West Ham boss Grant swoops for Hitzlsperger

Avram Grant made his first signing as West Ham manager on Saturday as he landed Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer from Lazio.

Grant, who took charge at Upton Park on Thursday, has moved quickly to bolster his squad by persuading Hitzlsperger to agree a three-year contract with the Premier League club.

The 28-year-old, who has experience of English football after a four-year spell with Aston Villa, will complete his move on July 1 when his contract with the Serie A outfit expires.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes Hitzlsperger’s signing shows the Hammers are heading in the right direction after only narrowly avoiding relegation under Grant’s predecessor Gianfranco Zola last season.

“I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club,” Sullivan said. “We had to move quickly to secure his services when he became available, especially as there was understandably so much interest in him from around Europe and back in Germany.

“I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying to achieve here at West Ham. He is the first of many signings this summer.

“We are going to sign a mixture of exciting young talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real strength to the squad like Thomas. He is still a young man but has massive experience.”