Japan striker Ryoichi Maeda is training with Championship West Ham with a view to a full time deal, according to the local media. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has promised the Jubilo Iwata forward an answer by the start of next week.
"I have to decide if he can play a part in the team quickly."
West Ham are believed to have offered the 30 year old a two-year contract worth $1.9 million a year, more than double his current wages, subject to a medical and obtaining a work visa.
"It might be a bit late to be taking on the challenge of playing abroad," Maeda said. "But I hope to grow into a better player in Europe and bring that to the national team.
"At my age, this is likely my last chance to play overseas and I want to everything possible to make it happen." "He's a player with a proven track record," Allardyce was quoted as saying in Japan's Nikkan Sports.