Championship-bound Burke signs new West Ham deal

Reece Burke: Will spent the season with Wigan

Highly-rated West Ham defender Reece Burke has signed a new four-year contract.

The classy 19-year-old spent last season on loan with League One Bradford and was impressive at centre-back as he swept the boards at the club’s end-of-season awards evening.

But Burke, who played at left-back for the Hammers in last week’s Europa League play-off round first leg against Astra Giurgiu, has not ruled out another loan spell – this time in the Championship.

Burke told his club’s official website: “Obviously as a West Ham fan as well as a player, it’s fantastic to be involved with the club during this period.

“It’s still sinking in to be honest, the move and the changes here. Over time, I really believe everything will settle in, and it will feel like home very, very soon.”

He continued: “This season for me, another loan move may happen.

“I think I’m going to try and do Championship – the next step – and see how the season goes hopefully playing Championship football and I’ll hopefully get another load of games under my belt.

“I want to build on that experience and come back next year even better, just similarly building like I did last season.”