Marlon Harewood may make return to West Ham United

Marlon Harewood could make a surprise return to West Ham United this month, with the Aston Villa striker attracting interest from his former club after returning from a loan spell with Newcastle United. Villa would allow Harewood, whose contract expires in the summer, to leave for a nominal fee, possibly as little as £250,000, making him a realistic option for West Ham given their financial problems. Hull City are also monitoring Harewood's position and, although Newcastle have more pressing targets, including Jermaine Beckford at Leeds United, the Championship club have not closed the door on the possibility of re-signing the 30-year-old later this month. Villa paid West Ham £3.5m for Harewood in 2007 but he has started only nine matches for the club and just one in the Premier League.