West Ham United hope to have Freddie Sears back at Upton Park before the weekend.

The Guardian says West Ham United hope to release Sears from his season-long loan at Crystal Palace before the weekend. The 20-year-old striker is required at Upton Park following the premature retirement of Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole's knee injury.

Palace, the Premier and Football Leagues are thought to be amenable to the recall, with the move now depending on the player registration forms being completed.