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CONFIRMED: West Ham beat Chelsea and Tottenham to signing of Diego Poyet
WEST HAM have announced the signing of former Charlton midfielder Diego Poyet after the two clubs agreed a compensation package for the teenager.
The 19-year-old, son of Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, was named the Addicks' player of the year last season but departed at the end of his contract.
Poyet, who has now penned an initial four-year deal at Upton Park, becomes Sam Allardyce's fourth summer signing following the acquisitions of Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate and Aaron Cresswell.
"I'm very happy to be here. It took me by surprise a little bit and it all happened very quickly," Poyet said. "It's a great club to be at and I know a few of the boys here already.
STORY: We are delighted to announce the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Diego Poyet on a four-year deal http://t.co/FN4BAxQq1X #COYI
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) July 8, 2014
I wanted a new challenge and soon as I heard there was a chance of stepping up I had to take it
"It was a no brainer to sign, I wanted to come out here to the training camp as soon as I could and I'm grateful that they've had me here.
"It's massive to come to a Premier League club. It's what I wanted to do - I wanted a new challenge and soon as I heard there was a chance of stepping up I had to take it.
Chelsea and Tottneham were also interested in Poyet's services, who has represented England six times at Under-17s level.