WEST HAM striker Freddie Sears could make his loan move to Crystal Palace permanent, according to reports.

The News of the World claims Palace boss Neil Warnock is keen to tie up a deal for the 19-year-old after impressing during his time at Selhurst Park.

Sears made the season-long loan switch to Palace in the summer and was at the centre of the phantom goal against Bristol City earlier this season, when his shot found the net, only to rebound out and be chalked off by the officials.

Sears made a lightning start to his West Ham career, scoring in his first game for the club against Blackburn Rovers two seasons ago.

However, he has since failed to establish himself in Gianfranco Zola's plans and has fallen behind the likes of Carlton Cole, Guillermo Franco, Zavon Hines and Alessandro Diamanti in the pecking order.