WEST Ham United have completed the signing of Carlos Sanchez just minutes before the transfer deadline.

Sanchez, who represented Colombia in the World Cup this summer, has penned a two-year deal after arriving from Italian side Fiorentina.

The defensive midfielder has been brought in as a replacement for Cheikhou Kouyate, who joined London rivals Crystal Palace last week.

And Sanchez, who featured in the Premier League for Aston Villa earlier in his career, told West Ham's website: "I'm very excited and looking forward to achieving lots.

"I decided to come here because, first, it is the Premier League, second, it's a beautiful club and the fans are always helping the club and, third, for me it's an amazing opportunity and an amazing project the club are leading, being ambitious and keen to achieve good things."