Hammers sign Chelsea midfielder

West Ham has confirmed the signing of Chelsea youth attacking midfielder, Domingos Quina.

The official site says the exciting former Benfica schoolboy will report to the Hammers in July, having recently been crowned a UEFA European U17 champion, with West Ham beating some of Europe’s leading sides to the 16-year-old’s signature.

The 16-year-old midfielder signed after being persuaded that he had a better chance of progressing through to the first team in West Ham’s set-up. Spurs, Liverpool, Manchester City and United were all said to chasing Quina, who turned down the chance to stay at Chelsea as he believed his progress would be limited.

Born in Guinea Bissau, Quina was brought up in Portugal and left Benfica for Chelsea as a 13-year-old. The skilful attacking midfielder, Quina is regarded as one of Portugal’s best prospects, has starred for their Under 17s and is tipped to become a regular full international in the future. The move represents a coup for West Ham and puts the Academy back on the map as the destination for promising talent.

Quina will arrive on an initial two-year scholarship, subject to international clearance, and has agreed terms to sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday in November.