West Ham sign French star

Roeder still plans more transfer market moves

West Ham United boss Glenn Roeder has signed Laurent Courtois from Toulouse, but will not move for Aliou Cisse.

Cisse played the second of two trial games at Rushden and Diamonds, but will not be coming to Upton Park on a permanent basis.

Courtois has impressed Roeder enough to clinch a contract, with the West Ham boss saying: "I've been pleased with him and I'm looking forward to seeing how he does for us in the coming year."

He is leaving Toulouse after they were relegated a division in France this summer for financial irregularities, and came on the recommendation of Frederic Kanoute.

Cisse faces disappointment, but Roeder said: "We've had a look at him now for two games and I've spoken to him.

"I'd like to say thank you to him for working hard in the two games he has played for us, but we will not be taking him at this stage."

Roeder will continue his search for talent, but confessed: "It is very frustrating. I've got a foreign trip on Wednesday night so hopefully it will be a fruitful one and we will be able to bring back a player in a day or two after that.

"But you never know. I've been on some trips already this year that have been quite poor."

He refused to comment on speculation linking him with former West Ham midfield man Don Hutchison, insisting: "There is nothing to say; we are just being linked with everybody at the moment."