Striker Sears signs West Ham deal

Sears came through the West Ham academy to make the first-team squad

Teenaged striker Freddie Sears has signed a new five-year contract with West Ham.

The England U19 international, who turns 19 on Thursday, follows fellow striker Carlton Cole, who signed a five-year deal on Tuesday.

Sears scored on his West Ham debut against Blackburn last March and has made three league starts this season.

"It's nice to know the club wants you here, for that long as well," Sears told the club's website.

606: DEBATE I feel this is good news and he wants to be above Cole in Zolas pecking order! ironJL

"Last year was getting in and around the team and now I am looking to keep building on what I have been doing - getting more chances of playing week in, week out and showing people what I can do."

West Ham chief executive officer Scott Duxbury said: "Our philosophy is very much about developing homegrown players in the academy and then integrating them into the first team.

"Freddie has achieved that and we are looking forward to him playing his part in a bright future for West Ham United."