ClaretandHugh has learned within the last few minutes that Matt Taylor is set to be released from the club.

Details are thin at the moment but we understand negotiations over a revised wage deal have collapsed and that the midfielder will be allowed to leave the club.

The Hammers are determined to build a younger squad and need to make room in the current wage bill and at rising 33 Taylor is presumably seen as expendable.

The former Luton Town, Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers player has spent three years at the club but  is now heading out along with Joe Cole and George McCartney.

A source told us exclusively: “We hear his fate has been decided – he will be released.”