is due to expire next Sunday.