Manuel da Costa leaves West Ham for Lokomotiv Moscow

ShareWest Ham have offloaded Portuguese defender Manuel da Costa to Lokomotiv Moscow for ?1.3million. The 25-year-old, who had one year left on his deal at Upton Park, has signed a four-year contract with the Russian club. Da Costa, who missed three months of last season with a foot injury, was keen to move on after starting just 14 Barclays Premier League matches as the Hammers got relegated last season. On his way: Manuel da Costa will sign for Lokomotiv Moscow 'It would have been a step backwards to stay at West Ham, where I didn't always get in the team,' he said. 'Going to Lokomotiv is a chance to improve my game. Many famous players have come to play in the Russian championship, where teams like CSKA, Zenit and Lokomotiv are the top three clubs. 'Alexei Smertin (the Lokomotiv sporting director) told me of the club's ambitions, that Lokomotiv have serious intentions and intend to fight for the Russian title. 'I want to play in a good team and win. This is what prompted me to sign the contract.' Mos-go: Da Costa is heading for Russia after failing to help West Ham stay in the top-flightDa Costa joined West Ham from Fiorentina two years ago as part of the deal that saw Savio Nsereko move in the other direction. The French-born Da Costa started his career at Nancy and has also played for PSV Eindhoven and Sampdoria. He is due to stand trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in September after pleading not guilty to sexualassault over an incident last October. The Insider: Spurs to test Porto's resolve to keep Hulk but West Ham have reservations over LewisNewcastle raise the Ba with swoop for West Ham striker on free transfer  Explore more:Places: France

Source: Daily_Mail