West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert is reportedly in talks this evening regarding a possible loan move to Real Madrid.

Reports in both Marca and AS claim that the move is done, and that Faubert will be joining on loan until June for €1.5 million, with the option of making it permanent for €6 million.

However, West Ham themselves claim that Faubert is merely opening negotaitions with the Spanish giants and the move has not yet been confirmed.

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury was asked about the progress of the move earlier, and confirmed that Faubert was in discussions at this stage.

"I was first contacted by Madrid on Friday morning 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 quickly to bring in a replacement," he said, as reported on whufc.com.

The move will no doubt flabbergast Madrid fans worldwide, as the French midfielder has never been linked with Real Madrid before, nor any big European club for that matter.

Faubert fits perfectly into the profile that Juande Ramos is looking for, as he can play as a right midfielder, but also slot into right-back. He is a strong, tall midfielder capable of winning the ball as well as using it well.

The origins of this deal remain completely unknown, but it is believed that Juande Ramos, having lost all hope of signing Luis Valencia, has perhaps opted to try and sign Faubert as a last resort option.

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