Tim Steidten has been named new technical director of West Ham United.

The German, 44, will be responsible for player recruitment.

"Tim's appointment is key to our wider plans to drive our football strategy forward," said chairman David Sullivan.

Steidten moves to West Ham after being in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

Steidten said: "There is already a fantastic team in place [at West Ham], but also so much ambition - from the board, the manager, his staff and the players - to continue succeeding, developing and growing. I cannot wait to play a key part in that."