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West Ham have signed Wolves defender Roger Johnson on loan until the end of the season.

The former Cardiff City and Birmingham City player had a spell with Sheffield Wednesday earlier in 2013-14 campaign.

Johnson, 30, moved to Molineux from St Andrew's in July 2011.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce has been backed by the club's owners despite seeing the side slip to 19th in the Premier League and losing 5-0 to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

Central defenders James Collins and James Tomkins were injured in the Boxing Day defeat by Arsenal and the draw with West Brom two days later respectively.

Fellow centre-back Winston Reid is still recovering from ankle surgery in November, while striker Andy Carroll has yet to play this season because of a foot injury.

Everton's Johnny Heitinga rejected a move to West Ham despite the two clubs agreeing terms over the Dutch defender earlier this month.

Wolves manager Kenny Jackett transfer-listed Johnson and three other players in June following the club's relegation to League One, 12 months after they dropped into the Championship.

"It's a really good opportunity for him because he's going to a Premier League club," told the Express and Star in Wolverhampton.