Yeovil Town's highly-rated keeper Chris Weale was last night set to play for West Ham United Reserves as a move to the Hammers took a step closer (writes Steve Sowden).

The Yeovil keeper was due to face Arsenal in the match to be played at Dagenham and Redbridge's Victoria Road ground. Yeovil Town boss Gary Johnson and his assistant Steve Thompson were travelling up to London yesterday afternoon so that they could watch the keeper in action.

"Chris must be chuffed to nuts that a club which has just sold their own England goalkeeper have come in for him," said Johnson.

The 21-year-old keeper -- who will always be remembered for a fantastic save at the beginning of the FA Umbro Trophy Final at Villa Park in 2002 -- travelled to West Ham earlier this week for a trial period to allow Hammers boss Alan Pardew, himself a former Glover, to take a closer look at him.

And Pardew said: "This kid has got a fantastic chance of being a top goalkeeper.

"It may be that it is too early for for us to take him but it might be that we take that gamble.

"That is why I am having a look at him. We have had our eyes on him for a while and we wanted to bring him in to see what his character and temperament were like -- but it looks sound."

Pardew should have no worries about Weale's character and temperament having been groomed under the excellent man-management skills of Johnson in the past couple of years.

Johnson said: "I wouldn't stand in Wealey's way if West Ham wanted him.

"We don't want to lose him, but if a big club comes in for any of my players you can't hold them back."

Johnson refused to reveal what sort of fee would be involved, but it would be a sizeable one for the Yeovil-born Weale who has been such an integral part of the Glovers glory.

But Johnson said he had 'talked figures' with Pardew and added that it would have to be a decent fee. If Weale does leave it will pave the way open for understudy Steve Collis to stamp his name on the Yeovil number one shirt.