West Ham have confirmed the loan signing of Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek from Slavia Prague.

The 24-year-old's contract at Slavia expires at the end of the season, leaving West Ham with an option to make the deal permanent.

Soucek operates predominantly as a central defensive midfielder but can also play at centre-back.

He has represented the Czech Republic on 25 occasions.

Hammers boss David Moyes said: "We are delighted to welcome Tomas to West Ham United.

"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. 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."