West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Danish centre-back Frederik Alves for an undisclosed fee.
The U21 international will join the Hammers on 2 January 2021 from Danish club Silkeborg - where he spent the past three-and-a-half years and made 48 senior appearances.
The 6ft 2in defender - who was initially linked with West Ham over the summer - has signed a three-and-half-year contract that will run until the summer of 2024.
'I'm feeling very excited and I can't wait to get started,' Alves told West Ham’s official website.
'I was very excited to hear that a big team from the Premier League was interested and I'm very glad to be getting an opportunity at this Club.
'My plan is to join up and train with the squad in January and, from there, to work hard so that I can play with the first team.
'I have great respect for the senior defenders here and I am the young one, so I am going to learn as much as I can from them because they are more experienced and know how the Premier League works. I am here to learn.
'My style of play is that I'm a defender who likes to play with the ball at my feet, but I also like defending and am good in my duels. I try to be clever and not just use my power, but to think about how I'm going to win each duel.
'The Premier League is the best league in the world and I'm ready to do the hard work, to learn and do everything I can to help the team.'
It is believed the 21-year-old will start his West Ham career in the U23 side before working his way up to the senior squad.
Alves will have to compete with the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena and Craig Dawson for a place in David Moyes’ side.
While youngsters Goncalo Cardoso and Harrison Ashby will be looking to establish their place in the squad before the newcomer arrives in January.