West Ham have named Gianluca Nani as the club's new sporting director Gianluca Nani.

Nani, credited with unearthing Bayern Munich and Italy striker Luca Toni after several years in the wilderness, quit his role at Brescia to take the job.

"From June I will take over my new position with West Ham," he said.

"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."

Boss Alan Curbishley - who was part of the interview panel that selected Nani - is pleased that Nani is being brought in, and scotched suggestions that his own role will be undermined.

"I don't think anyone is thinking of anything other than progressing," said Curbishley.

"That's why we're looking at this technical director and everything else - because I firmly believe that when I have everyone fit we have an opportunity to push forward."

Reda Maher / Eurosport