Argentine international Javier Mascherano has told West Ham that he wants to leave the club.
The 22-year-old arrived at Upton Park along with international team-mate Carlos Tevez on 31 August.
But he has played just six minutes since the defeat at Tottenham on 22 October and the midfielder said: "I must get out of here.
"I cannot stay at West Ham any more like this, without playing. At my age my game will stagnate if I don't play."
If I am not playing in the West Ham team I will have to leave to continue my career
Struggling Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has been linked with West Brom's Nigel Quashie as a replacement.
The 28-year-old midfielder joined the Baggies from Southampton in January 2006 and has vast experience of battling against relegation.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Spanish club Real Zaragoza have been linked with Mascherano, who added: "I came to England to do well but I have not had the opportunities necessary to show what I can do.
"If I am not playing in the West Ham team I will have to leave to continue my career with another team."
But under Fifa rules Mascherano is not able to play for another club until the end of June.
Fifa rules state that one footballer cannot play for more than two clubs between 1 July and the end of the following June - and Mascherano has already turned out for Brazilian side Corinthians and West Ham since last summer.
However, national associations are able to apply to Fifa for a dispensation - potentially opening the way for Mascherano to end his frustrating stay at Upton Park.
Italian side Juventus reportedly pulled out of a move to sign Mascherano citing the complications with the player's contract.
Mascherano has played in seven games since joining West Ham in August, five in the Premiership and the two Uefa Cup ties against Palermo.