West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce believes that he can stop new signing Ravel Morrison's off-field problems.

The 18-year-old, who has been regarded as one of England's brightest young talents, joined the Hammers from Manchester United yesterday in a £1m move.

While the teenager is known for his potential, the midfielder has experienced a number of off-the-field troubles, including punishment for two counts of witness intimidation last year.

"By the master's (Alex Ferguson) own words, he's one of the best he's ever had at that age," Allardyce told talkSPORT. "There's been trouble off the field, I think that comes from the area he's lived in, and getting away from there and from an old group of friends is probably the best thing for him.

"We have to make sure those things don't happen again and that we develop his talent as quickly as possible and get him in the first team.

"If the lad's doing it on the field you help him off the field to become a decent all-round human being, and a decent footballer. I'm looking forward to working with him."

The Championship side also clinched the signing of Bristol City's Nicky Maynard.