West Ham have signed teenage defender Jack Lampe on a one-year deal from non-league outfit Harlow Town following a successful trial.
As manager Gianfranco Zola looks to bolster his senior ranks, with goalkeeper Kelvin Davis close to a move from Southampton, the move for the 17-year-old shows the east London club remain committed to developing young potential.
Academy graduates Matt Fry, Tony Brookes, Oliver Lee, Daniel Kearns and Anthony Edgar have all signed professional terms this summer.
Cheshunt-born Lampe is the grandson of former Fulham defender Derek, who played in the old First Division for the Cottagers during the 1950s and 1960s.
Lampe, 6ft 2in, is hoping to make his mark at Upton Park.
"Joining West Ham is massive for me. It is just a dream come true," he told his club's official website www.whufc.com.
"I can't wait to start working at West Ham now."
