West Ham have confirmed the signing of midfielder Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough.
The Championship club gave the 27-year-old permission to speak to West Ham and after agreeing personal terms he underwent a medical before signing a two and a half year deal.
"I am really pleased to sign. It all happened very quickly. I played for Middlesbrough at the weekend and didn't know anything was going to happen. It has all gathered pace since then. There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn't cup-tied," the former West Ham Academy player.
"I enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, the fans and staff were really good but it has been difficult time on the pitch. It is nice to be back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants to do. I am London born so it is good to come home.
"It is great that the club have such a massive game to look forward to. I haven't trained yet with the team so it is up to the manager of course if he wants to use me. I will take it one step at a time but it is a big game and it could be a case of straight in at the deep end if involved.
"It is always a bit nerve-wracking going to a new club but I should settle in quickly. I did my schoolboy stuff here for a couple of years when I was 13-14 and trained on a Tuesday and Thursday under Tony's staff. It was quite good and it helped me a lot in my career before I went to Portsmouth."