Almunia joins Hammers for a month

West Ham have signed experienced goalkeeper Manuel Almunia on a month's loan from Arsenal.

With regular No 1 Rob Green sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury, manager Sam Allardyce has moved quickly to bring in Almunia on an emergency deal.

The 34-year-old will be in the squad for the trip to Crystal Palace today. "It's a big thank you to Arsène Wenger," Allardyce said.