Hammers sign Diarra

10 August 2012 16:17

West Ham have completed the signing of France midfielder Alou Diarra from Marseille.

The Hammers confirmed the arrival of the 31-year-old on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee on Friday afternoon. Reports suggest West Ham paid around £2million for Diarra, something that would represent a coup for the club ahead of their return to the Barclays Premier League.

Diarra told the Hammers' official website, www.whufc.com: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League."

He added: "I know a lot about West Ham as a club, and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me.

"We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and, of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year.

"The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."

West Ham have also had a £9million bid rejected for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, Press Association Sport understands.

The Hammers, who traded places with Wolves as they won promotion to the Barclays Premier League, are understood to have offered £6million now for Jarvis, with £3million to follow in various add-ons.

Source: PA