Wes Foderingham cites 'another passionate fanbase' for his choice of new club after leaving Sheffield United

Foderingham started and ended the season as the Blades' first-choice goalkeeper, but ran his contract down after rejecting a new deal early in the campaign.

That has allowed the 33-year-old Londonder to remain in the Premier League, with his free transfer move to West Ham officially going through next week.

“As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something that I was keen to get sorted and get done and I’m just delighted to be here," said Foderingham.

“I've been fortunate to play for teams with a real strong fanbase, a fanbase that's passionate about their club, and West Ham are no different. They're a fanbase that care deeply about their football club, it’s a family club as well, and I find it's always better to play for a team where you have those supporters cheering you on week in, week out.

"Especially in the last few years, the club has had some really good success in Europe and in the Premier League as well. I think the club has gone from strength to strength and I think I'm joining at a very, very good time as it's a positive time for the club.”

Foderingham, who joined the Blades from Rangers in 2020, will be competing for a place with Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski. He has signed a two-year contract.

Foderingham lost his place as he struggled in a Blades team which would ultimately set a new Premier League record for the most goals conceded in a season – 104.

Ivo Grbic was signed permanently in January to replace him, a transfer that without spelling it out in so many words, manager Chris Wilder admitted was a mistake. Foderingham regained his spot for the season's run-in, but it did not persuade him to sign a new deal.

The Blades, who also released Jordan Assimah, have yet to sign a new goalkeeper, or indeed anyone, for the new season, which for them starts on August 9 with a Friday-night trip to Preston North End.