West Ham sign Uruguayan Lopez

By Simon Hayes on September 5, 2008 3:42 PM |

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WEST Ham have bolstered their squad with the signing of Uruguayan international defender Walter Lopez.

The 22-year-old left-back has signed a one year contract.

He was previously at the River Plate club in Uruguay, but left them at the end of last season. As a free agent he has been able to join the Hammers outside the transfer window.

He said: "I am really happy to be here and I hope to have a good career. Upton Park is a beautiful stadium and it will be great to play for West Ham. I am looking forward to it.

"It is a great club and there are some great players at the club. I know about many of them like Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy. Everyone here has made me feel very welcome."

Lopez, who has three caps to his name, will take over the number five shirt vacated by Anton Ferdinand.

His signing follows those of Herita Ilunga, also a left-back, and David Di Michele earlier in the week.

Meanwhile the club are believed to have drawn up a short-list of managers to replace Alan Curbishley. Names are thought to include Gianfranco Zola, ex-Italy coach Roberto Donadoni and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini.

Fans' choice Slaven Bilic has distanced himself from the role, claiming he will stay in his job as Croatia coach.

An announcement should be made next week, although whether the new man will be installed before the trip to West Bromwich Albion on September 13 remains to be seen.