Herita Ilunga could have skipped out on West Ham United before penning his new four-year deal yesterday, it has been revealed.

The Daily Star says Ilunga has finally signed a permanent contract - after snubbing interest from Liverpool and Newcastle.

Left-back Ilunga, 27, joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from Toulouse last summer, but his long-term future had been in doubt.

The Congo international agreed a permanent switch in January, despite attracting interest from Anfield and St James's Park, but last night he committed himself to West Ham until 2013 after the Hammers agreed a fee of around £3m.