Jimenez departs

Luis Jimenez looks set to join Parma after his six-month loan from Serie A rivals Internazionale ended on Friday night.

Jimenez headed back to Milan on Wednesday after saying his farewells to his Hammers team-mates after Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Portsmouth, where he was an unused substitute. The 25-year-old looks set to move on immediately to Parma, after they expressed an interest in taking him on loan for the rest of the seaon.

The Chilean midfielder had joined West Ham on a season-long deal back in July and made his full debut the following month in the first Premier League game of the season at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He went on to make seven starts for the club, with five appearances from the bench. He scored from the penalty spot in the 5-3 victory against Burnley in November.

Gianfranco Zola said: "We wish Luis Jimenez all the success. It is very unfortunate that he didn't have the satisfication here with us that we were expecting. Jimmy is a good player and he was unlucky that when his form was picking up, he got injured.

"That didn't allow him to get the rhythm of the English game and accustomed to this championship. He is a wonderful boy and it was a pleasure to have him. We all wish him well for the future."