Under the terms of his loan deal from Fulham, the temporary arrangement ends after Saturday's game with Coventry, and there is no possibility of an extension.
The only way he could stay is if a 'permanent' solution was agreed upon, and Alan says:
"Jon Harley is up this Saturday; I have to make a decision on him and I will do that in the next couple of days."
Tomas Repka begins a three match ban at the weekend; Alan recognises he wears his heart on his sleeve, but says:
"There have been times just recently when he has gone past that, and he knows it - and that is why he is carrying 15 bookings and is missing for three games.
"It is not doing us any good and it is not doing him any good - and it is something he needs to deal with.
"We will help him but ultimately it is down to him."
Michael Carrick is doubtful for the game, and Alan adds:
"He has got a hamstring and he has hurt his groin so we will have to see."
Iraq hostage Gary Teeley, a West Ham fan, has been invited to the game on Saturday, and spokesman Peter Stewart confirms:
"Gary and his family have been sent a personal invitation to the game by Alan Pardew and they will be most welcome if they decide to take that up.
"Gary displayed a lot of courage in Iraq and that is something we, as a club, acknowledge."