West Ham land boyhood Hammers fan Downes from Swansea

West Ham have secured the signature of boyhood Hammers fan Flynn Downes from Swansea.

The fee for the 23-year-old midfielder has not been disclosed, but it is believed to be around £12million.

He has signed a five-year deal with the Hammers, with the option of an additional year.

Downes is a deep-lying midfielder who can fill at centre-back and made himself a key component of Swansea's first team last term after joining from Ipswich.

He said: "It's a surreal feeling to have joined my boyhood club. I feel like I'm dreaming. It's been my dream since I was a little boy to join this club — it's an absolute privilege. This is my club, so I couldn't be more delighted. 

"I'm glad to be here and I can't wait to get started. I want to be the best I can be and this feels like the perfect opportunity to test myself against the very best players in the Premier League. 

"Players have come to West Ham from the Championship and progressed to international honours. That's something you can't ignore. 

"The manager's track record of bringing players through was a big motivation in me joining the club. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a West Ham player."