Soccer-West Ham sign Czech midfielder Soucek on loan from Slavia Prague

Relegation-threatened West Ham United have signed Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek on loan from Slavia Prague with an option on a permanent transfer, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. The tall 24-year-old has made 25 senior international appearances.

"I think that he gives us a lot of different qualities, but most importantly he fits the profile of the player we want to bring to the Club," said manager David Moyes. "He is young and hungry but with an established pedigree and proven talent. "He was captain of Slavia Prague, he's played as a defensive midfielder but he's scored a lot of goals as an attacking midfielder as well.

"At the moment he ticks a lot of boxes. We need to give him the opportunity and time to settle in but we are confident he will prove to be a strong addition to the squad." No financial details were given.

The Hammers are 17th in the league, ahead of Bournemouth and Watford only on goal difference. Moyes took over from the sacked Manuel Pellegrini at the end of December, with West Ham also 17th at the time.

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