West Ham sign Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough

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West Ham good enough to beat drop - O'Neill

West Ham have completed the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil.

The 27-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the ex-Portsmouth star.

O'Neil, who joined Boro from Portsmouth for £5m in 2007, goes straight into the squad for Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final against Birmingham on Wednesday.

"I'm sure he will be very good for us. I'm happy he can help us tomorrow," said manager Avram Grant.

O'Neil follows David Wheater out of the Riverside, with the defender joining Bolton last week.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on signing Gary O'Neil

He will take the place of Valon Behrami in the West Ham squad, as the Swiss international is close to securing a move to Fiorentina.

"The deal (for Behrami to Fiorentina) is nearly done. I think everything will be okay. It is just formalities and of course money," said Grant.

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The Hammers failed to clinch the loan signing of Hoffenheim's Senegalese international striker Demba Ba in time for him to feature at St Andrew's but Grant said the move is close to going through.

Ba was due to join Stoke earlier this month but he failed a medical, but Grant said his signing was not a gamble.

"He could not have played 21 games this season if he had a medical problem," said Grant.

Ba announced his proposed move to West Ham on his personal website and Grant said he "liked his comments."

"It is always good when a player wants to come and join our club. I think he is doing the right thing. We are a good club and he can help us. It is almost done."