West Ham United have signed versatile Swiss international Valon Behrami from Lazio for a fee of £5 million.

The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Upton Park after playing for his country on home soil at the European Championships earlier this summer.

Behrami can play as an orthodox right-back or in any position across the midfield.

And after agreeing terms with the Hammers, Behrami said: "I am very happy to at last be able to sign for West Ham.

"For me it is a dream come true to play for the club and in the Premier League. I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team here.

"After the European Championships, I spoke with West Ham who expressed their interest in me coming here.

"It was important for me to talk with everyone here and, when I did, I was very pleased to see what they wanted from me and what the plans are now and in the future for the team.

"It was something that enabled me to make my decision very quickly and now I can't wait to train and play for West Ham."

West Ham United chief executive Scott Duxbury said the club are "delighted" to have secured the signature of the highly-rated Swiss player, who was reportedly interesting a number of clubs in Italy and Spain.

"We beat off a lot of interest from other clubs to get him and we are very pleased to now have him here at West Ham United," Duxbury explained.

"He is a player who will be a valuable addition to the squad as we aim for a successful season ahead."

He added: "Valon's signing is also an indication of the club's positive ambitions and shows that, contrary to some reports, we are firmly committed to strengthening the playing staff.

"There will not be a mass exodus and fans can be assured that we are working hard as always to ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team."
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