Stetched up

West Ham have confirmed their first transfer deadline day purchase - young Czech goalkeeper Marek Stech.

16-year-old Stech joins the Hammers from Sparta Prague for an undisclosed fee, and is said to be highly rated in his home country.

Real Madrid were also thought to be interested in the younster, so his signing represents a real coup for the Hammers.

Talking in May about his future, Stech said:

"I have an offer from West Ham and from several English and French teams, and to be watched by Real Madrid is something that fills me with pride.

"I hope to one day be able to be like Petr Cech, who is succeeding at Chelsea. I have videos of him because I see myself as his mirror."

West Ham goalkeepeing coach Ludo Miklosko - himself a Czech - is thought to have been instrumental in closing the deal.