Montano returns to Magpies

Cristian Montano has re-joined Martin Allen's Notts County on loan until 11 March 2012.

The West Ham United youngster enjoyed an outstanding spell with the npower League One team earlier this term, scoring four times in 12 games for the Magpies - just four of them starts.

The Colombia-born forward quickly struck up a rapport with the Meadow Lane faithful and both former West Ham midfielder Allen and the club's supporters are known to be delighted by his return to the club.

Since returning to the Hammers in October, the 20-year-old has also been loaned to npower League Two sides Swindon Town and Dagenham and Redbridge, totalling four goals in 14 league appearances.

Weather permitting, Montano could make his second Magpies 'debut' against fellow West Ham loanees Peter Kurucz and Paul McCallum when Notts County travel to Rochdale on Saturday.

Montano, Kurucz and McCallum are three of eight West Ham players currently on loan at home and abroad. Pablo Barrera (Real Zaragoza) and Jordan Spence (Bristol City) are on season-long deals, while Callum Driver (Burton Albion), George Moncur (AFC Wimbledon) and Ahmed Adulla (Dagenham and Redbridge) are out on short-term bases.