Italian Gianluca Nani has confirmed he will be the new sporting director of West Ham.

The Hammers have been scouring the world for a person to fill the newly-created role, which will become a pivotal position at Upton Park.

Nani currently holds a similar role at Brescia but he has been lured to London by Hammers chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

He said: "From June I will take over my new position with West Ham.

"I have conducted the negotiations in person but in the full co-operation of Brescia chairman [Luigi] Corioni, who I must thank along with his family.

"I have leant so much in these years with the club and for that opportunity I must thank them."

Nani is known for his strong contacts throughout the continent and his main duty will be to oversee transfer policy at Upton Park.

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