Stewart Downing seals move to West Ham

West Ham have completed the £5million signing of Stewart Downing from Liverpool.

The 29-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Upton Park after agreeing personal terms.

The former Middlesbrough star was initially thought to favour a move back his native north-east with Newcastle but plumped for West Ham after meeting manager Sam Allardyce.

The winger, who has 34 England caps, believes that a move to West Ham will boost his chances at international level.

He is expected to go straight into West Ham’s squad for Saturday’s opening Premier League match at home to Cardiff on Saturday.