Nzama was in South Africa's World Cup squad

South African defender Cyril Nzama has arrived in London to begin a trial with West Ham.

The 28-year-old Kaiser Chiefs player has already impressed Hammers manager Glenn Roeder with his enthusiasm.

Nzama arrived at training just three hours after flying in to Heathrow.

"That is someone who is hungry," Roeder said.

"Cyril has come over from South Africa and his people have paid for the trip, so it was a free look for us.

"He seems a very decent man and has impressed us with his mentality. But we are only having a look, and one that guarantees no promises to the lad."

Roeder, looking to bolster his squad during the January transfer window, is still hopeful of signing Leeds midfielder Lee Bowyer in time for Saturday's Premiership match against Newcastle.

But the club have dispensed with the services of Brent Rahim, who has been on loan from Bulgarian club Levski Sofia for six months.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has joined Luton after being released.

Fellow midfielder Leon Britton has been allowed to extend his loan at Swansea until the end of the season when his contract runs out. Britton will then become a free agent.

Roeder expects to have Scottish international midfielder Don Hutchison, recently back from cruciate ligament surgery, available for the Newcastle game following the death of his father.