Taylor leaves Bolton for West Ham

Matt Taylor has left Bolton Wanderers to sign for Championship promotion hopefuls West Ham United.

The left-footed midfield ace joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee after three-and-a-half years at the Reebok Stadium. His move will see him link up with former Trotters boss Sam Allardyce and ex-Bolton pair Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye.

The 29-year-old former Portsmouth star made 139 appearances and scored 23 goals for Bolton, but has been more out of the side than in since Owen Coyle’s arrival as manager and has opted to drop down a division for more game time.

Trotters boss Coyle said: "Matty is a good lad and he gave 100 percent for me during his time with us, but this was a very good deal for the football club and also for Matty himself.

"We wish him every success at West Ham United."

Taylor told West Ham’s website: "This is a great opportunity to come and play for a fantastic football club. This is a big club with a lot of heritage. It is a new challenge for me and obviously I want to be part of something special and, from the outset, it looks like I will find that here."