New West Ham United signing Danny Whitehead has stated that he is eager to 'grasp the opportunity' of playing for the Premier League club.

Whitehead has moved to Upton Park from the Blue Square North side for an undisclosed fee, and while admitting that it will be a "big step up", he has revealed that he is keen to earn a place in West Ham's first team.

The 19-year-old told the club's official website: "I'm very excited to have joined West Ham and I can't wait to get out there and play. It's obviously a big step up, but I've got to take the opportunity and grasp it.

"I was on trial here at the end of last season and all the lads helped me fit in well during the two weeks of training that I did.

"I've got a bit of experience from playing for the first team at Stockport - I'll probably be with the Under-21s here at the start and then try to push towards the first team."

Whitehead leaves Stockport having played 59 league appearances for the club.