West Ham United have announced on their official website that promising Nigerian defender Ajibola Alese has inked a new contract with the club.

The 17-year-old has penned his first professional contract with the Hammers and the duration of the deal is for three years which will keep him at the London club until the end of the 2020-2021 season.

Speaking on the new contract, Alese said : ''It’s a very proud day for myself and my family. I have been at West Ham United since I was seven years-old and to now become a professional here is a great honour.

''This caps off a great year for me, having broken into the Under-23 team last season and progressed with England, and now I just want to keep working hard and learning more.

''I would like to thank all the Academy and coaching staff at the club for the help they have given me, and also thank my family for the encouragement they have given me, particularly when I have had injuries.''

A former England U16 captain, Alese represented the Young Lions at the 2018 UEFA Under-17 European Championship finals this summer.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : whufc.com