JAVIER MASCHERANO has demanded a move away from crisis club West Ham.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has already targeted West Brom hardman Nigel Quashie to replace him in the January transfer window - even though the midfielder has been relegated with FOUR clubs.

Mascherano has played just six minutes since West Ham lost at Spurs on October 22. The 22-year-old finally said last night: "I must get out of here. I cannot stay at West Ham any more like this, without playing. At my age my game will only stagnate if I do not get the chance to play.

Juventus pulled out of a move for the Argentina star after complaining about the "complications" in the contract position of a player owned by failed would-be West Ham owners MSI. However, Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza are now suitors.

New Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson claimed that the club were stuck with the South American, and fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez, until the end of the season because of FIFA rules that prevent players turning out for more than two clubs in the year beginning July 1.

But there is leeway if national associations agree to ask FIFA for dispensation to allow the move.

Zaragoza are keen to end Mascherano's Upton Park misery. A bid of around £4million would secure their man.

Quashie, rated at £2m, shares the same representatives as Curbishley and is believed to have made a transfer request to Baggies boss Tony Mowbray.

That will set alarm bells ringing for Upton Park skipper Nigel Reo-Coker and Hayden Mullins, both of whom play in central midfield.

Quashie, 28, has 10 Scotland caps and lots of the experience Curbishley - also hunting West Brom striker John Hartson - feels is vital to West Ham's recovery bid.

But fans will be worried by the fact that while Reo- Coker skippers the England Under-21 side, Quashie went down last season with West Brom and the season before with Southampton.

Back in 1999 he suffered the drop with Nottingham Forest and in 1996 he was relegated with Queens Park Rangers.