John Carew signs for West Ham

Championship side West Ham have announced the capture of striker John Carew on a free transfer.

The towering forward has been a free agent since leaving Aston Villa earlier this summer and he was contacted by a number of Premiership sides.

The Norwegian, however, opted to sign for West Ham even though the Hammers will be playing their football in Championship this season.

“I am so pleased to be here. I am very happy to sign for such a big club,” Carew told club’s official website.

“I am looking forward to being part of a good team here that will bring this great club back up to the Premier League again.”

The veteran striker admits he was persuaded into joining West Ham by new boss Sam Allardyce.

“The manager was very good. I know about him from other players, former team-mates I know who have played under him.

“They all had fantastic words to say about him. He spoke well to me and I think he is a great manager and I am very happy to be playing for him and for the club.”