Emmanuel Emenike signs for West Ham on loan until end of the season

James Benge1 February 2016

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Emmanuel Emenike on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old Nigerian international arrives from Fenerbahce, though he has spent this season on loan at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates league.

The Hammers will have the option of a permanent deal for Emenike, who scored 12 goals in 31 appearances in his first season at the Turkish side, should he make a strong impression on Slaven Bilic.

Mauro Zarate has already departed the Boleyn Ground this season, moving to Fiorentina, whilst Nikica Jelavic has been linked with a transfer to the Chinese league, freeing up room on the wage bill for Emenike.

And the Nigerian international revealed that the presence of Bilic at the club was crucial in inspiring him to move to the Premier League.

In his first interview as a West Ham player Emenike told the club website: "I have always known West Ham as a great Club. I've always been watching them. West Ham's a great Club and I'm happy to be here.

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"I've known him [Bilic] for years. When he was at Lokomotiv Moscow, I was at Spartak Moscow, then he came to Besiktas and I was in Fenerbahce, so we've known each other for a long time. I'm happy to be here and happy to play for him.

"We've followed each other's careers and thank God we are here today and we are here together."

Emenike began his career with Delta Force FC before moving to South Africa's Mpumalanga Black Aces and FC Cape Town.

In 2009, he joined Turkish second-tier club Karabukspor, where his 16 goals helped them win the title. He scored 14 times in the top flight before moving to Fenerbahce in May 2011.

Two months later he joined Spartak Moscow where he netted 24 goals in 51 games before returning to Fenerbahce in 2013, helping them win the league title and Super Cup in 2014.

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