West Ham United's capture of Livorno attacking midfielder Alessandro Diamanti last week was achieved thanks to sponsors SBOBET, it has been revealed.

The London Evening Standard says West Ham have been told by their owner, Icelandic investment bank Straumur, they have to be self-financing in the transfer market.

Last week they utilised a payment by main sponsor SBOBET, to finance the £6m signing of striker Diamanti, from Livorno.