David Di Michele wants to earn a permanent deal at West Ham and extend his stay at Upton Park beyond the end of the season

David Di Michele wants to earn a permanent deal at West Ham and extend his stay at Upton Park beyond the end of the season.

Striker Di Michele is currently on loan from Serie A outfit Torino and is due to return to Italy at the end of the season.

But the Hammers are reported to have an option to complete a permanent deal for the 33-year-old, who has started 13 league games and scored four times during the current campaign.

Di Michele struggled to make an impression after arriving at the Boleyn Ground in September, but the former Italy international has emerged as a key player following the departure of Craig Bellamy in January.

Now Di Michele is keen to remain with the Hammers next season.

He said: "Now I'm at West Ham it is right not to speak of the transfer market. I am doing well and it is certainly the will for me to stay here at the end of the season."

Speculation in Italy has linked Di Michele with a return to former club Palermo.

But the striker has dismissed reports of a return to Serie A in the summer.

"In the future we will see, but I'm happy here," he said.