WEST Ham full-back Julien Faubert is poised to complete a loan switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid until the end of the season.

The Frenchman has struggled to impose himself at Upton Park under Gianfranco Zola this season, and he is likely to complete the move today, with Madrid paying £1.5million for the deal, with the option of buying him at the end of the campaign.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I was first contacted by Madrid on Friday and after extensive negotiations, we have agreed in principle a deal that would see them paying us a £1.5m fee to take Julien until the end of the season.

"His long-term future would then be reviewed in the summer, with a significant transfer fee payable should Madrid want to take up their option.

"If Julien does go on loan, then we will look to quickly bring in a replacement.

"Julien has struggled to get into Gianfranco Zola's team this season and, despite the high hopes we had for him when he joined us 18 months ago, he has not had the best of times.

"He had asked the manager about a possible move and we felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid. If it does not happen, then we will of course welcome Julien back into the squad.”