WEST HAM have officially announced Avram Grant as their new manager.

The former Portsmouth boss has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Upton Park, subject to being granted a work permit.

Grant will be officially unveiled as Gianfranco Zola's successor later this month.

He told the club's official website: “I am proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It will be an exciting challenge and I am ready to do my best.

“This is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world. I am already looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season.”

Co-chairman David Sullivan added: “I am delighted to welcome Avram to West Ham and am confident he will prove a success. We have taken our time over this appointment and we are certain we have got the right man.

“We are looking forward to next season with new players coming in and Avram's arrival is just the latest reason for real optimism.”

Co-owner David Gold said: “I have to say that having met Avram and spent some time with him that we have got our man. He is a perfect fit.

“We needed experience and stability. He is a footballing man and quite frankly his reputation speaks for itself. He has a great sense of humour and I am sure the players will relate to him and the fans will warm to him.”