West Ham release Morrison

West Ham United have terminated the contract of midfielder Ravel Morrison with immediate effect, the east London club confirmed.

Morrison, 22, has represented England at the U-21 level and joined the Hammers from Manchester United in 2012, but he has failed to establish himself as a consistent first-team player.

"We would like to wish Ravel every success in his future career," the club said in a statement.

After just one Championship appearance for the Hammers in the second half of the 2011-12 season Morrison was sent out on a season-long loan to Birmingham City.

Subsequent loan spells at Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City followed as Morrison racked up just 18 league appearances for West Ham in three years.

[SportsNetwork.com]