West Ham are being reported to be set to announce the arrival of Ivorian international Max Gradel as a short term loan signing today.

But Claretandhugh can confirm that should he arrive neither he or  former Manchester City player Abdul Razak who was announced on the official site as joining on a short term loan from Russian outfit Anzhi, is likely to feature in the relegation scrap.

Some reports say  that Gradel,  formerly with Leicester City  and Leeds United, is all set to join from St-Etienne

The winger has represented his nation 23 times, scoring twice and we were told: “There look to be no snags and the club are likely to announce the deal on Friday.”

Gradel has been unable to hold down a regular first team place in France, making just nine league appearances in each of the last two campaigns.

We were told: “Both player that we want to take the opportunity of having  a look at but are highly unlikely to be involved for the first team. at this stage – we want to take a reasonably extended look at them.”