West Ham United snap up teenage striker Sam Ford

West Ham United have snapped up 17-year-old striker Sam Ford on a free transfer.

Ford recently left Championship outfit Ipswich Town and the Hammers have moved quickly to sign the youngster to a contract which will keep him at the club until at least June 2017.

Ford scored within 12 minutes of his debut for the club's development squad, and is looking forward to progressing through the ranks towards the first team.

"I'm delighted to have signed for West Ham. It's a huge club and a big step up. West Ham is a massive club. It is a very exciting time with the new stadium, everyone is talking about West Ham, it is definitely something to look forward to and hopefully I'll be involved playing their one day," he told the club's official website.

"It's been a dream of mine to be a professional footballer for as long as I can remember so hopefully I can keep on improving, keep working hard and we'll see where that gets me. The Academy is a good place to be at the moment, everyone is excited for the semi-final and the rest of the season.

"I feel comfortable with the lads now; I've had time to build relationships off the pitch which helps as well. I'm staying in digs which is helpful, too. A lot of the younger players have been involved in the first team recently. I really just want to play football and get to the highest level possible. Making my Premier League debut is the dream."

West Ham's senior squad are next in action on Wednesday night as they host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park.