Japan and Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara has failed in his attempt to secure a contract with West Ham United following a brief trial period with the English Premier League club, soccer sources said Thursday.

"I spoke with the manager (Alan Pardew) after training and it looks like I will have to work towards (getting a move somewhere) in the summer," Ogasawara said after his final training session with the club.

Ogasawara joined the Hammers on a week long trial after leaving for England on Jan. 3. Although no deal was forthcoming, he thought he had benefited from the experience of training with foreign club.

"The style is different to Japan and it was a good experience to be able to see how everything works with my own eyes. If I get offers I will listen and then decide on a team where I think I can improve my game," said the pint-sized midfielder.

Last summer, Ogasawara received an offer from Italian first-division club Lecce but Kashima denied the 26-year-old a move overseas until the end of the 2005 football season in Japan.

Ogasawara has made 43 appearances for Japan and scored six goals, including the winner in the 1-0 win away to Bahrain in a crucial World Cup qualifier in June last year.