Hammers swoop for Franco

West Ham United have signed Mexico striker Guillermo Franco on a free transfer.

Franco claimed last week he was close to securing a move to Upton Park and the Hammers have now sealed the switch.

Franco was due to sign for South American champions Estudiantes earlier this month, but the move fell through allowing West Ham to snap him up.

The 32-year-old is believed to have signed a one-year deal at Upton Park after seeing out his contract at Villarreal earlier this summer.

Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola has been looking to bolster his attacking options all summer with Dean Ashton still on the sidelines and Franco will provide cover and competition in attack.

important stage

The Mexico international could go straight into the squad for this weekend's match at home to Liverpool and he is delighted to make the move to England.

"I am really happy to sign for West Ham. It was my dream to come to the Premier League and I am proud to play for a club that has so much history," Franco told the club's official website.

"This is a very important stage in my career and I hope to score lots of goals for the club this season and then play at the World Cup.

"This is an important team with great players and a great manager. I know that the club are very ambitious and want to do well. I want to do my best to make that happen and I am excited about the challenge.

"The main motivation was to play in the Premier League. I love English football and I love the Premier League.

"I had the possibility of joining Estudiantes and two Spanish clubs, but it was the Premier League that drew me here. I can fulfil my desire with West Ham and I am very happy to be here."